A Canadian holiday classic with a gooey caramel-nut filling in a buttery crust
These Canadian holiday butter tarts are a nostalgic treat with a gooey caramel-nut filling in a flaky crust. Perfect for holiday feasts or cozy coffee breaks.
With roots in Ontario’s French-Canadian communities, butter tarts are a beloved Canadian dessert. This version uses a traditional flaky crust and a rich caramel-nut filling that oozes with every bite.
Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or just craving a sweet treat, these tarts are easy to make and always a hit. The gooey filling pairs perfectly with coffee or tea, making them ideal for post-dinner indulgence.
What makes these tarts special? The balance of textures - a buttery, slightly crisp crust that gives way to a warm, runny center. Customize with nuts, spices, or dried fruit for a festive twist.
Let’s dive into why this recipe works and how to make perfect Canadian holiday butter tarts every time.
Why This Recipe Works
Nostalgic Canadian Classic
A traditional Ontario recipe with French-Canadian roots, these tarts are a must-have for any Canadian holiday table.
Easy Make-Ahead Dessert
Prep the dough and filling ahead of time, then assemble just before baking for stress-free holiday hosting.
Customizable Fillings
Add raisins, pecans, or spices like cinnamon to create unique variations that suit any festive occasion.
Perfect Texture Balance
The flaky crust contrasts beautifully with the warm, runny filling for that irresistible "bite" texture.
Canadian Holiday Butter Tarts
Nostalgic Canadian dessert with gooey caramel-nut filling
Ingredients
- - 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- - 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold
- - 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- - 1/2 tsp salt
- - 3-4 tbsp ice water
- - 1/2 cup (120ml) maple syrup
- - 1/4 cup (60ml) evaporated milk
- - 1/4 cup (40g) brown sugar
- - 1/4 cup (30g) chopped walnuts
Instructions
Prepare Dough: In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, until dough forms a ball.
💡 Chill dough for 30 minutes for best results
Roll Dough: On floured surface, roll dough into 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 3-inch rounds using a tart mold or glass. Press into muffin tins, leaving 1/4-inch overhang.
💡 Use a fork to prick dough before baking
Make Filling: In a saucepan, combine maple syrup, evaporated milk, brown sugar, and chopped walnuts. Cook over medium heat until mixture thickens slightly (5-7 minutes).
💡 Let filling cool slightly before filling tarts
Assemble Tarts: Spoon 1-2 tbsp filling into each tart shell, leaving 1/2 inch space. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden.
💡 For extra gooey filling, slightly underfill
Nutrition (per tart):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Flour
The flour creates a flaky crust. For a richer texture, try half pastry flour and half all-purpose.
Substitutions: Whole wheat flour (adds nuttiness), gluten-free flour blend (1:1 ratio with xanthan gum)
Maple Syrup
Provides authentic Canadian flavor. Grade B offers deeper flavor.
Substitutions: Light corn syrup, honey (add 1/2 tsp baking soda to neutralize acidity)
Evaporated Milk
Adds richness to the filling. You can use heavy cream for a richer texture.
Substitutions: Whole milk (add 1/2 tsp butter for richness), coconut milk (for vegan option)
Nuts
Chopped walnuts are traditional, but any nut works. Toasting enhances flavor.
Substitutions: Pecans, almonds, or pumpkin seeds
Pro Tips for Perfect Butter Tarts
Temperature Control
Use a water bath (bain-marie) to prevent overbaking. Place tarts in a larger pan filled with hot water while baking.
Filling Consistency
The filling should be pourable but not runny. If too thick, add a splash of milk. If too thin, simmer longer.
Make-Ahead Tip
Assemble tarts up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the fridge and bake just before serving.
Flavor Variations
Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp vanilla extract, or a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth.
Variations & Customizations
Double Nut Tarts
Add 1/4 cup chopped pecans to the filling for extra crunch.
Spiced Version
Mix in 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
Fruit Twist
Add 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for a sweet contrast.
Chocolate Drizzle
Top cooled tarts with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a decadent finish.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Hot buttered rum or spiced cider
- Vanilla ice cream for a "tart and cream" combo
- Maple whipped cream
🍷 Drink Pairings:
A rich dessert wine like late harvest Riesling or a spiced chai tea complements the maple flavor perfectly.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare dough and filling 24 hours in advance. Store separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
Refrigerator Storage
Store baked tarts in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Best served at room temperature.
Freezer Storage
Freeze unbaked tarts for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to baking time.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Filling is too runny
A: Cook the filling 2-3 minutes longer next time. The filling should coat the back of a spoon.
Q: Crust is too soggy
A: Chill the assembled tarts for 30 minutes before baking. You can also brush the crust with a thin layer of egg white.
Q: Tarts are overbaked
A: Use a water bath (bain-marie) to regulate temperature. Cover tarts with foil if edges brown too quickly.
Q: How to make vegan version
A: Use vegan butter, coconut milk instead of evaporated milk, and ensure flour is vegan. Omit salt if using maple syrup with salt.
Final Thoughts
These Canadian holiday butter tarts are more than just a dessert - they're a nostalgic celebration of Canadian heritage. With their gooey filling and flaky crust, they're sure to become a holiday tradition in your home.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of our variations, these tarts will bring warmth and joy to your holiday table. Pair with coffee or tea for a perfect sweet finale to your festive meal. How many tarts can you eat in one sitting? 😊
