Butter Tart Bars
Butter Tart Bars are the perfect treat to add a touch of sweetness to your Christmas baking repertoire. These delectable bars combine the classic flavors of butter tarts in an easy-to-make and shareable format. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, looking for a gift idea, or simply want a cozy dessert to enjoy by the fireplace, these Butter Tart Bars are sure to delight your taste buds and bring joy to those around you.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into small cubes
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup corn syrup
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup raisins or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and granulated sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and using a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
4. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Stir in the raisins or pecans if using.
5. Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and pour the filling over the hot crust. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly bubbly.
6. Let the Butter Tart Bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board.
7. Cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. These bars are rich, so you may want to cut them into smaller pieces. Enjoy these decadent Butter Tart Bars with a cup of hot cocoa or wrap them up to give as a thoughtful homemade gift.
These Butter Tart Bars are a festive twist on a classic Canadian treat, perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season. Be sure to make an extra batch, as they tend to disappear quickly!
