Name: Butter Tarts with Raisins and Maple Syrup Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 2 9-inch pie crusts; ¼ cup unsalted butter; ¾ cup raisins or chopped toasted walnuts (or pecans or a mix); 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional); ⅔ cup brown sugar (light or dark); ½ tablespoon all purpose flour; 2 large eggs (at room temperature); ⅓ cup plus 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (not imitation or breakfast syrup); 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 31 reviews

If you’re craving a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug, you have to try this Butter Tarts with Raisins and Maple Syrup Recipe. These classic Canadian goodies bring together a flaky, buttery crust with a gooey, caramelized filling accented by sweet raisins and the rich depth of pure maple syrup. Each bite offers that perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them irresistible for afternoon tea or any special occasion. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your new favorite dessert to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows 13 small clear glass and white bowls with different ingredients arranged neat in rows on a white marbled surface. From top left to right, the first bowl contains chopped brown pecans, next is a single brown egg in a bowl, then dark brown raisins in another bowl, and yellow butter cubes in the last bowl of this row. The second row has light brown apple cider vinegar in a bowl, dark amber maple syrup, white salt, and light brown melted butter, all in clear bowls. The third row contains white flour in a white bowl, white sugar, an empty clear bowl for water, and packed dark brown sugar in a bowl, all evenly spaced. Each ingredient is clearly visible with its natural color and texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Butter Tarts with Raisins and Maple Syrup Recipe keeps things simple with familiar ingredients, each thoughtfully contributing to the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma you expect from a homemade butter tart.

2 9-inch pie crusts: Provides a flaky, buttery base that holds the luscious filling perfectly.
¼ cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to the filling.
¾ cup raisins (or chopped toasted walnuts/pecans or a mix): Offers chewy bursts of sweetness or crunch for variety.
1 tablespoon bourbon (optional): Enhances flavor with a subtle, warm boozy note.
⅔ cup brown sugar (light or dark): Carries deep molasses notes essential for that classic caramel taste.
½ tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling without altering the taste.
2 large eggs (at room temperature): Binds everything together and creates a smooth custard-like filling.
⅓ cup plus 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup: Infuses the tarts with signature sweet, earthy flavor—never use imitation syrup!
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the overall taste profile.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness, bringing all the flavors into harmony.

How to Make Butter Tarts with Raisins and Maple Syrup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crusts

Start by bringing out your pie crusts to room temperature. Lay one out on a floured surface and roll it gently into a 12-inch circle to ensure it fits nicely into your muffin pans. Using a 4-inch round cookie or biscuit cutter, cut seven rounds from the dough and press each into the cups of two standard 12-cup muffin pans, shaping them into tart shells. Repeat with the second crust. Chill these shells in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes; this helps maintain their shape while baking.

Step 2: Soften and Flavor the Raisins

While your crusts chill, place the raisins in a microwave-safe bowl and stir in the optional bourbon. Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds to plump up the raisins and concentrate the flavors. Setting these aside will let the raisins soak in all their delicious juiciness, which translates to delightful little pockets of chewy sweetness throughout your tarts.

Step 3: Make the Filling

Cut the butter into small chunks and melt it gently in the microwave until fully liquefied but not hot. In a large bowl, combine this melted butter with brown sugar and flour, whisking until smooth and thick. Next, incorporate the eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and kosher salt, continuing to whisk until the filling is fully blended and silky. This filling is what makes the Butter Tarts with Raisins and Maple Syrup Recipe truly special, providing that signature gooey, caramel goodness.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Evenly distribute the plumped raisins into the tart shells. Then carefully spoon the filling into each shell, filling about three-quarters full to allow room for bubbling without overflowing. Bake the tarts at 350 degrees F for 25 to 35 minutes on racks positioned in the upper and lower thirds of your oven. Look for a dry, crackly, and set top, with just a slight jiggle in the center—the hallmark of perfectly baked butter tarts. If you have an instant-read thermometer, aim for a filling temperature of 200 degrees F for best results.

Step 5: Cool and Unmold

Allow your baked tarts to cool completely in the muffin pans resting on a wire rack. As they cool, the filling will settle and develop that classic crackled surface. Use a dull knife to gently loosen each tart from the pan, then lift them carefully onto the cooling rack or serving plate. This final step ensures your tarts keep their perfect shape and texture, making them irresistible to dive into.

How to Serve Butter Tarts with Raisins and Maple Syrup Recipe

Several small tarts are shown close-up on a white marbled surface, each with a light golden brown crust holding a thick filling. The filling is textured with a grainy, sugary top in shades of deep golden brown mixed with dark specks, suggesting a crunchy, sweet layer. The edges of the crust are smooth and slightly raised, creating a neat border around the filling. Sugar crystals are scattered lightly around the tarts on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance presentation and flavor by lightly dusting your butter tarts with powdered sugar or an extra drizzle of warm maple syrup just before serving. A small dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of freshly chopped pecans can add contrasting textures and creaminess that perfectly complement the rich filling.

Side Dishes

Butter tarts steal the show, but they shine alongside a robust cup of black tea or freshly brewed coffee. For a brunch spread, pair them with fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait to balance sweetness with refreshing tartness and creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking mini butter tarts on a tiered tray for a stunning dessert centerpiece. You can also serve them warm topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that everyone will adore. Arranging the tarts with colorful edible flowers or fresh berries adds a beautiful pop of color that’s perfect for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover butter tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresher a bit longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, but make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

Butter tarts freeze beautifully! Wrap each tart individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or serving at room temperature.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-baked warmth, reheat your butter tarts in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back the crispness of the crust and softens the filling to its luscious gooey state once again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits in this Butter Tarts with Raisins and Maple Syrup Recipe?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped dates work wonderfully and provide a different flavor twist while maintaining that chewy texture. Just be mindful of the sweetness level when swapping ingredients.

Is bourbon necessary in the recipe?

No, bourbon is optional but highly recommended to add depth and a subtle warmth to the filling. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can skip it or replace with a splash of vanilla extract or orange zest for a different aromatic note.

Can I use store-bought pie crusts for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought crusts save time and work beautifully. Just be sure to handle them gently when shaping into tart shells to avoid tears, and chill them properly before baking to ensure a flaky texture.

How do I know when the butter tarts are done baking?

The tops should look dry and crackled, with the filling set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Using an instant-read thermometer, aim for 200 degrees F for perfect doneness. The crust will be golden and crisp around the edges.

Can I make the Butter Tarts with Raisins and Maple Syrup Recipe in advance for a party?

Definitely! You can prepare the tart shells a day ahead and keep them chilled, then assemble and bake on the event day. Alternatively, bake them fully and reheat gently before serving to bring back their fresh-baked charm.

Final Thoughts

Making this Butter Tarts with Raisins and Maple Syrup Recipe is a warm and rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with joy. These tarts are truly a timeless treat, perfect for sharing and savoring with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to taste how the marriage of buttery crust, sweet maple, and plump raisins creates a slice of happiness. So go ahead, bake a batch and watch them disappear fast!

Butter Tarts with Raisins and Maple Syrup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need