• Red Cottage VIP Printable Library
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Red Cottage Chronicles

All Things Home

  • Home
  • About
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
    • Legal Stuff
  • Recipes
    • All Things Sweet
    • Appetizers and Dips
    • Mains and Sides
    • soups & salads
    • vegan/vegetarian
  • Around the Home
    • Housekeeping/Homemaking
    • Home Decor
    • Tablescapes
    • flowers and wreaths
    • gardens
    • Seasonal, Holidays & Special Occasions
  • DIY
    • One Room Challenge
    • Thrift Store Upcycle Projects
    • Seasonal, Holidays & Special Occasions
    • DIY Renovation Projects
  • Lifestyle
    • Explore Niagara
    • Family
    • health and well being

All Things Sweet Recipe

Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition

traditional Canadian butter tarts

There are three things that Canada is known for when it comes to food.  Poutine, Nanimo Bars and the Butter Tart!  

You may have heard these sweet, buttery tarts are a bit more popular in Eastern Canada with butter tart festivals throughout “Cottage Country” in Ontario, trust me, they are known all over the country.  One of the biggest festivals is in Midland, with more than 50,000 butter tarts being sold every year!

Fresh out of the oven, the filling is bubbly and a bit on the runny side.  Once cooled, it sets up to create a deliciously, sweet, gooey filling.

traditional Canadian butter tart

A traditional Canadian butter tart is made with butter, eggs, brown sugar and syrup.  Pecans or raisins are often added to the tart shell before pouring in the filling.  

While the filling has even been adapted by some to include pumpkin, chocolate, apple or even Nutella, that would make it no longer a butter tart in my opinion!  

I prefer to keep it old school and stick with a traditional butter tart recipe.  Although, these maple butter tarts are pretty darn good too.  We prefer a “firmer” filling, while some like their filling a bit runnier.  

Raisins are the most popular add in, but my husband loves pecans added to his tarts.  Most weekends that he is scheduled to work, he likes to bring in some baking for his yard crew and these butter tarts are the most requested treat.  I am okay with that because I can whip up a batch in no time.  Especially using pre-made pastry tarts!

Traditional Canadian Butter tarts

These delicious tarts will satisfy even the sweetest of sweet tooths!  

Try them warm straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.  Bliss!

Until next time….

Red Cottage Chronicles

 

 

 

Butter Tarts
2016-04-23 16:56:16
Serves 18
A rich, sweet, buttery tart that is so well loved in Canada, festivals are held in their owner!
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
40 min
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
40 min
Ingredients
  1. 18 3" frozen tart shells (thawed)
  2. 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  3. 3/4 cup golden corn syrup
  4. 1/2 cup butter, melted
  5. 2 large eggs
  6. 1 teaspoon regular vinegar
  7. 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  8. 3/4 cup pecan halves
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Arrange tart shells on a cookie tray lined with parchment and place a few pecan halves in each.
  3. In a large bowl mix brown sugar, syrup and melted butter with a whisk until well blended.
  4. Add eggs, vinegar and vanilla and whisk until smooth; pour mixture into a large measuring cup with a pour spout.
  5. Pour filling over pecans, filling each tart shell to the top.
  6. Bake for 5 minutes and reduce heat to 375 degrees for 20-22 minutes.
  7. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack.
Notes
  1. You can substitute raisins for the pecans if you wish.
  2. Store in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
By Red Cottage Chronicles
Red Cottage Chronicles https://www.redcottagechronicles.com/

 


55 Comments

Subscribe

Get all the latest news from our little red cottage straight to your inbox!

« Thrift Store Upcycle Challenge
Choosing the Right Market Bag »

Comments

  1. Jan says

    April 24, 2016 at 10:07 am

    Butter tarts! Yummy! They’re probably just as popular in the prairie provinces where good home-style cooking is ‘king’. I actually learned to make butter tarts at school in Manitoba where I grew up. When I moved to Saskatchewan as an adult, they could be found at every church supper or social gathering. Women out there don’t use recipes. Recipes are passed on through genes!

    Not being a great fan of the raisin myself, I prefer mine with pecans or walnuts with token raisins thrown in gor good luck (and tradition). However, as I’ve grown older, I’m more willing to tolerate raisin ones, especially if they’re not the ‘plump’ squishy raisins.

    Unfortunately (for me), my kids and husband have always had little interest in sweets of any kind. My husband came to our marriage that strange way. As for my kids, I guess they take after their father. I’m not sure they’ve got any of my DNA because I’ve got a real sweet-tooth. Most sadly, butter tarts are not popular in this home because of that fact. Could be because the hubs is an American. Never ate them as a child!

    However, I will happily do my part to keep the Canadian Butter Tart tradition available for others to enjoy!

