Mini Butterscotch Tarts Recipe 🍮 – Easy Dessert for Parties 🎉
Indulge your sweet tooth with these Mini Butterscotch Tarts – a delightful and easy dessert perfect for parties. With a crispy tart shell and a rich, creamy butterscotch filling, these mini bites are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Cost: $$
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Mini Butterscotch Tarts are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. The buttery crust perfectly complements the sweet and creamy butterscotch filling, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. They’re perfect for parties, gatherings, or any time you need a little pick-me-up.
These tarts are the ideal bite-sized treat, allowing your guests to indulge in rich butterscotch goodness without being overwhelmed. Their individual size makes them perfect for any dessert table and a fan favorite among kids and adults alike.
Context/Background
Butterscotch has been a beloved flavor in desserts for generations, known for its decadent, caramel-like notes. Originating from the British Isles, butterscotch has found its way across the globe, adorning a variety of sweets. The compact, charming nature of mini tarts makes them an excellent vessel for this classic flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ensure the butter is cold when preparing the crust to achieve the perfect flaky texture.
- Don’t overcook the butterscotch filling; remove from heat once it thickens to avoid a grainy texture.
- Allow tarts to cool completely before removing them from the pans to prevent crumbling.
Tips for Perfect Mini Butterscotch Tarts
- Use a food processor to quickly mix the crust ingredients to a perfect crumbly texture.
- For a deeper flavor, let the butterscotch sauce bubble for a minute before adding the cream.
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before serving for a balanced, gourmet touch.
- Line your mini tart pans with parchment strips to easily lift the tarts out once cooled.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour mix for a gluten-free option.
- Add a teaspoon of bourbon for a spiked butterscotch flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tarts chilled for a firmer filling, or slightly warm with a dollop of whipped cream. Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a chilled dessert wine for a sophisticated treat.
Storage and Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes if you prefer a warm tart.
Make Ahead Instructions
Prepare the tart shells a day in advance and store them at room temperature. The butterscotch filling can be made a day ahead and gently reheated when ready to fill the tarts.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
Dietary Notes
- Vegetarian
- Can be made gluten-free with appropriate substitutions
The Recipe
Serves: 12
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mini tart pans
- Food processor
- Saucepan
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture into mini tart pans to form the crust.
- Bake the crusts for 10 minutes, then remove from oven.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar and butter over medium heat. Stir until melted.
- Add heavy cream and salt, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour butterscotch filling into each tart crust.
- Bake filled tarts for an additional 15 minutes.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Recipe Notes
- Ensure that the tart pans are greased thoroughly to make removing the tarts easier.
Community Tips and Photos
Share your experience with this recipe! Tag us using #MiniButterscotchTarts on social media.
Questions and Answers
- Can I freeze these tarts? Yes, freeze the filled and baked tarts for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Can I use ready-made tart shells? Absolutely, using store-bought shells can save time and work just as well with the filling.