Description
A rich, caramel-like dessert featuring a flaky shortbread crust topped with a gooey butter tart filling. These squares are easier to serve than traditional pies and taste even better the next day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- Optional: 1 cup chopped pecans or ½ cup raisins
- Optional: ½ cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
- In a food processor, pulse flour, granulated sugar, and salt to mix.
- Add cold cubed butter and pulse 10-15 times until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.
- Transfer crust mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar and molasses until smooth. Whisk in melted butter, then add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking vigorously until glossy and lump-free.
- Fold in optional mix-ins like pecans or raisins if using.
- Pour filling over the chilled crust and spread evenly. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top if using.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until edges are bubbling and golden, and the center is set but has a slight jiggle.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour (or overnight in the fridge) to allow the filling to set before cutting.
Notes
Keep butter cold for a flaky crust. Chill the pressed crust before baking to prevent shrinking. The filling must cool completely to set properly. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: butter tart squares, canadian thanksgiving dessert, shortbread crust, caramel dessert, holiday baking, make-ahead dessert