    Reply
    • Maureen says

      April 24, 2016 at 12:45 pm

      I love that “Recipes are passed on through genes”! This is the way good home cooking should be done 🙂

      Reply
  2. Deanna Samaan says

    April 24, 2016 at 11:40 am

    I have heard the term butter tarts but never really knew what they are! Now I know!! These sound so good I want try one now!!

    Reply
    • Maureen says

      April 24, 2016 at 12:43 pm

      They are a bit addicting!!

      Reply
  3. Laura Dembowski says

    April 24, 2016 at 12:45 pm

    I love Canadian butter tarts. Yours are so cute and the perfect snackable size!

    Reply
  4. Michelle says

    April 24, 2016 at 6:08 pm

    Mmmmn! These look delicious! I grew up eating butter tarts too. How I miss them! A butter tart festival?! OMG…how lucky you are. 🙂 Pinning!

    Reply
    • Maureen says

      April 26, 2016 at 11:19 am

      Thanks Michelle!

      Reply
  5. Ellen says

    April 24, 2016 at 8:42 pm

    Boy these look good! Pecans are plentiful here in the south and one of my favorites. This recipe is definitely going into the “to try” file.

    Reply
    • Maureen says

      April 26, 2016 at 11:18 am

      I wish we could grow pecans here. They cost almost $20 a pound!!

      Reply
  6. Beth says

    April 24, 2016 at 9:00 pm

    Ooh, I love butter tarts! And frozen tart shells makes this recipe even easier.

    Reply
  7. Carlee says

    April 25, 2016 at 7:15 am

    I have never heard of butter tarts and now I feel like I have really been missing out! They look delicious!

    Reply
  8. Kristen Chidsey says

    April 25, 2016 at 8:27 am

    These are a must at Christmas for my family. I lived the first 2 years of my life in Ontario and my parents have kept these tarts near and dear to my heart.

    Reply
  9. Betty Ann Quirino says

    April 25, 2016 at 9:41 am

    What amazing butter tarts. I love pastries and these are definitely going on my to-do list.

    Reply
  10. Teri@The Freshman Cook says

    April 25, 2016 at 6:15 pm

    I am looking forward to trying these. They look amazing, and I love that you used the pecans! Such a great regional recipe!

    Reply
    • Maureen says

      April 26, 2016 at 11:17 am

      Thank you Teri!

      Reply
  11. Wendy Hammond says

    April 26, 2016 at 6:35 am

    I can’t believe I’ve never heard of these! I live in West Michigan but the organization I work for has a n office in Ontario. They look great.

    Reply
    • Maureen says

      April 26, 2016 at 11:17 am

      Thanks Wendy! Hope you get to try them soon. So Good 🙂

      Reply
  12. Cindy Kerschner says

    April 27, 2016 at 6:11 am

    These remind me of tossies or mini pecan pies. yum!

    Reply
  13. Monica says

    April 27, 2016 at 8:27 am

    These look amazing! My Mom makes a pie something like this and it’s amazing. I’ll have to try the little tarts – they are so elegant!

    Reply
  14. Eileen says

    April 27, 2016 at 8:48 pm

    Butter, yes, tart, yes, butter-tart, yes yes!

    Reply
  15. Renee says

    April 28, 2016 at 11:43 am

    Oh goodness! It’s like a northern version of a southern pecan pie. I love how they are individual little tarts instead of a big pie slice.

    Reply
  16. sabina Edwards says

    May 2, 2016 at 1:00 pm

    Oh I love my moms butter tarts!! So good that every year she entered them into the towns competition and won first prize ….I believe its her crust…. its a lard,flour one pop bottle of sprite crust and is super flaky and oh SO GOOD!!!

    Reply
  17. Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook says

    May 31, 2016 at 12:58 am

    These sound completely addicting.

    Reply
  18. Mary says

    January 29, 2018 at 12:16 pm

    Maureen can you believe I have never made a tart in my life. Well its time to change all that and start with this yummy butter tart!

    Reply
    • Maureen says

      January 30, 2018 at 11:57 am

      Oh my Mary!! Tarts are so easy, especially when you buy premade tart shells 😉

      Reply
  19. maria brittis says

    January 29, 2018 at 12:17 pm

    Wow this recipe sounds amazing! Love to try it. It reminds so much of pecan pie, but this looks yummier. pinning
    Maria

    Reply
    • Maureen says

      January 30, 2018 at 11:57 am

      Yes, Maria…they are similar to pecan pie!!

      Reply
  20. Patti says

    January 29, 2018 at 2:20 pm

    I never heard of these before, But they look delicious. Pinning for later.

    Reply
    • Maureen says

      January 30, 2018 at 11:56 am

      Thank you Patti!

      Reply
  21. Lynn B Spencer says

    January 31, 2018 at 12:40 pm

    OK…first things first…I’m pretty sure these would ship just fine. BUT, in the off chance that you don’t get a shipment in the mail to me any time soon…I just checked and our local World Market does carry Golden Syrup…not something you typically find on the shelves here in the US. So, worse comes to worse, I can make my own.

