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Sandra's Classic Butter Tarts

65 min 12 tarts Medium
Butter tarts are a quintessential Canadian dessert, known for their sweet, gooey filling encased in a flaky pastry shell. Sandra's version of this classic treat brings a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it a beloved choice for family gatherings and holidays. What sets Sandra's butter tarts apart is the richness of the filling, achieved through the use of dark brown sugar and a touch of vanilla. This recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking for that authentic Canadian taste.

Instructions

1

Prepare the pastry

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Pro tip: Ensure your butter is very cold for a flaky crust.

2

Mix and chill the dough

Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Pro tip: Do not overwork the dough to keep it tender.

3

Roll out the dough

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 12 circles and fit into a muffin tin.

Pro tip: Use a glass or cookie cutter for evenly sized circles.

4

Prepare the filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla, and beaten egg until smooth.

Pro tip: For a richer flavour, use dark corn syrup.

5

Fill the tart shells

Place a few raisins in the bottom of each tart shell, if using. Pour the filling over the raisins, filling each shell about 2/3 full.

Pro tip: Avoid overfilling to prevent overflow during baking.

6

Bake the tarts

Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the pastry is golden brown.

Pro tip: Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.

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Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure your dough is cold before rolling out for a flakier crust.
  • Use dark brown sugar for a richer filling flavour.
  • Watch the tarts closely as they bake to avoid over-browning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Sandra's butter tarts unique?

Sandra's butter tarts are known for their perfectly balanced sweet filling and flaky crust, achieved through quality ingredients and precise technique.

Can I make butter tarts ahead of time?

Yes, butter tarts can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days or frozen for up to a month.

How many calories are in a butter tart?

Each of Sandra's butter tarts contains approximately 260 calories.

What is the best way to store butter tarts?

Store butter tarts in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I omit the raisins in butter tarts?

Yes, raisins are optional in butter tarts. You can omit them or replace them with nuts or leave the filling plain.

Serving Suggestions

Sandra's butter tarts are best enjoyed fresh, accompanied by a hot cup of tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. These tarts can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to three days, or frozen for up to a month. Simply thaw at room temperature and enjoy the nostalgic flavours of this Canadian classic.

Nutrition per serving

260

Calories

2g

Protein

12g

Fat

36g

Carbs