Gooey Classic Butter Tart Squares
Gooey Classic Butter Tart Squares are a delightful treat that offer a perfect balance of sweet and buttery flavors. Originating from Canada, these squares are a simpler, more portable version of the traditional butter tart. With their gooey filling nestled atop a buttery crust, they make for a wonderful dessert or snack that can be enjoyed at any time. If you love rich desserts that are easy to make, you’re going to love these buttery, sweet squares!
What You’ll Need for Gooey Classic Butter Tart Squares
To make these delicious dessert squares, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 170 g all-purpose flour (1 and ⅓ cup)
- 50 g granulated sugar (¼ cup)
- 1.5 g salt (¼ teaspoon)
- 113 g cold butter, cubed (½ cup)
- 113 g melted butter (½ cup)
- 220 g packed brown sugar (2 cups)
- 4 large eggs
- 8 g all-purpose flour (1 tablespoon)
- 15 ml vanilla extract (1 tablespoon)
- 15 ml white vinegar (1 tablespoon)
- 3 g salt (½ teaspoon)
- Optional: 75 g raisins, walnuts, and/or pecans (½ cup)
Step-by-Step Gooey Classic Butter Tart Squares Recipe
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Prepare the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish, line it with parchment paper, then lightly grease it again. Set aside.
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Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 170 g of flour, 50 g of granulated sugar, and 1.5 g of salt. Add in the cold butter and use your hands to mix it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
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Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until smooth. Add in the eggs, 8 g of flour, vanilla extract, white vinegar, 3 g of salt, and optional raisins or nuts. Mix everything well until fully combined.
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Bake the Squares: Pour the filling mixture over the pre-baked crust. Bake in the oven for an additional 24-26 minutes. The filling should be dark golden brown and have a slight jiggle in the center when you remove it from the oven.
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Cool Down: Allow the squares to cool on a rack for about 30 minutes, then transfer to the fridge for another 30 minutes to fully set before cutting.
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Cut and Serve: You can cut the squares right in the pan, or for easier serving, lift them out using the parchment paper edges and transfer to a cutting board to cut.
How to Serve Gooey Classic Butter Tart Squares
The best way to serve these delicious squares is by cutting them into small, bite-sized pieces. You can enjoy them as is or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. Pair these squares with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk for a satisfying snack. They also make great additions to potlucks, parties, or any gathering!
Expert Tips for Gooey Classic Butter Tart Squares
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Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to handle while pressing into the pan, chilling it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes can make it easier to work with.
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Customize the Filling: Feel free to get creative with the filling! You can substitute or mix the nuts and dried fruits based on what you have available or your personal preference.
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. They taste delightful chilled or at room temperature.
Gooey Classic Butter Tart Squares FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A: You can experiment with brown sugar for a richer flavor, but try to stick with brown or granulated sugars for the best results.
Q: What if I don’t have parchment paper?
A: You can lightly grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray if you don’t have parchment paper, but be careful when cutting the squares.
Q: Can I freeze these squares?
A: Yes! After they are cooled and set, wrap them well and store them in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.
These Gooey Classic Butter Tart Squares are an easy crowd-pleaser that will brighten any occasion. Whether you are indulging alone or sharing with friends, you won’t be able to resist their sweet, buttery charm. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and start baking today!
Gooey Classic Butter Tart Squares
Ingredients
For the crust
- 170 g all-purpose flour (1 and ⅓ cup)
- 50 g granulated sugar (¼ cup)
- 1.5 g salt (¼ teaspoon)
- 113 g cold butter, cubed (½ cup)
For the filling
- 113 g melted butter (½ cup)
- 220 g packed brown sugar (2 cups)
- 4 large eggs
- 8 g all-purpose flour (1 tablespoon)
- 15 ml vanilla extract (1 tablespoon)
- 15 ml white vinegar (1 tablespoon)
- 3 g salt (½ teaspoon)
- 75 g optional raisins, walnuts, and/or pecans (½ cup)
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish, line it with parchment paper, then lightly grease it again. Set aside.
Make the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Add in the cold butter and use your hands to mix it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
Prepare the Filling
- In another bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add in the eggs, flour, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and salt, then mix everything well until fully combined.
Bake the Squares
- Pour the filling mixture over the pre-baked crust.
- Bake in the oven for an additional 24-26 minutes until the filling is dark golden brown and has a slight jiggle in the center.
Cool Down
- Allow the squares to cool on a rack for about 30 minutes, then transfer to the fridge for another 30 minutes to fully set before cutting.
Cut and Serve
- Cut the squares right in the pan, or for easier serving, lift them out using the parchment paper edges and transfer to a cutting board to cut.
