Butter Tarts Recipe

This Butter Tarts recipe delivers everything people love about classic Canadian baking — flaky pastry, rich maple filling, sweet raisins, and a perfectly gooey center. Featured on Flour Power with Jessica McGovern, these homemade butter tarts combine buttery pastry with deep maple flavor for a nostalgic dessert that is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, and comforting homemade baking.

The Inspiration

Butter tarts are one of Canada’s most iconic desserts, celebrated for their rich filling, flaky pastry, and comforting sweetness. For generations, they have appeared at holiday tables, bake sales, family gatherings, and community celebrations across the country. This beloved dessert remains a symbol of traditional Canadian baking and continues to be passed down through family recipes year after year.

On Flour Power, Jessica McGovern embraces classic comfort-food baking while adding elegant twists that elevate traditional desserts. This Butter Tarts recipe stays true to the beloved original while incorporating maple syrup and cognac-soaked raisins for deeper flavor and sophistication.

Ingredients

Pastry

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vinegar
• ½ cup (120 ml) ice water
• 2 cups (470 ml) flour
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
• ½ cup (120 ml) butter, chilled and cut into cubes
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) lard, chilled and cut into cubes

Filling

• 1 cup (240 ml) sultana raisins
• 6 tablespoons (90 ml) cognac
• 2 cups (470 ml) maple syrup
• 1 cup (240 ml) brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
• 6 tablespoons (90 ml) butter, room temperature

Method

• Let’s get baking!
• To make the pastry, in a bowl, combine egg yolk, vinegar, and ice water.
• To a separate bowl, add flour, brown sugar, and salt and combine.
• Cut in butter and lard into flour mixture until it is the consistency of large crumbs.
• Pour egg mixture into flour mixture and stir to combine.
• Turn onto a floured counter and flatten into a disc.
• Cover in plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate 1 hour.
• In a small bowl
• Combine raisins and cognac and let sit.
• Reduce 1 cup (240 ml) of maple syrup by half or until it reaches 230 F (110 C).
• Remove from heat, but do not let cool completely.
• In a bowl, combine brown sugar and maple syrup.
• Whisk in eggs, vanilla, and salt.
• Add butter and whisk to incorporate.
• Add raisins in cognac and mix in.
• Preheat oven to 400 F (205 C).
• Remove pastry from fridge and roll out to 1/3-inch (8 mm) thickness.
• Cut 4-inch (10 cm) rounds.
• Fit rounds into a muffin pan.
• Spoon filling inside.
• Bake for 20 minutes, or until pastry is golden and filling has firmed up but is still bubbly.
• Remove and let cool.
• Share.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant dessert presentation, serve the tarts with lightly whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream. The cool creaminess pairs beautifully with the warm gooey filling and crisp pastry shell, creating a balanced and indulgent dessert experience.

These tarts also work wonderfully as part of a holiday dessert platter alongside shortbread cookies, pecan bars, gingerbread, and seasonal pastries. Their classic Canadian flavor makes them a standout addition to Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas dessert tables, and winter celebrations.

If preparing dessert for entertaining, consider garnishing the tarts with a light drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to highlight the caramelized sweetness. They also pair exceptionally well with bourbon cocktails, maple lattes, and spiced cider for festive gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Butter Tarts recipe celebrates the comforting richness of one of Canada’s most beloved desserts. Combining flaky homemade pastry with gooey maple filling, buttery richness, and cognac-soaked raisins creates a dessert that feels timeless, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying.

Featured on Flour Power with Jessica McGovern, these butter tarts showcase how traditional baking can be elevated with simple but thoughtful ingredients. The balance of textures and flavors makes them irresistible whether served during the holidays or enjoyed year-round.