Butter Tart Squares are the ultimate treat that will make your taste buds dance like nobody’s watching. Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery crust, followed by a gooey, sweet filling that feels like a warm hug from an old friend. Starbucks lemon loaf The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking, “What’s baking?!” as they fight the urge to sneak a bite before it’s even out of the oven.
Thinking back to family gatherings, these delightful squares always made an appearance on the dessert table, sparking joy and nostalgic memories. Whether it’s a cozy Sunday afternoon or a festive holiday gathering, Butter Tart Squares can turn any occasion into a celebration. black forest cheesecake Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will have you going back for seconds (or thirds) — trust me, you won’t want to miss this!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The easy preparation means anyone can whip these up without breaking a sweat.
- The flavor profile is rich and sweet with just the right amount of gooey goodness.
- These squares boast a stunning golden-brown color that looks beautiful on any dessert platter.
- Perfect for any occasion, they can be enjoyed at parties or as a simple weeknight treat.
Ingredients for Butter Tart Squares
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This serves as the base for your crust, giving it that perfect crumbly texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for the crust to ensure a flaky texture that melts in your mouth.
- Brown Sugar: This ingredient adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the filling—think caramel goodness.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that enhances the flavor profile and gives it that classic touch.
- Eggs: Essential for binding everything together and giving the filling its rich texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla makes everything better, adding warmth to the overall flavor.
- Chopped Nuts (Optional): Add some crunch if you’re feeling adventurous; pecans or walnuts work beautifully!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Butter Tart Squares
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and cold unsalted butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix until crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Whisk Together Filling Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. If you’re adding nuts, fold them in gently at this stage.
Step 4: Pour Filling Over Crust
Carefully pour the filling over your pre-baked crust. Give it a little wiggle so that it spreads evenly. You want every corner filled with that ooey-gooey goodness!
Step 5: Bake Until Set
Place in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until slightly puffed and golden brown around the edges. You might want to keep an eye on it—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Allow the squares to cool completely in the pan before cutting into them. Patience is key here; I know it’s hard when they look so tempting! Transfer them to a serving plate once cooled.
Now you have buttery tart squares that are sure to impress! Serve them warm or at room temperature — either way, they’re fabulous. Enjoy each bite while reminiscing about family get-togethers or planning new ones — because who doesn’t love dessert?
You Must Know
- These delightful Butter Tart Squares offer the perfect blend of sweet and buttery goodness.
- They are simply irresistible, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
- You can easily whip them up for a last-minute dessert or enjoy them as an everyday treat.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your crust, ensuring it’s chilled for easy handling. While it bakes, mix the filling ingredients until smooth and creamy. Once the crust is ready, pour in the filling and bake again until set.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular sugar for brown sugar to deepen the flavor. Add chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch or toss in dried fruit for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Butter Tart Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to reheat them, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that gooey goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always let your squares cool completely before cutting to avoid a messy slice.
- Use room temperature eggs for smoother filling consistency.
- Experiment with different nuts to find your favorite flavor combination.
I remember the first time I made Butter Tart Squares for a family gathering; everyone asked for seconds! It’s heartwarming how food can bring people together and create lasting memories.
FAQs:
What are Butter Tart Squares?
Butter Tart Squares are a delicious dessert bar inspired by the classic Canadian butter tart. They feature a rich, sweet filling made from brown sugar, butter, and eggs, all nestled atop a crumbly crust. vanilla cream tarts Unlike traditional tarts, these squares are easier to make and serve, making them perfect for gatherings. You can enjoy them on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
How can I make Butter Tart Squares gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Butter Tart Squares, simply substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper binding. Additionally, double-check that the other ingredients, like baking powder and vanilla extract, are gluten-free. guilt-free brownie bites This way, everyone can indulge in this tasty treat without worry!
Can I add nuts to my Butter Tart Squares?
Yes! Adding nuts like pecans or walnuts can enhance the flavor and texture of your Butter Tart Squares. Simply chop the nuts coarsely and fold them into the filling before pouring it over the crust. This addition gives a delightful crunch that pairs well with the sweet filling.
How should I store Butter Tart Squares?
You can store your Butter Tart Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Conclusion for Butter Tart Squares:
Butter Tart Squares provide a delightful twist on the classic dessert while being easy to prepare and serve. With simple ingredients and customizable options like adding nuts or making them gluten-free, they cater to various preferences. These sweet bars are perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to casual get-togethers—ensuring everyone leaves satisfied. Enjoy creating this scrumptious treat that is sure to become a favorite! For more inspiration, check out this Explore more dessert recipes recipe.

Butter Tart Squares
Butter Tart Squares are a delectable twist on the classic Canadian dessert, featuring a buttery crust topped with a rich, gooey filling. These sweet squares strike the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, making them an ideal treat for any occasion—be it cozy family gatherings or festive celebrations. Easy to prepare and impossible to resist, they offer a delightful experience with every bite.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 16 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as pecans or walnuts)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and cold butter until crumbly. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form the crust.
- In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. If using nuts, fold them in now.
- Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until slightly puffed and golden around the edges.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (45g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: - For added flavor depth, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. - Consider adding dried fruit for a unique twist on this classic recipe. - Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for a smoother filling consistency.