Best Maple Butter Tarts | Christine Cushing

maple syrup

🥗Healthier: agave syrup

💰Cheaper: corn syrup

Agave syrup offers a lower glycemic index, while corn syrup is more affordable.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is dairy-free and healthier, while margarine is often cheaper.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index, while white sugar is less expensive.

raisins

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: chocolate chips

Dried cranberries add a tart flavor, while chocolate chips are more affordable.

Cut 4 ounces of unsalted butter into small pieces and place it on parchment paper in the freezer.

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of pastry flour, and a pinch of salt.

Add the cold butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly.

In a separate bowl, prepare 1/3 cup of cold water with ice cubes, then remove the ice cubes and add the cold water to the flour mixture.

Stir the mixture with a spoon or fork until combined, then gently use your hands to form the dough without overworking it.

Wrap the dough in parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

After chilling, cut the dough in half and roll out one half on a floured surface until thin.

Use a cookie cutter to cut out circles of dough to fit into a muffin tin and place them in the freezer for about 20 minutes.

Melt butter in a pan over medium heat until it turns hazelnut brown.

In a bowl, combine the brown butter, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and 1 egg, blending until smooth.

Add dried blueberries to the filling mixture instead of raisins.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Fill the pastry shells with the filling, being careful not to overfill as they will puff up and collapse.

Bake in the oven at 375°F for 5 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for a total of 18 to 20 minutes.

Let the tarts cool in the tin for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens