Butterscotch Tart

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This butterscotch tart is simple yet indulgent, making it perfect for both special occasions and everyday treats. The filling is luxuriously creamy without being overly sweet, and the contrast between the crisp crust and soft custard makes every bite satisfying. It’s also a great make-ahead dessert that tastes even better once fully set.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the tart crust:

• All-purpose flour
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Egg yolk
• Cold water
• Salt

For the butterscotch filling:

• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Egg yolks
• Cornstarch
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Directions

1. Prepare the crust by combining flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the egg yolk and a small amount of cold water, mixing just until the dough comes together.
3. Press the dough into a tart pan, ensuring an even layer on the base and sides. Chill for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven and bake the crust until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
5. To make the filling, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and stir in the brown sugar until dissolved.
6. Gradually add the cream and milk, stirring constantly.
7. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with cornstarch, then slowly temper with the hot mixture.
8. Return everything to the saucepan and cook until thickened and smooth. Stir in vanilla and salt.
9. Pour the filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top.
10. Chill the tart until fully set before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes one 9-inch tart, serving approximately 8 slices.
Preparation time is about 25 minutes, baking time is around 20 minutes, and chilling time is 2 to 3 hours.

Variations

You can add a thin layer of melted dark chocolate to the crust before pouring in the filling for a chocolate-butterscotch twist. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances the caramel notes. For extra texture, top the tart with whipped cream or toasted nuts just before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store the butterscotch tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best served chilled or at cool room temperature. Reheating is not recommended, as warming can soften the filling and crust.

FAQs

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes, this tart is ideal for making a day in advance, as chilling helps the filling fully set.

What type of brown sugar works best?

Dark brown sugar gives a deeper butterscotch flavor, but light brown sugar also works well.

Can I use a store-bought crust?

Yes, a pre-made tart crust can be used to save time, though homemade provides the best texture.

How do I know when the filling is thick enough?

The filling should coat the back of a spoon and hold its shape when stirred.

Can I freeze butterscotch tart?

Freezing is not recommended, as the custard texture may change when thawed.

Is butterscotch the same as caramel?

They are similar, but butterscotch is made with brown sugar and butter, while caramel uses white sugar.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.

Why is my filling grainy?

Graininess can occur if the mixture is overheated or not stirred consistently.

Can I add toppings?

Yes, whipped cream, shaved chocolate, or nuts make great toppings.

How long should I chill the tart?

At least 2 hours, though longer chilling will give cleaner slices.

Conclusion

Butterscotch tart is a comforting, elegant dessert that showcases the rich flavor of brown sugar and butter. With its smooth filling and crisp crust, it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Whether served plain or dressed up with toppings, it’s a dessert that never goes out of style.

Butterscotch Tart

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A classic butterscotch tart with a crisp pastry crust and a rich, silky butterscotch custard filling, perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including chilling)
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Western
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• For the tart crust:
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2–3 tablespoons cold water
  • Pinch of salt
• For the butterscotch filling:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the egg yolk and cold water, mixing just until dough forms.
3. Press dough into a tart pan evenly on base and sides. Chill for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake crust until lightly golden, about 20 minutes. Cool completely.
5. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and stir in brown sugar until dissolved.
6. Gradually add cream and milk, stirring constantly.
7. Whisk egg yolks with cornstarch in a separate bowl. Slowly temper with the hot mixture.
8. Return to saucepan and cook until thickened and smooth. Stir in vanilla and salt.
9. Pour filling into cooled crust and smooth top.
10. Chill tart for at least 2 hours until fully set before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Add a thin layer of melted dark chocolate to the crust for a chocolate-butterscotch twist.
• Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to enhance caramel notes.
• Top with whipped cream or toasted nuts for extra texture.
• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; best served chilled.
• Reheating is not recommended to maintain texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of tart)
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg