Butter Tart Squares

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in the rich and sweet flavors of classic butter tart squares, a perfect treat for any occasion.

Avery Hayes

Created by

Avery Hayes

Last updated on 2025-12-09T22:12:42.986Z

Butter tart squares are a delightful twist on the classic Canadian dessert. With a buttery, flaky crust and a gooey filling, these squares are perfect for sharing or indulging on your own!

Why You'll Love These Butter Tart Squares

  • Irresistibly sweet and buttery flavor
  • Chewy texture with a hint of crunch
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for gatherings

A Sweet Tradition

Butter tart squares are a beloved treat that pays homage to the classic Canadian butter tart. These squares capture the essence of the traditional dessert while offering a convenient, easy-to-serve format. Whether you're hosting a family gathering, attending a potluck, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these squares are sure to please.

The rich and gooey filling combined with a buttery crust creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Each bite offers a sweet burst of caramel-like goodness, making it hard to resist going back for more. This recipe is perfect for those who love the classic butter tart but want a simpler way to enjoy it.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These butter tart squares are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They make a fantastic addition to dessert tables, holiday celebrations, or even as a sweet snack with your afternoon tea or coffee. Their portable nature means you can easily pack them for picnics or road trips, making them a go-to dessert for any outing.

Additionally, you can customize these squares to suit your tastes. Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts, or add chocolate chips for a decadent twist. No matter how you choose to make them, they are bound to be a hit among friends and family.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once baked and cooled, butter tart squares can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to a week. For even longer storage, these squares can be frozen for up to three months—just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

When serving, consider dusting the squares with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience. These combinations elevate the dish and make it an even more delightful treat.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Combine all ingredients thoroughly for the best results!

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, butter, and salt until crumbly. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 8x8 inch baking dish.

Make the Filling

In another bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the nuts if using.

Bake

Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly browned. Let cool before cutting into squares.

Enjoy your delicious butter tart squares!

Tips for Perfect Butter Tart Squares

To achieve the best texture for your butter tart squares, be sure to press the crust mixture firmly into the baking dish. This helps prevent it from crumbling when cut. Additionally, allow the squares to cool completely before slicing; this ensures cleaner edges and a more polished presentation.

If you prefer a gooier filling, slightly underbake the squares for a few minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they set properly without becoming too firm. Remember, the filling will continue to firm up as it cools.

Variations to Try

While the classic combination of brown sugar and corn syrup is a favorite, feel free to experiment with flavors. Adding a splash of bourbon or rum to the filling can introduce a warm, rich undertone that beautifully complements the sweetness.

You can also swap out the nuts for dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a chewy, fruity twist. Another fun variation is to add a layer of chocolate ganache on top once the squares have cooled, transforming them into a decadent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite nuts or omit them altogether.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these squares?

Yes, they freeze well! Wrap tightly and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

→ What can I serve with butter tart squares?

These squares pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Butter Tart Squares

Delight in the rich and sweet flavors of classic butter tart squares, a perfect treat for any occasion.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Avery Hayes

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 16 squares

What You'll Need

For the Crust

  1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  2. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  4. 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

  1. 1 cup brown sugar
  2. 1/2 cup corn syrup
  3. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  4. 2 large eggs
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  6. 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, butter, and salt until crumbly. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 8x8 inch baking dish.

Step 02

In another bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the nuts if using.

Step 03

Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly browned. Let cool before cutting into squares.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 20g
  • Protein: 3g