Butter tart

Butter Tart

A classic butter tart with a flaky crust and gooey filling.

A butter tart is a type of small pastry tart highly regarded in Canadian cuisine. It consists of a filling made of butter, sugar, syrup, and egg, baked in a flaky pastry shell until the filling is semi-solid with a crunchy top. Butter tarts are considered one of Canada's quintessential desserts and are often associated with Ontario, where they are believed to have originated.

History

The origins of the butter tart can be traced back to the early Canadian settlers in the 19th century. The recipe is thought to have evolved from the sugar pie, a dessert popular in Quebec. The first known published recipe for butter tarts appeared in the Women's Auxiliary of the Royal Victoria Hospital Cookbook in Barrie, Ontario, in 1900.

Ingredients

The basic ingredients for a traditional butter tart include:

• Butter
• Brown sugar or granulated sugar
• Corn syrup or maple syrup
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Pastry shell

Optional ingredients that can be added to the filling include raisins, walnuts, or pecans. Some variations also include chocolate chips or coconut.

Preparation

The preparation of butter tarts involves creating a pastry dough, which is rolled out and cut into circles to line the cups of a muffin tin. The filling is made by creaming together butter and sugar, then adding syrup, eggs, and vanilla. This mixture is poured into the prepared pastry shells and baked until the filling is set but still slightly runny.

Variations

There are many regional and personal variations of the butter tart. Some prefer a runnier filling, while others like it more set. The addition of nuts or dried fruits is common, and some bakers experiment with different types of syrup or sugar to alter the flavor.

Cultural Significance

Butter tarts hold a special place in Canadian culture and are often featured in bake sales, fairs, and holiday celebrations. They are a staple in many Canadian households and are celebrated in events such as the annual Butter Tart Festival in Midland, Ontario.

Related Pages

• Canadian cuisine
• Pastry
• Dessert
• Sugar pie