Butter Tart Squares

Introduction

Butter Tart Squares deliver the iconic, gooey flavor of classic Canadian butter tarts—without the fuss of individual pastries. With a rich, caramelized filling layered over a buttery shortbread base, these squares offer ultimate simplicity and unbeatable decadence in every bite.

Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or an indulgent afternoon snack, this recipe is a reliable crowd-pleaser that disappears faster than you can say “seconds, please.”

Deliciously Unique Butter Tart Squares

This recipe stands out with its attention to the gooey, butterscotch filling, harmoniously paired with a crisp, melt-in-your-mouth crust. The layered approach ensures you get the perfect ratio of crust to filling with every square—no sticky overflows or cracked tart shells. Optional additions of plump raisins or crunchy walnuts make each batch uniquely yours.

Preparing an Effortless Shortbread Base

Creating a flawless base is key for structure and flavor. Simply blend flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly—precision is easiest with an Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display, Black and Stainless Steel to ensure your shortbread ratios are spot on. Lightly pack the mixture into your baking pan to set a sturdy but delicate foundation for the gooey top layer.

Lining your pan with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll ensures no sticking and makes clean-up effortless when it’s time to slice your squares.

Mixing That Classic Gooey Butter Tart Filling

The soul of butter tart squares lies in the filling: brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla create a rich, buttery flavor, heightened by a splash of vinegar that balances sweetness. For an extra-smooth filling, briefly whisk the mixture with a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black on a low setting—no lumps ever! Stir in raisins or nuts if you like tradition with a twist.

Pour the filling evenly over the pre-baked crust for a seamless result.

Baking and Serving Butter Tart Squares

Bake until the filling is just set but still trembles slightly when you jiggle the pan—overbaking leads to a dry bar, so monitor closely. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then use the parchment sling to lift them out for neat, easy slicing.

Store leftovers in airtight Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to maintain their beautiful texture, keeping the crust crisp and the center chewy.

Butter Tart Squares: A Nostalgic Favorite, Simplified

Butter Tart Squares offer the luxurious taste of the legendary dessert in a form that’s easy to bake and serve. These sweet, sticky treats are batch-friendly, portable, and guaranteed to draw rave reviews wherever you share them.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Prepare the base: In a bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. For accuracy, weigh your flour and butter on an Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale.
3. Press the crumbly mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside while preparing the filling.
4. Make the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth. For a perfectly even blend, pulse briefly in a Ninja BL610 Professional Blender if desired.
5. Stir in melted butter, vanilla extract, and vinegar until fully incorporated. Fold in raisins or walnuts, if using.
6. Pour the filling evenly over the pre-baked crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 22–26 minutes, or until just set in the center. The squares should still have a slight wobble.
8. Cool completely in the pan on a rack. Use the parchment overhang to lift out and transfer to a board. Slice into squares—cleanup is a breeze when you wipe down with Homaxy 100% Cotton Waffle Weave Kitchen Dish Cloths.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 16 squares. Each serving contains approximately 175 calories (varies with add-ins). Butter Tart Squares are a wonderfully indulgent treat—enjoy in moderation for maximum delight!

Butter Tart Squares (Recap)

With a buttery base and luscious caramel filling, Butter Tart Squares are a streamlined version of a favorite classic—easy to transport, serve, and enjoy. Their irresistible, gooey texture is guaranteed to bring people back for more.