Easy Butter Tart Squares for Sweet Cravings Recipe

Introduction

Butter tart squares are a delightful twist on the classic Canadian treat, offering all the rich, gooey goodness in an easy-to-cut bar form. Perfect for sweet cravings, these squares combine a flaky buttery crust with a luscious filling that’s sure to satisfy any dessert lover.

Ingredients

• For the crust:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons powdered (icing) sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1–2 tablespoons cold water (only if needed)
• For the filling:
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 3 cups brown sugar, lightly packed
• 4 large eggs
• 1–2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Optional: ¾ cup raisins

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it with non-stick spray. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with visible pea-sized pieces of butter.
3. Step 3: Test the crust mixture by squeezing a handful; if it holds together, it’s ready. If it crumbles, add 1–2 tablespoons of cold water and gently mix again.
4. Step 4: Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside.
5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Whisk in the brown sugar until smooth.
6. Step 6: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in the vinegar and vanilla extract. If you like, fold in the raisins.
7. Step 7: Pour the filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the filling is mostly set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
8. Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours or overnight to fully set before slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty twist, add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling along with or instead of raisins.
• If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the brown sugar to 2½ cups.
• To make the crust easier to press, chill it for 10 minutes before baking.

Storage

Store butter tart squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Reheat slightly at room temperature or enjoy chilled for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is preferred for its rich flavor and texture, but margarine can be substituted in both crust and filling. The results may be slightly less rich but still tasty.

Why is vinegar added to the filling?

The white vinegar balances the sweetness and helps enhance the flavor while giving the filling a slight tang that makes it uniquely delicious.

Easy Butter Tart Squares for Sweet Cravings Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 88 reviews

These Easy Butter Tart Squares combine a buttery, flaky crust with a rich, gooey filling loaded with brown sugar and optional raisins. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings, these bars bake to a golden finish and are best chilled before slicing for clean, delicious squares reminiscent of classic butter tarts.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 24 squares 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Canadian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons powdered (icing) sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1–2 tablespoons cold water (only if needed)

Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 3 cups brown sugar, lightly packed
• 4 large eggs
• 1–2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Optional: ¾ cup raisins

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it with non-stick spray. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your crust and filling are prepared.
2. Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with noticeable pea-sized butter pieces. Test the dough by squeezing a handful; if it holds together, it’s ready. If it crumbles, gently mix in 1–2 tablespoons of cold water. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a firm base.
3. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After baking, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
4. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, melt the ½ cup of butter using the microwave. Whisk in the brown sugar until the mixture is smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Stir in the white vinegar and vanilla extract for flavor depth. If you choose to include raisins, fold them into the filling mixture gently.
5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the prepared filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the filling is mostly set. The center can have a slight jiggle but should not be runny.
6. Cool and Chill: Allow the butter tart squares to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for several hours or overnight to fully set, which helps achieve neat, firm squares when slicing.

Notes

• Use cold butter for the crust to ensure a flaky texture.
• Adding cold water to the crust dough is optional and only if it does not hold together.
• White vinegar enhances the flavor and helps balance the sweetness in the filling.
• Raisins are optional but add a traditional touch to these butter tart squares.
• Chilling the bars overnight makes slicing easier and improves texture.

Keywords: Butter tart squares, Canadian dessert, easy dessert bars, brown sugar bars, raisin tarts, sweet squares