Indulge in Sweet Maple Bliss with Canadian Butter Tarts!
Get ready to experience a taste of Canadian culinary delight with these heavenly Canadian Butter Tarts! Picture a flaky, buttery crust filled with a gooey, maple-infused filling that’s simply irresistible. These tarts are a celebration of sweet indulgence, perfect for any occasion from holiday gatherings to cozy nights in by the fire. With each bite, you’ll be transported to the charming kitchens of Canada, where these delectable treats have been cherished for generations.
In our family, Canadian Butter Tarts hold a special place in our hearts and stomachs alike. I remember the first time I made them for a holiday gathering—the anticipation in the air as they baked, filling the house with the warm, comforting aroma of butter and maple syrup. As we sat down to enjoy them, the room fell silent except for the sound of forks scraping against plates and murmurs of delight. Since then, Canadian Butter Tarts have become a beloved tradition, a sweet reminder of the simple joys of home and family. Whether shared with loved ones or savored alone, these tarts never fail to bring a smile to our faces and warmth to our hearts.
Why This Recipe Deserves the Hype:
Discover why Canadian Butter Tarts are a must-try dessert:
- Flaky, Buttery Crust: Made with a simple yet decadent pastry crust, these tarts are a celebration of buttery goodness that melts in your mouth with every bite.
- Maple-Infused Filling: The rich and indulgent filling, sweetened with pure maple syrup, adds a distinctively Canadian twist to this classic treat, elevating it to new levels of flavor.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and minimal ingredients, this recipe is accessible to both novice and experienced bakers alike, ensuring delicious results every time.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether served as a sweet ending to a holiday feast or enjoyed as a midday treat with a cup of coffee, Canadian Butter Tarts are sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
Crust:
- 300 grams (2-1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 15 grams (1 tablespoon) granulated sugar
- 5 grams (1 teaspoon) fine sea salt
- 225 grams (1 cup) unsalted butter, cold
- 180 milliliters (3/4 cup) cold water
Filling:
- 57 grams (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 100 grams (1/2 cup) brown sugar
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 240 milliliters (1 cup) maple syrup
- 1 gram (1/4 teaspoon) fine sea salt
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
Instructions:
Crust:
- In a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter, cut into chunks, and pulse 5 to 8 times until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the cold water and pulse until the dough starts to come together.
- Turn the dough out onto plastic wrap, divide it into two portions, and shape each into a disc. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter or lid to cut out 15 circles.
- Press each circle into the bottom of a greased muffin pan cup. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Refrigerate the muffin pan while preparing the filling.
Filling:
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the maple syrup, salt, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crusts, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Allow the tarts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes:
- For added texture and flavor, consider stirring in chopped nuts or raisins to the filling mixture.
- These tarts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Warm briefly in the oven before serving for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.