Description
Butter Tart Squares combine a buttery, tender crust with a rich, gooey filling reminiscent of traditional butter tarts. This dessert bar recipe includes a slightly crisp base topped with a sweet, caramel-like filling studded optionally with raisins, currants, or walnuts for added texture and flavor. Perfectly baked and sliced, these squares make a delicious treat for gatherings or a comforting homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Filling Layer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup dark corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 cup raisins, currants, or chopped walnuts (optional; recommended: 1/2 cup currants and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there is an overhang on the sides to easily lift out the bars later.
- Make the Base Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy. Gradually add 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and mix until a thick dough forms.
- Press and Bake the Base: Press the prepared dough evenly into the bottom of the parchment-lined pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden. Remove but keep the oven on.
- Prepare the Filling: While the crust bakes, beat together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons flour until combined. Add 4 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
- Add Remaining Filling Ingredients: Mix in 3/4 cup dark corn syrup and 2 tablespoons white vinegar until evenly incorporated. Fold in optional 1 cup raisins, currants, or chopped walnuts as desired.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the filling mixture evenly over the hot baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer liquid when the pan is gently nudged.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely to ensure the bars set properly. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the whole slab out of the pan onto a cutting board. Slice into squares using a sharp knife, trimming edges if too crispy.
Notes
- For a more traditional flavor, use dark corn syrup, but light corn syrup can be substituted.
- If you prefer nuts, walnuts add a nice texture and balance to the sweetness.
- Cooling completely before slicing ensures cleaner cuts and better texture.
- Store butter tart squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These squares can be frozen well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Keywords: Butter tart squares, dessert bars, Canadian dessert, butter tart recipe, sweet squares, easy baking recipe