    Thanks for sharing my friend. Pinning for future reference.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Pittsburgh Steak Salad #SundaySupper | Seduction in the Kitchen says:
    April 24, 2016 at 8:20 am

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  2. MI Memories: Spanish Bar Cake for #SundaySupper says:
    April 24, 2016 at 8:25 am

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  3. Alabama White Barbecue Sauce #SundaySupper - Cookin' Mimi says:
    April 24, 2016 at 8:26 am

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  4. Old Bay Cauli-Tots for #SundaySupper - Cupcakes & Kale Chips says:
    April 24, 2016 at 8:27 am

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  5. JoJo Potatoes #SundaySupper - A Mind "Full" Mom: Inspiration From My Mind To Yours says:
    April 24, 2016 at 8:29 am

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  6. Mohawk Corn Soup #SundaySupper - kimchi MOM ™ says:
    April 24, 2016 at 8:32 am

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  7. Shoofly Pie (Molasses Pie) #SundaySupper - Cindy's Recipes and Writings says:
    April 24, 2016 at 9:10 am

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  8. Wine Pairing Recommendations For #SundaySupper Regional Specialties - ENOFYLZ Wine Blog says:
    April 24, 2016 at 9:41 am

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  9. Halal Cart-Style Chicken and Rice with White Sauce #SundaySupper | The Texan New Yorker says:
    April 24, 2016 at 8:46 pm

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  10. Boiled Lobster with Drawn Butter #SundaySupper | Taste And See says:
    May 18, 2016 at 10:15 pm

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  11. Healthier Butter Tarts - Multi-Testing Mommy says:
    May 19, 2016 at 10:05 pm

    […] the weekend, I was inspired by the Red Cottage Chroincle’s Butter Tart photos. Hmmm….inspired may not be the right word, more like, an instant craving for Butter […]

    Reply
  12. #SundaySupper: Regional Specialties | Sew You Think You Can Cook says:
    May 29, 2016 at 2:00 am

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  13. Alabama White Barbecue Sauce #SundaySupper says:
    April 25, 2017 at 11:28 pm

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  14. Philly Cheesesteak Calzone - #SundaySupper - Baking Sense says:
    May 15, 2017 at 4:02 pm

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  15. Mohnnudeln Recipe - Poppy Seed Noodles - TheBreadSheBakes says:
    June 24, 2017 at 3:23 pm

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  16. Steve's Famous Maryland Crab Soup #SundaySupper - Monica's Table says:
    July 24, 2017 at 9:12 am

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  17. Tupelo Honey Key Lime Vinaigrette #SundaySupper • Family Around the Table says:
    August 10, 2017 at 7:02 am

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  18. Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned • Curious Cuisiniere says:
    December 16, 2017 at 10:30 pm

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  19. New England style stuffed clams - Caroline's Cooking says:
    December 23, 2017 at 4:51 pm

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  20. Amish Chicken and Noodles for #SundaySupper - says:
    January 1, 2018 at 1:37 am

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  21. Pittsburgh Steak Salad: {Fries and Ranch Dressing On A Salad} says:
    August 10, 2018 at 9:19 am

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  22. Simple Slowcooker Steak and Chicken Fajitas says:
    August 17, 2018 at 9:01 am

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  23. Amish Chicken and Noodles – says:
    May 21, 2019 at 12:45 am

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  24. Corn and Bacon Chowder #SundaySupper - Moore or Less Cooking says:
    August 26, 2019 at 11:27 am

    […] Butter Tarts – A Canadian Tradition by Red Cottage Chronicles […]

    Reply
  25. A White Christmas Tablescape - Red Cottage Chronicles says:
    December 7, 2021 at 8:36 am

    […] Butter Tarts […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Red Cottage Chronicles

Oh, hi there!

Well, hello! I am Maureen, and welcome to our little Red Cottage. Married to my high school sweetheart, I am a passionate baker, accidental DIY'er and love all things home! Read More…

Follow Us!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Stay updated!

Get all the latest news from our little red cottage straight to your inbox!

Categories

Instagram

[instagram-feed]

tablescapes

tablescapes

STAY UP TO DATE

Get all the latest recipes straight to your inbox

Disclosure & Privacy Policy

Disclosure & Privacy Policy

More From Red Cottage Chronicles

(Dessert) Buffet

Essential summertime layer cake

Essential Summertime Layer Cake

DIY Pottery Barn Rebecca trunk

DIY Pottery Barn Inspired Storage Trunk

Frosted Squares

Easy Wedding Shower Ideas

Easy Wedding Shower Ideas

Copyright © 2023 · Site by Pretty Pink Studio

Copyright © 2023 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in