1. Can I make Classic Butter Tarts without corn syrup?

Yes, you can substitute corn syrup with maple syrup or golden syrup for a more natural or uniquely Canadian flavor. Keep in mind, maple syrup may result in a slightly runnier filling and a deeper caramel taste.

2. Why did my butter tart filling overflow during baking?

Overflow usually happens when the tart shells are filled too high. Always fill the shells only ¾ of the way full, as the filling expands while baking and then settles as it cools. Overfilling can also cause burning and make the tarts hard to remove from the tin.

3. How do I prevent the filling from being too runny or too firm?

The texture of the filling depends on your egg ratio and bake time. For a firmer tart, add an extra egg or bake a minute longer. For a runnier center, stick with one egg and avoid overbaking. Cooling fully before removing from the tins also helps the filling set properly.

Classic Butter Tarts – Easy Recipe & Pro Tips

Name: Classic Butter Tarts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 12 Pre-Made Tart Shells; 1/3 cup Unsalted Butter, melted; 1 cup Brown Sugar; 1/3 cup Golden Corn Syrup; 1 large Egg, room temperature, whisked; 1/4 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract; 1 tsp Lemon Juice; 1/4 cup Chopped Pecans (optional); 1/4 cup Raisins or Dried Fruit (optional); 1/4 cup Chocolate Chips (optional)

Description

Classic Butter Tarts are a traditional Canadian dessert featuring a flaky pastry shell filled with a rich, gooey, buttery filling. This easy-to-make treat is sweet, nostalgic, and perfect for holidays or everyday indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

12 Pre-Made Tart Shells
1/3 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
1 cup Brown Sugar
1/3 cup Golden Corn Syrup
1 large Egg, room temperature, whisked
1/4 tsp Salt
1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
1 tsp Lemon Juice
1/4 cup Chopped Pecans (optional)
1/4 cup Raisins or Dried Fruit (optional)
1/4 cup Chocolate Chips (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the tart shells on a baking sheet.
Melt the butter and let it cool slightly.
In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, golden corn syrup, whisked egg, salt, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until well combined.
Stir in any optional ingredients like pecans, raisins, or chocolate chips.
Pour the filling into each tart shell, filling only 3/4 of the way full to avoid overflow during baking.
Bake for 16–17 minutes, or until the tart shells are golden and the filling is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
Let the tarts cool completely in the pan to allow the filling to set before serving.

Notes

Do not overfill the tart shells as the filling expands while baking.
Add an extra egg for a firmer filling texture.
Soak raisins in hot water for 5 minutes to plump them before adding.
Use lemon juice to cut sweetness without making the tarts taste sour.
Cool completely before removing from the baking tin to prevent breakage.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Canadian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tart
Calories: 140 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 95 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 17 mg