Best Vegan Butter Tart Recipe for Irresistible Flavor

Butter tarts are a cherished Canadian classic known for their gooey, sweet filling nestled inside a flaky crust. But what if you want to enjoy this delightful treat while sticking to a vegan lifestyle?

Fear not! This best vegan butter tart recipe combines the rich, caramelized filling with a perfectly crisp, buttery vegan crust that will satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your values.

Whether you’re vegan, allergic to dairy, or just curious to try a plant-based version, this recipe is here to impress.

With simple, wholesome ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a batch of these delicious tarts ready in no time. They’re perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want a sweet indulgence.

Ready to bake your own vegan butter tarts? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan butter tart recipe checks all the boxes for a perfect dessert. It offers a wonderfully rich and sticky filling with notes of maple and brown sugar, balanced by a crisp and flaky crust made from plant-based butter.

No eggs, no dairy, just pure deliciousness!

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the filling by adding nuts or dried fruit, or keep it classic and simple.

And since it’s vegan, it’s suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences and allergies.

Best of all, the ingredients are easy to find, and the process is straightforward, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegan butter, cold and cubed
• 3 tablespoons ice-cold water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (acts as egg replacer)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• 9-hole tart pan or muffin tin
• Rolling pin
• Cooling rack
• Oven

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the cold cubed vegan butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add water: Slowly drizzle in the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough begins to come together. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender.
3. Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat your oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles slightly larger than your tart pan holes or muffin tin cups.
6. Line the tart pan: Press the dough circles gently into each tart hole or muffin cup, trimming any excess dough.
7. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, maple syrup, applesauce, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
8. Fill the tarts: Pour the filling evenly into each tart shell, filling about 3/4 full. If using, sprinkle chopped nuts and vegan chocolate chips on top of each tart.
9. Bake: Place the tart pan on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
10. Cool: Allow the tarts to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely to set the filling.
11. Serve and enjoy! These can be served warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Tips & Variations

Pro tip: To keep your crust extra flaky, avoid overhandling the dough and make sure your butter stays cold until baking.

• Nut options: Try pecans, walnuts, or even chopped almonds for different textures and flavors.
• Fruit additions: Add raisins, dried cranberries, or cherries to the filling for a fruity twist.
• Chocolate swirl: Melt vegan chocolate and swirl it into the filling before baking for a marbled effect.
• Maple bourbon: For an adult version, add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the filling mixture (optional).
• Crust alternatives: Use gluten-free flour blends if you need a gluten-free version, though texture may vary slightly.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan butter tarts are perfect served with a scoop of your favorite vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. For a cozy touch, pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

They also make a delightful gift or addition to a dessert platter at your next gathering.

Looking to expand your vegan baking repertoire? Check out our Julie Marie Eats Recipes for more inspiring plant-based treats.

Conclusion

This vegan butter tart recipe brings together the best of tradition and compassionate eating, offering a deliciously gooey and satisfying dessert that everyone can enjoy. With a flaky crust, rich maple-sweetened filling, and optional nutty crunch, these tarts are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a batch to share at your next party or simply want to indulge in a comforting homemade dessert, these vegan butter tarts deliver incredible flavor and texture. Plus, with easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can confidently bake them at home with ease.

Don’t forget to explore other delightful recipes like the Magic Dough Recipe for versatile dough options or the festive Marzipan Challah Recipe to complement your baking adventures. Happy baking!

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