Butter Tart Squares

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Imagine biting into a dessert that’s gooey, buttery, sweet, and just the right amount of chewy—all in one perfect square. That’s the magic of Butter Tart Squares. Inspired by the classic Canadian butter tart, these bars offer all the nostalgic flavor of the traditional pie but with a simplified method and a crowd-pleasing presentation.

The beauty of these squares lies in their layers. A buttery shortbread crust holds up a rich, caramel-like filling made from brown sugar, eggs, and a splash of vanilla. The top sets into a delicate, glossy finish while the center remains irresistibly soft and fudgy. It’s the kind of dessert that disappears quickly at gatherings—and has people begging for the recipe.

What Kind of Butter Should I Use?

Use unsalted butter for both the crust and the filling. This allows you to better control the overall saltiness of the dessert. If you only have salted butter, reduce or eliminate any added salt in the recipe.

Ingredients for the Butter Tart Squares

All-Purpose Flour – Essential for the base, flour creates the foundation for the shortbread crust that supports the gooey filling.

Unsalted Butter – Provides rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture in both the crust and filling.

Brown Sugar – The star of the filling, brown sugar brings molasses depth and caramel tones that define this dessert.

Eggs – Help bind the filling together and create a silky, custard-like texture when baked.

Vanilla Extract – A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, giving warmth and a bakery-style finish.

Salt – Just a pinch in the crust helps balance sweetness and heightens the other flavors.

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How To Make the Butter Tart Squares

Step 1: Make the Shortbread Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine flour, melted unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt until a crumbly dough forms. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased 8×8-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Butter Tart Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. The mixture should thicken slightly as you whisk.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust. Spread it out evenly and return the dish to the oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Allow the squares to cool completely in the pan before slicing into even squares. For clean edges, use a sharp knife wiped between each cut.

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Storing and Serving Butter Tart Squares

Butter Tart Squares are best served at room temperature. Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them thaw completely before serving.

They’re a great make-ahead treat for holidays, potlucks, or cozy evenings when only something buttery and sweet will do.

What to Serve With Butter Tart Squares?

Coffee or Espresso

The rich bitterness of coffee contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the squares.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of whipped cream adds airiness and balances the sticky filling.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve warm Butter Tart Squares with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Fresh Berries

Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries bring tart freshness to each bite.

Maple Glazed Nuts

Add a crunchy element with some candied pecans or walnuts on the side.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

Drizzle with a little salted caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Dark Chocolate Shavings

Top with a few dark chocolate curls to cut through the sweetness with a touch of bitterness.

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Want More Dessert Ideas?

If you love these Butter Tart Squares, you’ll probably enjoy these other sweet crowd-pleasers:

• Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie if you want a fruity twist with a rich base.
• Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites for a breakfast treat that feels like dessert.
• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake when you need something ultra decadent.
• Twix Cookie Cups if you’re craving a handheld caramel-chocolate combo.
• Easy Cheesecake Cups for a creamy bite-sized option.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add raisins or keep it classic? Did you go for the salted caramel topping?

I love seeing your creative spins on these nostalgic treats. Questions welcome—let’s make dessert better, together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more feel-good recipes on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest

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