Canadian Maple Butter Tarts Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate Canadian comfort food with these gooey Maple Butter Tarts. This recipe combines a traditional flaky pastry with a rich, maple-infused custard filling that is perfectly balanced—not too sweet, but incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
3/4 cup ice-cold water
1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
1. In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter chunks and pulse 5-8 times until butter is pea-sized.
2. Stream in cold water and pulse just until dough begins to clump together. Do not overmix.
3. Divide dough onto two pieces of plastic wrap, shape into discs, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
4. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch circles.
5. Press dough circles into a greased muffin pan. Chill the shells while preparing filling.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F.
7. Cream softened butter and brown sugar together. Whisk in eggs one at a time, then stir in maple syrup, salt, and vanilla.
8. Let filling sit for 10 minutes, then whisk again and pour into pastry shells.
9. Bake for 25 minutes until pastry is golden and filling is set but slightly jiggly.
10. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For a classic variation, add a teaspoon of raisins or chopped walnuts to the bottom of each shell before pouring in the liquid filling.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.