butter tart squares

Butter tart squares are so much easier to make than actual butter tarts. The flavours are pretty much the same, but these come with a rich shortbread base and a sweet and gooey filling.

base

1/2 C cold butter, cut into cubes

1/4 C sugar

1 C flour

pinch of salt

1. With a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour and salt and mix until it starts to just come together (don't over mix!).

2. Press into a greased 8x8-inch pan. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until just golden. Let cool on a rack.

filling

1/4 C soft butter

1 C brown sugar

2 eggs

1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste (or 1 tsp pure vanilla extract)

1/4 C corn syrup

1 tbsp flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

pinch of salt

1/3 cup golden raisins (optional)

1. With a stand mixer (or hand mixer), beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Add in vanilla and corn syrup. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt.

2. Sprinkle raisins over the crust. Pour filling over the crust evenly. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until just set (the middle sometimes puffs a bit, but that will go down once cooled). Cool completely before serving. Store leftover squares in the fridge.