There’s something utterly delightful about Mrs. Welch’s Butter Tarts that makes my heart flutter and my taste buds do a little happy dance. Imagine a flaky, golden crust cradling a gooey, caramel-like filling that oozes with sweetness and just the right hint of vanilla. The aroma wafts through the air like a warm hug, wrapping around you as you anticipate that first bite. Trust me, one taste of these irresistible butter tarts will have you dreaming of them long after they’re gone.
This recipe isn’t just about dessert; it’s about creating memories and sharing joy. Picture gathering with family during the holidays or a cozy rainy afternoon when the world outside is dreary. You whip up a batch of these buttery treats, and suddenly, it feels like sunshine has burst through the clouds. I can still hear my niece squealing with delight the first time she tasted one. It was love at first bite! So grab your apron and let’s dive into this delicious adventure together. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert ideas recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These butter tarts are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike
- Their sweet and rich flavor profile creates an unforgettable dessert experience everyone raves about
- With their charming golden crust and glossy filling, these tarts are sure to impress on any dessert table
- Not only are they deliciously versatile, but you can customize your fillings with nuts or dried fruit to suit your taste
My sister once hosted Thanksgiving dinner and proudly served these butter tarts. The entire family was spellbound by their sweetness and warmth. For more inspiration, check out this perfect dinner companions recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Choose a good quality flour for a tender crust that holds together nicely.
- Unsalted Butter: I recommend using cold butter for perfect flakiness in the pastry.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling; feel free to adjust based on your preference.
- Brown Sugar: This brings a rich caramel flavor that’s absolutely necessary for authentic butter tarts.
- Eggs: Use fresh eggs for binding; they help achieve that luscious filling texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor profile—don’t skip this essential ingredient!
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors beautifully in this recipe.
- Pecans or Raisins (Optional): These add an exciting texture contrast—use them if you like!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Dough: Start by mixing flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold unsalted butter until it resembles coarse crumbs—your kitchen should smell divine.
Add Water to Form Dough: Gradually add cold water one tablespoon at a time until the dough starts coming together. Don’t overwork it; we want flakiness!
Chill Your Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking while keeping it buttery.
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s crucial for achieving that perfect golden crust as you bake these beauties.
Prepare Your Filling: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. This mixture is where magic happens!
Fill Your Tart Shells**: Roll out your chilled dough on a floured surface and cut into circles to fit tart pans. Fill each shell with your sweet egg mixture almost to the brim—trust me; they won’t overflow!
Bake Until Golden Brown**: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The tops should turn a lovely caramel color.
Enjoy these irresistible Mrs. Welch’s Butter Tarts straight from the oven or cooled down—the choice is yours!
You Must Know
- These irresistible Mrs
- Welch’s Butter Tarts are a heavenly blend of sweet and buttery goodness
- The delightful aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before they cool
- Perfect for any occasion, they are a classic Canadian treat that never disappoints
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the pastry first; while it’s chilling, make the filling. This efficient sequence ensures everything is ready at the same time for baking.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits to the filling for extra texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different types of sugars for unique sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover tarts in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat them briefly in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Don’t overfill your tarts; they will bubble over while baking, creating a sticky mess
- Use cold butter for flaky pastry, ensuring your tarts have the perfect texture
- Allow tarts to cool completely before serving; they set better and taste divine
Creating these butter tarts brings back fond memories of family gatherings where laughter and sweet treats filled the air, making each bite even more special.
FAQ
What makes Mrs. Welch’s Butter Tarts so irresistible?
The combination of buttery pastry and sweet filling creates an unforgettable experience.
Can I make these tarts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pastry or filling in advance for convenience.
What should I serve with butter tarts?
Serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Mrs. Welch’s Butter Tarts
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 tarts 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Mrs. Welch’s Butter Tarts—a classic Canadian treat that combines a flaky, golden crust with a luscious, gooey filling. Each tart envelops your taste buds in sweet caramel flavors, accented with hints of vanilla. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy afternoons, these tarts are easy to make and sure to create lasting memories. Grab your apron and let’s whip up this irresistible dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup pecans or raisins
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Form the Dough: Add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough holds together. Do not overwork.
- Chill: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the Filling: Whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Fill Tart Shells: Roll out chilled dough and cut into circles for tart pans. Fill each shell with the egg mixture almost to the brim.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set with a lovely caramel color.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart (60g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg