Butter Tart Squares

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Introduction

If you love gooey, buttery desserts that balance sweet richness with a tender crust, these Butter Tart Squares will feel like home on your dessert table. Inspired by the famous Canadian butter tarts, these squares are a simplified, no-fuss way to enjoy that same delicious flavor without the hassle of making individual pastry shells.

With a buttery shortbread base and a sweet, caramelized filling studded with raisins or nuts (or both), these squares are perfect for family gatherings, holiday trays, or just as a cozy weekend treat with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They deliver the nostalgic, comforting taste of grandma’s baking, with the ease of a one-pan dessert.

Pro Tip

For that signature gooey center, don’t overbake the squares—pull them from the oven when the edges are set but the middle still has a slight jiggle. It will firm up as it cools.

Serving Suggestions

Afternoon Coffee or Tea: Perfect alongside a warm drink for an indulgent break.
Holiday Dessert Table: Cut into small squares for an elegant addition to festive dessert platters.
With Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm squares with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Variations

Nut-Free Version: Simply omit the nuts for a smoother texture, especially for those with allergies.
Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the filling before baking for a chocolatey twist.
Bourbon or Rum Flavor: Add a tablespoon of bourbon or dark rum to the filling for a subtle boozy note.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for the crust.

Equipment Needed

9×9-inch Baking Pan: Provides the perfect thickness for each square.
Mixing Bowls: Needed for preparing both the crust and filling separately.
Electric Mixer (optional): Makes creaming the butter and sugar easier and fluffier.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Ensures your ingredients are balanced just right.
Offset Spatula or Spoon: Helps spread the crust evenly in the baking pan.

Tips for Success

Line Your Pan: Use parchment paper with overhang for easy lifting and cutting after baking.
Soak Raisins (Optional): Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding for extra plumpness.
Cool Before Cutting: Let the bars cool fully before slicing to get neat, clean edges.
Don’t Skimp on Butter: The buttery flavor is key to that shortbread base, so use real butter.
Taste Test Filling: Before pouring over the crust, give the filling mixture a small taste to adjust sweetness if needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Butter Tart Squares are like a hug from your favorite relative—familiar, rich, and sweet in all the right ways. They’re easier to make than traditional butter tarts but with the same irresistible flavor. Plus, they’re great for feeding a crowd or bringing to events. With their gooey filling and tender crust, they’ll quickly become a recipe you make on repeat.

Recipe Card

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Filling:

1½ cups brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup raisins (optional)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
Make the crust: In a bowl, combine flour and sugar. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake the crust for 12–15 minutes, until lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the filling: In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in raisins and/or nuts if using.
Pour the filling evenly over the slightly cooled crust.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the filling is golden and set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
Allow to cool completely in the pan. Lift out using the parchment overhang, and cut into squares.
Enjoy as-is or with your favorite topping.