Butter Tart Squares

Name: Butter Tart Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: PT-491462H54M14S
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour: provides the structure for the crust; 4 tablespoons powdered icing sugar: adds light sweetness to the crust; 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: creates a tender, flaky base; 1–2 tablespoons cold water (optional): helps bind the crust if needed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter: gives the filling its rich, gooey texture; 3 cups brown sugar, lightly packed: adds deep caramel flavor to the filling; 4 large eggs: bind the filling and create structure; 2 tablespoons white vinegar: balances sweetness and enhances texture; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: adds aroma and warm flavor; 3/4 cup raisins (optional): traditional mix-in for added chewiness

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Craving a rich, buttery dessert that captures the essence of a classic Canadian treat? These Butter Tart Squares are the perfect make-ahead dessert bar that delivers all the gooey, sweet, caramel-like flavor of traditional butter tarts — without the hassle of individual pastry shells. With a tender shortbread crust and a sticky, golden filling, this recipe is easy, crowd-pleasing, and ideal for holidays, bake sales, or cozy weekends. Whether you love yours with or without raisins, this version satisfies every craving.

Why You’ll Love These Butter Tart Squares

Butter Tart Squares are the perfect blend of indulgent, nostalgic, and practical. This dessert is:

Easier than individual tarts: Skip the fuss of rolling dough — a simple shortbread crust holds everything together.
Perfectly gooey: The filling sets just enough to slice but stays sticky and soft in the middle.
Customizable: Prefer nutty, fruity, or plain? You can easily adapt the mix-ins.
Great for freezing: These dessert bars store and freeze beautifully, making them ideal for holiday prep.

With rich brown sugar, buttery layers, and a hint of vanilla, these bars are a must-try for any sweet lover or baking enthusiast.

What You Need to Make Butter Tart Squares

Let’s break down the essential ingredients that give Butter Tart Squares their signature taste and texture.

For the Crust:

All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the shortbread base.
Powdered icing sugar: Adds a delicate sweetness and helps create a tender crust.
Unsalted butter (cold, cubed): Key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Cold water (optional): Helps the dough hold together if needed.

For the Filling:

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and contributes to the gooey consistency.
Brown sugar (lightly packed): The molasses content delivers a deep, caramelized sweetness.
Large eggs: Bind the filling and help it set while staying soft.
White vinegar: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chewy texture.
Vanilla extract: Boosts the warm, buttery aroma.
Raisins (optional): Add chewy contrast and classic butter tart flavor.

Easy Ingredient Swaps and Variations

Don’t have a certain ingredient, or need to tweak for allergies or preferences? Try these substitutions:

Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
No raisins: Substitute with chopped pecans, walnuts, currants, or dark chocolate chips.
Dairy-free: Swap in plant-based butter for both the crust and filling.
Refined sugar-free: Use coconut sugar in place of brown sugar for a deeper, less processed sweetness.
Maple twist: Add 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup to the filling for a classic Canadian flavor.

Each variation still delivers that decadent butter tart experience with your own signature spin.

How to Make Butter Tart Squares Step-by-Step

Preheat and prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with non-stick spray.
Make the crust
In a large bowl, stir together the flour and icing sugar. Cut in cold, cubed butter using your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture has small, pea-sized chunks. If the dough doesn’t hold when pressed, add a tablespoon or two of cold water.
Press and bake the crust
Firmly press the mixture into an even layer in your prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and set aside.
Make the filling
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in vinegar and vanilla extract. Fold in raisins, if using.
Pour and bake again
Pour the filling over the hot crust and return to the oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the filling is set with a slight jiggle in the center.
Cool and chill
Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours before slicing into squares.

This no-fail process makes gooey, buttery squares with a crisp base and soft, rich topping.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Butter Tart Squares

Use cold butter: For the shortbread crust to be flaky and tender, the butter must be cold when mixed.
Don’t overbake: Pull the bars from the oven when the center still has a bit of wobble. Overbaking can lead to a dry, stiff texture.
Chill before slicing: Refrigeration helps set the filling and ensures clean, tidy squares.
Line with parchment: Makes it easy to lift the whole slab out for cutting.

Butter Tart Squares are simple, but a few smart techniques make all the difference in creating bakery-style results at home.

Serving Suggestions and Recipe Variations

There’s more than one way to enjoy Butter Tart Squares. Here are some fun serving ideas and twists:

Make it festive: Add chopped pecans and a splash of bourbon for a holiday-inspired version.
Mini dessert trays: Cut the bars into bite-sized pieces for party platters or dessert buffets.
Serve with a scoop: A warm square with vanilla bean ice cream takes it to restaurant-level indulgence.
Chocolate lovers: Swirl in mini chocolate chips or a chocolate drizzle before chilling.
Add a salty crunch: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top offsets the sweetness beautifully.

Storage and Make-Ahead Notes

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Make ahead: These bars actually taste better the next day, making them a perfect prep-ahead dessert.

Butter Tart Squares: A Canadian Classic Made Easy

Butter Tart Squares capture all the flavor of traditional butter tarts in a simple, bake-and-slice format. With their buttery crust, caramel-like filling, and nostalgic flavor, they’re an irresistible addition to any dessert lineup. Whether you’re making them for family gatherings, potlucks, or just because, this recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite.

Bring a little taste of Canadian comfort into your kitchen with these decadent Butter Tart Squares — easy to make, impossible to forget.

Conclusion

Butter Tart Squares are more than just a dessert — they’re a nostalgic experience with a rich, gooey filling and a buttery crust that’s impossible to resist. This simplified take on a Canadian classic brings all the cozy comfort of traditional butter tarts to your kitchen, without the extra effort of rolling pastry. Perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or a sweet indulgence at home, these bars are easy to make, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you prefer them plain, packed with raisins, or with a modern twist, one thing is certain — Butter Tart Squares will quickly become a staple in your baking rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Tart Squares

1. Can I freeze Butter Tart Squares?

Yes! Butter Tart Squares freeze exceptionally well. Once fully cooled and sliced, wrap each square in parchment or plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

2. Why do my Butter Tart Squares turn out too runny?

A runny filling usually means the bars were underbaked or not chilled long enough. Bake until the center is just set with a slight jiggle — not liquid. Then allow the squares to fully cool and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before slicing. The chilling step helps the filling firm up properly.

3. Can I make Butter Tart Squares without raisins?

Absolutely. While raisins are traditional, many people prefer Butter Tart Squares without them. You can leave them out entirely or substitute with other add-ins like chopped pecans, walnuts, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut for a different flavor profile.

4. What’s the best way to store Butter Tart Squares?

Store Butter Tart Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze as noted above. Always chill before slicing for clean, neat squares — and serve cold or at room temperature depending on your preference.

More Relevant Recipes

No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars: These no-bake bars feature a creamy peanut butter filling topped with a layer of rich chocolate. Perfect for those who love sweet, fudgy squares with a nostalgic twist, much like Butter Tart Squares.
Chex Scotcheroos – Easy No-Bake Bars: These chewy dessert bars combine crispy cereal, peanut butter, and a luscious chocolate butterscotch topping. A great option if you’re craving something gooey and sweet with a bit of crunch.
Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Soft, chewy, and bursting with chocolate and peanut butter candies, these cookie bars are rich and decadent, offering a flavor-packed alternative to Butter Tart Squares.

Butter Tart Squares – Best Ever Homemade Treat

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