Butter Tart Squares

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Rich, buttery, and perfectly gooey, these Butter Tart Squares are everything you love about the classic Canadian treat—in bar form. With a crisp shortbread base and a luscious caramel-like filling, each bite melts in your mouth with that signature sweet, slightly tangy flavor. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, potlucks, or a cozy night in, these bars are guaranteed to disappear fast.

What sets these squares apart is the silky brown sugar filling, gently baked until just set, nestled over a crumbly golden crust. You get all the nostalgic flavor of traditional butter tarts without the fuss of shaping individual pastries. And the best part? They freeze beautifully, so you can stash a batch for when the cravings hit.

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What Makes the Perfect Butter Tart Filling?

The magic of a great butter tart square lies in the contrast: a buttery crust supporting a gooey, almost custardy filling with hints of caramel and vanilla. The key is not to overbake—you want a soft center that holds when sliced but remains decadently soft inside. Some like to add raisins or pecans, but this version keeps it classic: smooth and rich with every bite.

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Ingredients for the Butter Tart Squares

Butter – Both for the shortbread base and the filling, butter gives these squares their unmistakable richness and tender bite.

All-purpose flour – Essential for the crust. It binds the ingredients and creates the base that holds the luscious filling.

Brown sugar – Used in both the base and the filling, it adds that deep caramel flavor and chewy texture.

Eggs – These bind the filling and help it set while adding structure and smoothness.

Vanilla extract – Just a splash enhances the buttery flavor and deepens the filling’s sweetness.

Baking powder – A pinch helps lift the filling ever so slightly for a lighter texture.

Salt – Just enough to balance the sweetness and round out the flavors.

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How To Make the Butter Tart Squares

Step 1: Prep the Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, flour, and brown sugar until crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

Place the crust into the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until it just begins to turn golden. Remove and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Make the Gooey Filling

In a clean bowl, whisk together the eggs and brown sugar until smooth. Add the melted butter, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Mix until well combined and slightly foamy.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly to the edges. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes—the center should be just set and slightly jiggly.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let the pan cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up. Lift the slab out using the parchment paper and cut into squares with a sharp knife. For cleaner edges, wipe the knife between cuts.

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How to Serve and Store Butter Tart Squares

Butter Tart Squares are delightful just as they are—no topping necessary! Serve them chilled for a firmer bite, or at room temperature for a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea and make a rich finish to a casual dinner party or holiday tray.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. When freezing, separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What size pan should I use?

An 8×8-inch square baking pan is perfect for this recipe. It gives you just the right thickness of crust and filling.

Can I add raisins or nuts?

Absolutely. If you love texture, stir in 1/2 cup of raisins or chopped pecans into the filling before baking.

Why did my filling sink or crack?

This usually happens from overbaking. Keep a close eye near the end—the center should be set but still have a slight jiggle.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.

Do they need to be refrigerated?

They don’t need refrigeration immediately, but chilling helps them firm up and enhances the chewy texture.

How do I get clean edges when slicing?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. Chilling the bars first also helps get precise edges.

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Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If these Butter Tart Squares hit your sweet spot, here are more treats you’ll adore:

• Try these Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth winter cookie experience.
• These Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups bring a bright zing with creamy richness.
• For a cozy morning delight, you’ll love the Blueberry Lemon Dutch Baby.
• Looking for something over-the-top? Check out the Caramel Cheesecake Cookies.
• And don’t miss the festive Shamrock Mint Milkshake Pie for a cool, creamy bite.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 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 stick with the classic version, or add your own twist like raisins or pecans?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are always welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Looking for more dreamy bakes like this? Follow me on Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration at Life with Jam.

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