The Canadian Living Butter Tart Pie Recipe is one of the most beloved desserts in Canadian culinary history. While butter tarts themselves are already iconic, transforming them into a pie elevates the dessert into a centerpiece worthy of holidays, family gatherings, and festive occasions. This recipe combines the rich, gooey filling of the traditional tart with the ease and elegance of a single large pie, making it both nostalgic and practical.
This blog will take you on a detailed journey into the world of butter tart pie — exploring its history, cultural significance, step-by-step preparation, variations, expert tips, serving ideas, and everything you need to master this timeless Canadian treat.
A Brief History of Butter Tarts in Canada
Butter tarts date back to the early 1900s and are often considered one of the few truly original Canadian desserts. They are thought to have evolved from French tarte au sucre (sugar pie), which was popular among Quebec settlers. Over time, the recipe spread across the country, with Ontario becoming the heartland of butter tart production.
The Canadian Living Butter Tart Pie Recipe draws inspiration from these early traditions but presents the dessert in a pie format — allowing more filling, fewer steps, and a rustic presentation that’s perfect for gatherings.
Pie vs. Tart – Why This Recipe Works
Many wonder: why make a butter tart pie instead of traditional small butter tarts?
- Convenience – A pie is easier to assemble than multiple small tart shells.
- More Filling – Pie offers a greater ratio of gooey filling to pastry.
- Presentation – A pie looks stunning as a centerpiece.
- Flexible Variations – Easier to add ingredients like nuts, chocolate, or dried fruit.
The Canadian Living Butter Tart Pie Recipe blends the best of both worlds — the iconic flavor of butter tarts with the simplicity of pie baking.
Ingredients Breakdown
To master this recipe, understanding the role of each ingredient is essential.
- Pie Crust – Homemade or store-bought; should be buttery and flaky.
- Butter – Unsalted, melted; provides richness and depth.
- Brown Sugar – Essential for the caramelized sweetness.
- Corn Syrup or Maple Syrup – Creates the gooey, sticky filling texture.
- Eggs – Bind the filling while maintaining creaminess.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and balance.
- Salt – Enhances flavor.
- Optional Add-Ins – Raisins, currants, pecans, or chocolate chips depending on taste.
Step-by-Step Canadian Living Butter Tart Pie Recipe
Ingredients (For One 9-inch Pie)
- 1 unbaked pie crust (9-inch)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup (or pure maple syrup for Canadian authenticity)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup raisins or pecans (optional)
Method
- Prepare Pie Crust – Line a 9-inch pie plate with crust, trim, and flute edges. Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- Make Filling – In a bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, syrup, eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Add Fillings – Sprinkle raisins or pecans evenly over crust if using. Pour filling mixture over.
- Bake – Place pie in preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake 40–45 minutes until filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool & Serve – Allow pie to cool before slicing. Filling will firm up as it cools.
Tips for the Perfect Flaky Pie Crust
- Use cold butter and water when making crust.
- Don’t over-mix the dough; keep visible butter chunks for flakiness.
- Chill dough before rolling to avoid shrinkage.
- Blind-bake crust for extra crispness if desired.
Variations of Canadian Living Butter Tart Pie Recipe
- Classic Raisin – Sweet and chewy.
- Pecan Butter Tart Pie – Rich, nutty, and indulgent.
- Maple Butter Tart Pie – Made with 100% maple syrup.
- Chocolate Butter Tart Pie – Swirled with melted chocolate.
- Coconut Butter Tart Pie – Adds tropical flair.
Serving Suggestions
- With Vanilla Ice Cream – Classic pairing.
- With Whipped Cream – Light and airy contrast.
- Coffee or Tea – Perfect afternoon treat.
- Holiday Centerpiece – Serve warm with festive decorations.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 5 days.
- Freeze slices wrapped tightly for 2–3 months.
- Reheat in oven at 300°F for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per slice)
- Calories: 400–450
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sugar: 40g
- Protein: 4g
(Varies depending on add-ins and crust type.)
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Butter Tart Pie in Canadian Celebrations
This pie is a favorite at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family reunions. In Ontario, butter tart festivals showcase dozens of variations, and bakeries across Canada take pride in their unique recipes. Making this pie at home connects bakers to this cultural heritage.
Regional Differences
- Ontario – Classic, with raisins or plain.
- Western Canada – Often includes pecans or walnuts.
- Quebec – Strong maple syrup influence.
- Atlantic Canada – Incorporates dried berries or molasses.
Modern Twists
- Butter Tart Cheesecake – Swirled into creamy cheesecake.
- Mini Butter Tart Pies – Made in muffin tins.
- Butter Tart Squares – Bar-style version.
- Gluten-Free Versions – Using almond flour crust.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking (leads to dry filling).
- Using salted butter (alters flavor balance).
- Not chilling dough (causes soggy crust).
- Overfilling pie (may overflow during baking).
Expert Baking Tips
- Use dark brown sugar for deeper flavor.
- Mix filling gently to avoid too much air.
- Cool pie fully before slicing for neat servings.
- If using maple syrup, reduce sugar slightly.
FAQs
Q1. Can I make butter tart pie without corn syrup?
Yes! Substitute pure maple syrup or golden syrup for a natural option.
Q2. How do I make a gluten-free version?
Use a gluten-free pastry crust (almond flour or oat-based).
Q3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely — bake a day in advance and refrigerate.
Q4. Do butter tarts need raisins?
No — it’s a matter of personal preference. Some people swear by raisins, others by pecans.
Q5. How do I prevent runny filling?
Bake until the center is set but slightly wobbly; cooling will firm it up.
Conclusion
The Canadian Living Butter Tart Pie Recipe is more than just dessert — it’s a slice of Canadian identity. Rooted in history, embraced at family gatherings, and reinvented through endless variations, this pie brings comfort, nostalgia, and joy to any table. Whether you enjoy it plain, with raisins, or with pecans, this recipe is a testament to Canada’s sweet traditions.
So next time you crave something truly Canadian, bake this pie and share a taste of history with those you love.
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