Decadent Raisin Butter Tart Squares: A Classic Treat Reinvented

Raisin butter tarts are a quintessential Canadian treat, evoking feelings of nostalgia and warmth. But what if you could enjoy all that delicious flavor in an even easier, more shareable format? Enter: Raisin Butter Tart Squares! These squares offer the same rich, buttery, and subtly spiced filling encased in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust. Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these squares are sure to become a new family favorite.

This recipe elevates the traditional butter tart filling with a touch of bourbon (optional, but highly recommended!), adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile. The shortbread crust provides a sturdy and delicious base, ensuring that each bite is perfectly balanced.

## Why You’ll Love These Raisin Butter Tart Squares

* **Easy to make:** Unlike individual tarts, these squares are incredibly simple to prepare. The shortbread crust comes together quickly, and the filling is a breeze to whisk together.
* **Shareable:** Cut them into squares of any size, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family.
* **Freezable:** Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for a future treat. Simply thaw and enjoy!
* **Customizable:** Add your own personal touch by experimenting with different spices or nuts. Walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition to the filling.
* **Nostalgic flavor:** Captures the classic flavor of raisin butter tarts in an easy-to-eat square.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Shortbread Crust:

* 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
* ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks or 170g) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

### For the Raisin Butter Tart Filling:

* ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
* ½ cup packed brown sugar
* ¼ cup milk or heavy cream
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
* 1 ½ cups raisins
* ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Pinch of salt

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Parchment paper
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (optional, but recommended for the shortbread crust)
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect Raisin Butter Tart Squares every time.

### Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
3. **Cut in the butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You can also use an electric mixer with a paddle attachment for this step, but be careful not to overmix.
4. **Press into the pan:** Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to help create a smooth and even surface.
5. **Bake the crust:** Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

### Step 2: Make the Raisin Butter Tart Filling

1. **Melt the butter:** In a medium bowl, melt the ½ cup of butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Let it cool slightly.
2. **Combine sugars:** Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the melted butter and whisk until well combined.
3. **Add wet ingredients:** Whisk in the milk or heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and bourbon (if using) until smooth.
4. **Stir in raisins and spices:** Gently stir in the raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Ensure the raisins are evenly distributed throughout the filling.

### Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Squares

1. **Pour filling over crust:** Pour the raisin butter tart filling evenly over the pre-baked shortbread crust.
2. **Bake the squares:** Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden brown. The center may still jiggle slightly, but it will set as it cools.
3. **Cool completely:** Remove the pan from the oven and let the squares cool completely in the pan before cutting. This is crucial for the filling to set properly.
4. **Cut and serve:** Once completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the squares out of the pan. Cut into squares using a sharp knife. Serve and enjoy!

## Tips for Perfect Raisin Butter Tart Squares

* **Use cold butter:** For the shortbread crust, it’s essential to use very cold butter. This will help create a flaky and tender crust.
* **Don’t overmix the crust:** Overmixing the shortbread crust can result in a tough crust. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
* **Let the squares cool completely:** Resist the urge to cut into the squares while they are still warm. Cooling them completely allows the filling to set properly and prevents them from becoming too gooey.
* **Adjust sweetness to your liking:** If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the amount of granulated sugar slightly.
* **Add nuts:** For a nutty twist, add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling.
* **Soak the raisins:** For extra plump and juicy raisins, soak them in warm water or rum for 30 minutes before adding them to the filling.
* **Use good quality ingredients:** As with any baking recipe, using high-quality ingredients will result in a better final product.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Bourbon:** If you don’t have bourbon on hand, you can substitute it with rum, brandy, or simply omit it altogether.
* **Milk/Cream:** You can use either milk or heavy cream in the filling. Heavy cream will result in a richer and creamier filling.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices to customize the flavor of the filling. Try adding a pinch of cloves or allspice.
* **Nuts:** As mentioned earlier, walnuts or pecans make a delicious addition to the filling.
* **Dried fruit:** While this recipe calls for raisins, you can also use other dried fruits such as currants, cranberries, or chopped dates.
* **Gluten-free:** To make these squares gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the shortbread crust. You may need to add a binder such as xanthan gum to help hold the crust together.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve these Raisin Butter Tart Squares as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
* Pair them with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
* Bring them to your next potluck or bake sale – they’re always a crowd-pleaser!
* Package them up as a homemade gift for friends and family.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Store the squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, freeze the squares in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before serving.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

* Calories: 250-300 per square
* Fat: 12-15g
* Saturated Fat: 8-10g
* Cholesterol: 50-60mg
* Sodium: 100-120mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-35g
* Sugar: 20-25g
* Protein: 2-3g

## Make Ahead Instructions

The shortbread crust can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also pre-bake the crust and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. The filling can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. However, it’s best to bake the squares shortly before serving for optimal freshness.

## Conclusion

These Raisin Butter Tart Squares are a delightful twist on a classic Canadian treat. With their easy-to-make shortbread crust and rich, buttery filling, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these squares are the perfect choice. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible flavor of Raisin Butter Tart Squares!