Classic Canadian Butter Tart Easy Dessert Recipe
Introduction
The Classic Canadian Butter Tart is a quintessential Canadian treat, cherished for its rich, buttery filling and flaky pastry shell. Its origins trace back to the early days of Canadian settlement, and it has since become a staple in homes and bakeries across the country. This easy dessert recipe is frequently prepared for holidays, bake sales, and simply as a comforting indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup cold vegetable shortening, cubed
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional: currants or chopped walnuts can be substituted)
Substitutions: Margarine can be used in place of butter, though butter provides a richer flavor. Dark corn syrup can be used if light corn syrup is unavailable.
Preparation Steps
Pastry: Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter and shortening using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, corn syrup, egg, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Stir in raisins (or preferred alternative). Tip: Chilling the pastry dough is crucial to prevent the butter from melting and creating a tough crust. Handle the dough as little as possible to maintain its flakiness.
Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400F (200C). 2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. 3. Use a round cookie cutter (approximately 4-inch diameter) to cut out circles of dough. 4. Gently press the dough circles into muffin tins. 5. Fill each pastry-lined muffin cup with the butter tart filling, about 2/3 full. 6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and set around the edges, but still slightly soft in the center. Baking time may vary depending on oven. 7. Let the tarts cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Tip: Rotate the muffin tin halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Canadian Butter Tarts are best served slightly warm or at room temperature. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a delightful accompaniment. They pair well with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, dust the tarts with powdered sugar before serving. Consider serving them as part of a dessert platter alongside other Canadian treats like Nanaimo bars.
Tips and Common Mistakes
Tip: Use cold ingredients for the pastry to ensure a flaky crust. Tip: Avoid overmixing the pastry dough, as this can lead to a tough crust. Tip: Do not overfill the tarts, as the filling will bubble over during baking. Common Mistake: Overbaking the tarts can result in a dry filling. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven when the filling is mostly set but still slightly jiggly in the center. * Common Mistake: Using warm butter in the pastry will melt and ruin the texture.
Explore More Cooking Guides
The Classic Canadian Butter Tart, an easy dessert recipe, offers a taste of Canada’s culinary heritage. Its sweet, buttery flavor and satisfying texture make it a universally appealing treat. This recipe can be easily adapted to suit individual preferences, with variations in fillings and pastry. Discover the joy of baking this iconic dessert at home and share it with friends and family. For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, explore more cooking guides at foodrecipestory.com.
