Butter tarts are a quintessential Canadian dessert known for their rich, gooey filling encased in a flaky pastry shell. These delightful treats typically consist of a simple combination of butter, sugar, syrup, and eggs, making them both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious. Butter tarts can be customized with various add-ins, such as raisins, pecans, or chocolate chips, catering to different taste preferences.
The origins of butter tarts can be traced back to the early 19th century in Canada, particularly in Ontario. They are believed to have evolved from British tart recipes, with the first known published recipe appearing in the "Canadian Cookbook" in 1900. Butter tarts quickly became a beloved staple in Canadian households and have since been celebrated as a national dessert. Their simplicity and versatility have helped them maintain popularity, making them a fixture at family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and bake sales across the country.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional add-ins: raisins, chopped pecans, or chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the chilled, cubed butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add cold water, mixing until a dough forms. If too dry, add water one tablespoon at a time.
4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently. Roll out to about 1/8-inch thick.
5. Cut into circles and place in a muffin tin to form cups.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
7. If using, add any optional mix-ins to the bottom of each pastry cup.
8. Pour the filling into each pastry cup, filling them 3/4 full.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
10. Allow to cool before removing from the tin.
Nutrition Value:
1. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Calories: 682
- Carbohydrates: 142g
- Protein: 19g
- Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins (thiamin, niacin)
- Minerals: Iron, magnesium
- Nutritional benefit: Provides energy and essential carbohydrates, as well as some dietary fiber and B vitamins for metabolism.
2. 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 575mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Sodium
- Nutritional benefit: Enhances flavor and helps balance sweetness; necessary for fluid balance in the body.
3. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- Calories: 810
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 91g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 215mg
- Vitamins: A, D, E, K
- Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus
- Nutritional benefit: Provides healthy fats for energy and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
4. 1/4 cup cold water
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Essential for hydration and helps bind ingredients together in the dough.
5. 1 cup brown sugar
- Calories: 836
- Carbohydrates: 219g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Calcium, potassium, iron
- Nutritional benefit: Adds sweetness and moisture; provides a quick source of energy.
6. 1/2 cup corn syrup
- Calories: 480
- Carbohydrates: 130g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Acts as a sweetener and helps achieve the gooey texture of the filling.
7. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Calories: 407
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 46g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 122mg
- Vitamins: A, D, E, K
- Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus
- Nutritional benefit: Adds richness and flavor, contributing to the overall texture and creaminess of the filling.
8. 2 large eggs
- Calories: 140
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Cholesterol: 370mg
- Vitamins: B12, D, riboflavin
- Minerals: Selenium, phosphorus
- Nutritional benefit: Provides protein and essential nutrients, including healthy fats and vitamins for overall health.
9. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Calories: 12
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Adds flavor and enhances sweetness, making desserts more enjoyable.
10. 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 575mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Sodium
- Nutritional benefit: Improves flavor and balances sweetness; necessary for maintaining electrolyte balance.
Optional add-ins: raisins, chopped pecans, or chocolate chips
- Raisins:
- Calories: 108 (per 1/4 cup)
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 3mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins, vitamin C
- Minerals: Iron, potassium
- Nutritional benefit: Adds natural sweetness and fiber, along with antioxidants.
- Chopped pecans:
- Calories: 196 (per 1/4 cup)
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 20g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: A, E
- Minerals: Magnesium, zinc
- Nutritional benefit: Provides healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients that support heart health.
- Chocolate chips:
- Calories: 150 (per 1/4 cup)
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Calcium, iron
- Nutritional benefit: Adds a rich chocolate flavor, providing quick energy and antioxidants.
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