REAL CANADIAN FOOD

Butter Tarts: A Sweet Slice of Canadian Heritage

Bake classic Canadian butter tarts with this easy recipe! Flaky pastry, gooey filling, and rich caramel flavor—perfect for any dessert lover.

Jo Schultz

3 min read

Rich Canadian, maple butter tarts in a flaky pastry, served warm on a rustic plate in a cozy kitchen

Butter tarts are as Canadian as maple syrup and hockey. These golden, flaky, sweet little beauties have graced tables across the country for generations, earning their place as a beloved dessert from coast to coast. Whether you like yours plain, with pecans, or (like this recipe) studded with plump raisins, there’s nothing quite like the gooey, buttery magic of a homemade butter tart.

So, tie on your apron, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and let’s bake some sweet Canadian tradition.

A Bite of History

The origins of butter tarts stretch back to 19th-century Ontario, where early settlers, inspired by European pastry traditions, created a simple yet indulgent dessert. With a crisp, flaky pastry and a caramelized, syrupy filling, butter tarts became a staple in Canadian kitchens, passed down through generations.

And, of course, there’s the great butter tart debate: raisins or no raisins? This recipe leans into tradition with a generous handful of raisins, but if you prefer pecans or enjoy them plain, feel free to make them your own.

What Makes the Perfect Butter Tart?

• Flaky, Buttery Crust – The perfect crust should be light, crisp, and just sturdy enough to cradle the filling.

• Caramelized, Gooey Center – That iconic filling should be sweet, rich, and slightly runny (or firm, if that’s your style).

• Customizable Add-Ins – Raisins are classic, but pecans, walnuts, or even a pinch of sea salt can elevate the flavor.

Classic Canadian Butter Tarts

Servings: 12 tarts

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 1 ¼ cups (310 ml) all-purpose flour

• ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt

• ½ cup (125 ml) cold butter, cubed

• 4-5 tbsp (60-75 ml) cold water

For the Filling:

• ½ cup (125 ml) packed brown sugar

• ½ cup (125 ml) corn syrup or maple syrup

• ¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

• ½ cup (125 ml) raisins

Method

1. Make the Pastry

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

• Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together.

• Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup (or maple syrup), melted butter, vanilla, and egg until smooth.

3. Assemble the Tarts

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ⅛-inch thick.

• Use a round cutter to cut out 12 circles and fit them into a muffin tin or tart shells.

• Evenly distribute the raisins into each shell, then pour the filling overtop, filling each about two-thirds full.

4. Bake to Perfection

• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

• Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

Butter tarts are best enjoyed slightly warm, with a fresh cup of tea or coffee. For an extra indulgent treat, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

For those who prefer a firmer filling, bake them a few minutes longer. If you love an ultra-gooey center, take them out right at the 15-minute mark.

Share Your Sweet Story

Do you have a special butter tart memory? A secret ingredient that makes yours the best? Share your story in the comments and tag Great Canadian Cooking when you bake these buttery delights.

Final Thoughts

Butter tarts aren’t just a dessert—they’re a taste of home, nostalgia, and sweet Canadian pride. Whether you’re making these for the first time or carrying on a family tradition, every bite is a celebration of something special.

Let’s get baking.