Butter tarts: A taste of canada

Dive into the delicious world of butter tarts! These classic Canadian treats are easy to make, wonderfully tasty, and boast a delightful caramel-like flavour. Explore the possibilities for add-ins and find your perfect butter tart recipe. Get ready to bring a taste of Canada to your kitchen, proving you don't need acres of land to enjoy the best of homestead baking!

Easy and tasty delight

What makes these butter tarts special? Their simplicity and delicious flavour! While I'm still on the hunt for my absolute favourite butter tart filling, this recipe comes remarkably close. It's an easy and tasty way to experience a classic Canadian treat, perfect for showcasing the joys of baking, even in a city homestead setting. Proving you don't need acres of land for excellent baking!

Explore more tart recipes

Loved these butter tarts? Then you're in for a treat! I have lots of other tart and pie recipes to try. From fruity fillings to chocolatey indulgences, there's something for everyone. Click the button below to explore more delectable desserts and continue your baking journey. From the city to your homestead kitchen, these recipes bring joy and flavour to your table.

Caramelie goodness

The magic of a great butter tart lies in its caramel-like filling. This recipe captures that essential flavour, offering a taste that's both comforting and satisfying. With endless options for add-ins, raisins, pecans, chocolate chips, you can customize your butter tarts to perfection. Enjoy the delightful combination of a flaky crust and gooey filling, a true testament to the pleasures of city homesteading.

Cozy Butter Tart Filling Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm, gooey butter tart—especially one that fills the kitchen with the kind of sweet, nostalgic aroma that feels like home. This recipe is wonderfully flexible, letting you tailor each tart to your own tastes (or whatever delicious add-ins you have on hand). Whether you love classic raisins, rich chocolate, crunchy nuts, or even a playful hint of bacon, this cozy little treat is endlessly customizable.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • ¼ cup light or dark corn syrup

  • ⅓ cup light or dark brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons bourbon

    • (I usually use 1 tablespoon Matteo’s Maple Bourbon Sugar-Free Coffee Syrup—it adds the loveliest warm maple note. I often find it at Winners, but it's also available on Amazon.)

    • You can also substitute the bourbon with water.

  • 1 pinch of salt

  • 1 large egg

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup optional add-ins: raisins, currants, walnuts, pecans, coconut, chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even crispy bacon bits

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter, corn syrup, brown sugar, bourbon (or water), and salt together.

  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it bubble for one minute.

  3. Remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.

  4. Once cooled, whisk in the egg and vanilla.

  5. If you’re using add-ins, place 2–3 teaspoons into each par-baked tart shell.

  6. Spoon 2–3 teaspoons of the filling over top.

  7. Bake at 350°F for 14–20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through.

  8. The tarts are ready when the filling is bubbly and the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.

  9. Let them cool completely before removing from the pans.

Storage

  • Keep in an airtight container for 2 days at room temperature

  • Refrigerate for up to 1 week

  • Freeze (individually wrapped) for up to 1 month

  • Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best texture