Butter Tart Squares

Name: Butter Tart Squares
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 16 squares
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup corn syrup; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in these buttery, gooey squares that are a twist on the classic butter tart. Perfect for any occasion!

Created by

Olivia Martin

Last updated on 2025-12-19T16:01:03.841Z

Butter Tart Squares are a delightful dessert that encapsulates the rich, sweet flavor of traditional butter tarts in an easy, bar-style format. These squares offer a perfect combination of a buttery crust and a gooey, caramel-like filling that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich buttery flavor with a hint of vanilla
Gooey filling that perfectly complements the crust
Easy to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings

      

A Classic with a Twist

Butter tart squares are a delightful variation of the traditional butter tart, a beloved Canadian dessert. This recipe combines the rich, gooey filling of classic butter tarts with a convenient square format, making it easier to serve and share. With their buttery crust and sweet filling, these squares bring the comforting flavors of home-baked treats to your table.

What sets these butter tart squares apart is their simplicity. Unlike individual tarts that require more effort to prepare, this recipe allows you to whip up a tray of delicious squares in no time. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, these treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday gathering, or simply craving a sweet snack, butter tart squares fit the bill. Their rich flavor and gooey texture are sure to impress your family and friends. They can be easily cut into bite-sized pieces, making them a great choice for parties or dessert tables.

Additionally, these squares are versatile. You can customize the filling by adding your favorite nuts or even chocolate chips for an extra indulgence. The options are endless, ensuring that you can adapt this recipe to suit your taste and the occasion.

Storage and Serving Tips

To keep your butter tart squares fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, but you'll likely find that they disappear much faster! If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing the squares. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

When serving, consider pairing these delicious squares with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creaminess complements the rich, gooey filling beautifully, creating a delightful dessert experience.

Ingredients

For the Crust

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup corn syrup
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Combine all ingredients as specified in the steps below.

Instructions

Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, butter, and salt. Mix until crumbly. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 8-inch square baking dish.

Bake the Crust

Bake the crust for 15 minutes in the preheated oven until lightly golden. Remove and let it cool slightly.

Make the Filling

In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in nuts if using.

Combine and Bake

Pour the filling over the baked crust and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly soft in the center.

Cool and Serve

Let the butter tart squares cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares. Enjoy!

Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture.

Baking Tips

When preparing the crust, it's important to mix the ingredients just until crumbly. Over-mixing can lead to a tough crust, which takes away from the desired buttery texture. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, as this helps achieve the right consistency.

For the filling, whisking the ingredients until smooth is key. This ensures an even distribution of sweetness and flavor throughout the filling. If you choose to add nuts, chop them finely, so they blend well into the mixture, offering a delightful crunch with each bite.

Healthier Variations

If you're looking to lighten up the recipe, consider substituting some of the sugar with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. These alternatives can add a unique flavor to the squares while reducing refined sugar content.

You can also experiment with whole wheat flour for the crust to boost the nutritional value. Just keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly, giving it a heartier feel. Balancing indulgence with nutrition can help satisfy your sweet cravings without compromising your health goals.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, you can substitute with any nuts you prefer or leave them out altogether.

→ How do I store leftover squares?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze butter tart squares?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with butter tart squares?

These squares are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.