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Gooey Classic Butter Tart Squares

Delightful squares with a gooey filling atop a buttery crust, offering a perfect balance of sweet and buttery flavors.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Canadian
Keyword: Butter Tart, Dessert, easy recipe, Rich Dessert, Squares
Servings: 16 squares
Calories: 250kcal

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.

Notes

For an easier dough, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes if it feels too soft. Feel free to customize the filling with your preferred nuts and fruits. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.