Butter Tart Squares

I felt it was my patriotic duty to share the recipe for these Butter Tart Squares in time for Canada Day. 

I made these for the first time at Christmas, and had intentions to share the recipe then – but with a baby in the mix it just wasn’t meant to be. Even now, I had to laugh at the irony of it all as I had set out to blog while she napped, but after finishing up other things I sat down and only a few minutes into typing the blog title she woke up. I knew it was bound to happen as nap time was coming to an end. 

I set aside time to bake these one day, and photograph them the next during nap time. Today was the blogging portion. Keeping up with a website after having a baby takes much more planning than previously. As you may have noticed (or maybe not) this poor little baking blog has been put on the back burner (pun intended). Once we did sleep training (a heaven-sent), I thought I’d have more time for it – but of course all the other to-do’s (i.e. showering) were higher up on the list while she sleeps.

She’s officially 10 months old *gasp* and takes all my attention, time and love. We’ve had a lot of adventures so far, including a trip to Hawaii and a cruise to Alaska. She’s also eating solid food, so I’m having fun introducing new foods to her and cooking for her. Unfortunately we had to do some allergy testing for nuts & egg, after she had a reaction to them. Hopefully we are in the clear, still waiting back for results. I was a little terrified after she reacted, thinking how on earth can I live without Peanut Butter?! And how can I not bake and cook for her with eggs. But i’m still optimistic that she isn’t actually allergic and it was a slight reaction and will be able to re-introduce it to her soon. She must know the joys of peanut butter (although, her father actually doesn’t really like peanut butter) hopefully she takes after my affinity for it. 

I know one day she will love these Butter Tart Squares. They will be a Christmas baking tradition in our house. I guess you could say it’s almost like Christmas in July. 

These are just as delicious as the tarts, but with much less work – and more reward. They’re perfect for a crowd – like a Canada Day picnic with friends and family. I’d suggest making them the day before, so they can cool and chill properly before cutting. 

If you’ve never experienced this Canadian treat, I highly suggest making it. Another Canadian favourite, is the Nanaimo Bar – if you’re feeling extra patriotic! I highly suggest making them as well, if you’ve never had one!

Hope you all have a wonderful long weekend! 

Butter Tart Squares

2018-06-29 17:19:46

A Canadian treat - in an easier form!

Write a review

Save Recipe

Print

Crust

1. 1 cup butter, chilled and cubed
2. 4 tbsp icing sugar
3. 2 cups all purpose flour

Filling

1. 1/2 cup butter
2. 2 + 3/4 cups brown sugar, lightly packed
3. 3 large eggs
4. optional: 3/4 cup golden raisins

Instructions

1. Line a 9x13" pan with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In large bowl, cut butter into icing sugar and flour with a pastry cutter, until you have pea-sized lumps of dough. When you grab a handful and squeeze, you want it to hold together. If it falls apart right away, you might want a little ice-cold water. If it's too sticky, a little more flour.
3. Dump flour mixture into pan and press down evenly to form a crust. Bake for 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, prepare your filling.
5. Melt butter in a microwave safe dish. Transfer to a bowl, and using electric mixer or whisk, add in brown sugar, and eggs. Whip until foamy. Stir in raisins, if using.
6. Pour over crust and bake for 25 minutes until filling is set or almost set -- you don't want it too jiggly. Bake a few minutes longer if it is not yet set.
7. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour or two before slicing.

Notes

1. I like to make these a day ahead, allowing them to chill before cutting and serving.

b a k e a h o l i c https://www.bakeaholic.ca/