These classic butter tarts are more than just a dessert – they’re a warm hug on a plate. This recipe comes straight from Grandma’s kitchen, passed down through generations for its simplicity and undeniable deliciousness.

Made with just a handful of ingredients, these little tarts boast a flaky, pre-made pastry shell filled with a gooey, rich brown sugar and butter mixture. Plump raisins and finely chopped walnuts add bursts of sweetness and texture in every bite. The filling itself is a symphony of flavors – the deep caramel notes of the brown sugar mingle beautifully with the richness of the butter, while the vanilla extract adds a touch of warmth.

One thing you might notice about this recipe is the absence of corn syrup in the filling. While some butter tart recipes call for it, this recipe of Grandma’s did not. Back in her day, corn syrup wasn’t as readily available, and brown sugar provided all the sweetness and gooey texture she desired. Additionally, brown sugar adds a deeper, richer caramel flavor compared to the milder sweetness of corn syrup. Don’t worry, though! If you prefer a slightly sweeter or glossier filling, you can absolutely add a tablespoon or two of corn syrup alongside the brown sugar. But trust us, Grandma’s way delivers a classic flavor profile that’s truly timeless. This recipe is a testament to the fact that sometimes, simple ingredients are all you need to create a truly delicious dessert.

These butter tarts are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them warm from the oven with a steaming cup of tea for a cozy afternoon treat. Or, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container for a delicious grab-and-go snack. They’re also perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or anytime you need a sweet and satisfying dessert.

• Pre-made Pastry Shells (12-16): This recipe uses the convenience of store-bought pastry shells. Look for pre-made shells made with butter for the best flavor and texture.
• Packed Brown Sugar (1 cup): The star of the show! Brown sugar provides sweetness, depth of flavor, and a gooey texture to the filling. Its molasses content creates a rich caramel flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
• Melted Butter (¼ cup): Butter adds richness and flavor to the filling. Melted butter helps create a smooth texture and ensures even distribution throughout the filling.
• Egg (1 large): The egg acts as a binder, holding the filling ingredients together and giving it a slightly custardy texture.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Vanilla extract adds a touch of warmth and complexity to the flavor profile, rounding out the sweetness of the brown sugar and richness of the butter.
• Raisins (¾ cup): These plump raisins add bursts of sweetness and chewiness to each bite. You can use any type of raisin you prefer, such as golden raisins, black raisins, or a mixture.
• Finely Chopped Walnuts (¼ cup): Walnuts add a delightful textural contrast to the gooey filling. Finely chopping them ensures they are evenly distributed throughout each tart. You can substitute other chopped nuts like pecans or almonds if desired.

Optional Ingredients:

• Corn Syrup (1-2 tbsp): While not used in Grandma’s recipe, you can add corn syrup for a slightly sweeter and glossier filling.
• Salt (a pinch): A pinch of salt can enhance the overall flavor profile of the filling by balancing the sweetness.

These simple ingredients come together to create a classic and delicious dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!

Pre-made Pastry Shells:

• Homemade Pie Dough: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own pie dough for the pastry shells. Just be sure to pre-bake the shells partially before adding the filling to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Gluten-Free Shells: For a gluten-free option, look for pre-made gluten-free pastry shells made with alternative flours.

Filling Twists:

• Sweetness Level: For a slightly sweeter filling, add a tablespoon or two of corn syrup alongside the brown sugar. You can also adjust the amount of brown sugar to your taste.
• Spice it Up: Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the filling for a warm and cozy twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Once the tarts are cool, drizzle them with melted chocolate for a decadent touch.
• Fruit Variations: Swap out the raisins for other dried fruits like chopped dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots. You can even add a little bit of orange or lemon zest for a unique flavor.
• Nut Substitutions: Don’t like walnuts? No problem! Substitute them with other finely chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, or even a mixture. You can even omit the walnuts altogether and add more raisins or currents.
• Boozy Twist: For an adult-friendly option, add a splash of rum, bourbon, or brandy to the filling for a boozy kick (be sure to consume responsibly).

Dietary Adaptations:

• Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, use vegan butter for the melted butter and a vegan egg substitute in the filling. Look for pre-made vegan pastry shells as well.

Additional Tips:

• Don’t Overfill: Don’t overfill the pastry shells, as the filling will bubble up during baking. Leave some space at the top to prevent overflowing.

With a little creativity, you can easily customize these classic butter tarts to create a dessert that’s uniquely yours!

These delicious butter tarts are perfect for making ahead of time and enjoying throughout the week. Here are some tips for storing them:

At Room Temperature: Cooled butter tarts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigerate for Longer Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cooled tarts in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Simply bring them back to room temperature before serving.

Freezing: Butter tarts freeze well! Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Frozen butter tarts will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating:

• You can enjoy these butter tarts cold or slightly warmed.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tarts on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
• You can also reheat individual tarts in the microwave for a few seconds until slightly warmed through. Be careful not to overheat them, as the filling can become runny and the pastry shell can toughen.

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