If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll fall in love with maple butter tarts. These delightful little treats are a Canadian classic, featuring a flaky crust filled with a rich, gooey mixture of maple syrup and butter. Each bite is like a little burst of sweetness that melts in your mouth. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, maple butter tarts are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Get ready to indulge in this simple yet scrumptious dessert that’s sure to impress.
Why Maple Butter Tarts Are the Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion
There’s something magical about the combination of rich butter, real maple syrup, and a flaky crust that makes these tarts irresistible. They are versatile enough to serve for a family dessert, a holiday treat, or even a little snack with your morning coffee. Whether you prefer them plain, with nuts, or with raisins, these tarts offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients List
For the Pastry:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (preferably Grade A or B)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or chopped pecans (or both!)
Timing
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Step-by-Step Recipe for Maple Butter Tarts
Step 1- Make the Pastry:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough starts to come together.
3. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into 4-inch circles to fit into a muffin tin. Place the dough circles into the tin and refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
Step 2- Prepare the Filling:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
3. If using, add the raisins or chopped pecans to the bottom of the pastry shells.
4. Pour the filling into the prepared tart shells, filling each about 2/3 full.
Step 3- Bake the Tarts:
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the filling is set but still a little jiggly in the center.
2. Let the tarts cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Making the Perfect Maple Butter Tart Filling
1- Don’t overmix the filling: Stir gently to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause the filling to rise too much in the oven.
2- Control the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet tart, slightly reduce the sugar or use dark maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
Choosing the Right Maple Syrup for Your Butter Tarts
The key to perfect Maple Butter Tarts is using real maple syrup—none of that imitation stuff! Grade A maple syrup offers a lighter, sweeter flavor, while Grade B gives a more intense maple taste. Both work beautifully, but I find Grade B adds a bit more depth.
How to Make Flaky and Tender Pastry for Maple Butter Tarts
1- Keep the butter cold: The colder the butter, the flakier your pastry will be.
2- Chill the dough before rolling: Letting the dough rest in the fridge helps it firm up and makes it easier to work with.
3- Handle the dough as little as possible: Overworking the dough can make it tough instead of tender.
Maple Butter Tarts Variations: Nuts, Raisins, or Plain?
There’s an ongoing debate among Maple Butter Tart lovers—should you add nuts, raisins, or leave them plain? Personally, I love adding chopped pecans for a bit of crunch, but raisins add a lovely chewiness. Of course, if you’re a purist, plain Maple Butter Tarts are just as delicious!
How to Serve Maple Butter Tarts: Pairing Suggestions
Maple Butter Tarts are fantastic on their own, but for an extra indulgence, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or tea also enhances their rich flavor.
Storage Tips: How to Keep Maple Butter Tarts Fresh
Store the tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To enjoy them fresh, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up!
Can You Freeze Maple Butter Tarts? Here’s How
Yes, you can freeze Maple Butter Tarts! To freeze them, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or reheat them in the oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Maple Butter Tarts
1- Overfilling the tarts: The filling will bubble and expand, so avoid filling them all the way to the top.
2- Not chilling the pastry dough: Cold dough makes for flakier pastry, so don’t skip this step.
3- Skipping the butter: The butter is crucial for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Nutritional Information (per tart):
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 3g
Conclusion:
Making Maple Butter Tarts is one of those simple joys that everyone should experience. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these tarts are guaranteed to impress. With their rich, buttery filling and flaky crust, you won’t be able to stop at just one.