🇨🇦 How To Make A Canadian Butter Tart 🇨🇦
🇨🇦 How To Make A Canadian Butter Tart 🇨🇦 is a easy Canadian recipe that serves 12. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Glen And Friends Cooking on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $12.54 total, $1.05 per serving
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1 Egg (large, room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Milk (whole or 2% milk)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla extract)
- 12 Pre‑made Tart Shells (store‑bought or homemade 3‑2‑1 crust, chilled)
- 1/4 cup Raisins (optional, plumped in warm water and drained)
Instructions
Prepare Filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the softened butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and the egg until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Time: PT5M
Add Raisins (Optional)
If using raisins, fold them into the filling now, distributing evenly.
Time: PT2M
Fill Tart Shells
Place each chilled tart shell on the pan and spoon the filling into each, filling about 3/4 full.
Time: PT5M
Initial High‑Heat Bake
Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Bake the tarts for 8 minutes at this temperature.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 450°F
Reduce Heat and Continue Baking
Without opening the oven, reduce the temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue baking for an additional 12 minutes, or until the filling is set and the tops are golden‑brown.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool and Serve
Remove the pan from the oven and let the tarts cool on a cooling rack for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Time: PT15M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 1g
- Carbohydrates
- 20g
- Fat
- 8g
- Fiber
- 0.5g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine (use unsalted)
- Instead of Brown Sugar: Dark granulated sugar
- Instead of Egg: Egg substitute (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water)
- Instead of Milk: Half‑and‑half, Non‑dairy milk (almond, soy)
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Maple extract, Vanilla bean (1/2 bean, scraped)
- Instead of Pre‑made Tart Shells: Homemade shortcrust pastry
- Instead of Raisins: Currants, Dried cranberries
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- 12‑Cup Tart Pan or Muffin Tin
- Oven
- Cooling Rack (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whisk the butter, sugar, milk, vanilla and egg until smooth
- Fill the tart shells no more than 3/4 full
- Bake at 450°F for 8 minutes then reduce to 350°F and finish baking
Chef Tips from the Video
- For an extra caramel depth, substitute half of the brown sugar with dark muscovado sugar.
- Brush the tops of the tarts with a tiny bit of melted butter before baking for a glossy finish.
Troubleshooting
Filling is runny after baking
Make sure the oven temperature is accurate; use an oven thermometer and bake the full 20 minutes.
Crust is soggy
Chill the tart shells well before filling and bake the initial high‑heat stage to set the crust quickly.
Raisins sink to the bottom
Toss raisins in a little flour before folding them into the filling to keep them suspended.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped for up to 2 months; reheat in oven before serving.
Room temperature: Best consumed the same day; can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the tarts a day ahead and store in the refrigerator; reheat briefly in a 300°F oven before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of butter tarts in Canadian cuisine?
Butter tarts are a beloved Canadian dessert that originated in the early 20th century, inspired by British custard tarts and adapted with local ingredients like butter and brown sugar. They are considered a national comfort food and are especially popular in Ontario and the Prairie provinces.
What are the traditional regional variations of butter tarts across Canada?
In some regions, butter tarts are made with a runny, caramel‑like filling, while others prefer a firmer, more custard‑like center. Raisins or walnuts are added in many families, especially in the Maritimes, whereas purists in Ontario often serve them plain.
How are butter tarts traditionally served in Canadian households?
Butter tarts are typically served at room temperature on a platter, often alongside coffee or tea. They are a staple at holiday gatherings, bake sales, and family picnics, and many Canadians enjoy them as an after‑dinner treat.
During which occasions are butter tarts commonly enjoyed in Canada?
Butter tarts are popular at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Canada Day picnics, and local fairs. They are also a common feature of school fundraisers and community bake sales across the country.
What makes butter tarts special or unique in Canadian pastry tradition?
The combination of a flaky crust with a rich, buttery caramel filling sets butter tarts apart from other North American pastries. Their simplicity, yet ability to be customized with raisins, nuts, or chocolate, reflects the Canadian spirit of regional adaptation.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making butter tarts?
Common errors include over‑filling the shells, which causes overflow, and baking at an incorrect temperature, which can lead to a soggy filling. Also, using cold butter can prevent the filling from becoming smooth.
Why does this butter tart recipe use an initial 450°F blast before lowering the temperature?
The high‑heat start quickly sets the crust and creates a slight puff, while the subsequent lower temperature finishes cooking the filling evenly without burning the tops.
How do I know when butter tarts are done baking?
The edges should be firm and lightly browned, and the center will still have a slight jiggle but will set as it cools. A visual cue is a glossy, caramel‑colored top.
Can I make butter tarts ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, bake them a day ahead, let them cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for a few minutes before serving to restore the flaky crust.
What does the YouTube channel Glen And Friends Cooking specialize in?
The YouTube channel Glen And Friends Cooking focuses on approachable home‑cooking tutorials, often featuring classic comfort foods and family‑friendly recipes with clear step‑by‑step guidance.
How does the YouTube channel Glen And Friends Cooking's approach to Canadian cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Glen And Friends Cooking emphasizes practical tips for everyday cooks, highlighting regional Canadian dishes like butter tarts, and often shares personal anecdotes and variations that reflect home‑style cooking rather than restaurant‑level techniques.
Last updated: August 22, 2026
