Description
These rich and gooey Butter Tart Squares are a nostalgic twist on the classic Canadian butter tart, layered with a buttery shortbread base and a chewy caramelized topping. A perfect dessert bar for holidays or cozy coffee breaks. Keywords: butter tart squares, dessert bars, holiday baking, shortbread crust, gooey filling.
Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
2 cups brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup raisins or chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in 2 cups flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt until crumbly dough forms.
4. Press mixture into prepared pan evenly. Bake for 15 minutes or until edges are golden.
5. While crust is baking, whisk together 3 eggs and 2 cups brown sugar until frothy.
6. Stir in 2 tablespoons flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder.
7. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 cup melted butter, mix well.
8. Fold in 1 cup raisins or chopped nuts if using.
9. Pour filling over the hot crust and spread evenly.
10. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until top is golden and filling is set.
11. Cool completely in pan before slicing into squares.
Notes
These are even better the next day as flavors develop.
You can swap raisins with chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips.
Use parchment paper to make removal and slicing easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg