Description
Butter Tarts are a classic Canadian dessert featuring a sweet pastry shell filled with a rich, gooey filling. This recipe provides a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making them a favorite treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced
- 3 tablespoons chilled water
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Start by mixing the flour and sea salt in a large bowl. Incorporate the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles tiny pebbles.
- Slowly drizzle in the chilled water, mixing gently until the dough begins to form. Shape it into a flat disk, wrap it in plastic, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least half an hour.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to create circles that will fit into a muffin tin, pressing them gently into each cup to form a shell.
- In a separate bowl, combine the dark brown sugar, corn syrup, beaten egg, vanilla extract, and nutmeg, whisking until everything is well blended.
- If desired, place a few chopped walnuts or dried cranberries at the bottom of each pastry shell. Carefully pour the sweet filling into each shell, filling them about three-quarters full.
- Bake the tarts for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is firm and the tops have a lovely golden hue.
- Let the tarts cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For an extra depth of flavor, try swapping out half of the corn syrup for honey.
- Get creative with fillings by adding mini chocolate chips or shredded coconut for a delightful twist on the traditional sweet pastry.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg