Butterscotch Tart Recipe

Luscious Butterscotch Tart Recipe: Sweet Golden Bliss in Every Bite

Sweet memories dance through my butterscotch tart kitchen adventure, promising pure indulgence.

Warm caramel notes whisper nostalgic stories about delectable desserts.

Silky smooth textures beckon with irresistible charm.

Rich golden hues hint at incredible depth of flavor.

Creamy ingredients meld into a magical experience waiting to unfold.

Comfort arrives through each delicate slice, promising pure satisfaction.

Baking this treat connects you directly with classic culinary magic.

Why Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart Is A Sweet Classic

Why Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart Is A Sweet Classic
  • Craft with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this butterscotch tart accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
  • Indulge in Comfort: Rich butterscotch flavor delivers a nostalgic dessert that reminds you of childhood treats and cozy family gatherings, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
  • Make Ahead Magic: Prepare this tart in advance and chill, which means less stress when hosting dinner parties or special occasions and more time enjoying with guests.
  • Versatile Dessert Delight: Adaptable to various events like weekend gatherings, potlucks, afternoon tea, or as a delightful end to a family meal, this tart suits multiple social settings.

Everything You’ll Need For Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart

Pastry Base:
  • Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure for the tart crust.
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a flaky pastry texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the pastry.
  • Cold Water: Helps bind the pastry ingredients together.
Butterscotch Filling:
  • Butter: Creates the classic butterscotch flavor and provides a smooth base.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the signature caramel-like taste.
  • Milk: Provides creaminess and helps achieve the right consistency.
  • Flour: Thickens the filling and helps it set properly.
Optional Garnish:
  • Parchment Paper, Baking Weights: Support the pastry during blind baking to maintain its shape.

Instructions To Make Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart

Instructions To Make Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 200°C (180°C for fan-forced). This sets the perfect temperature for creating a golden, crispy tart shell.

Step 2: Create Flaky Pastry Dough

Grab your flour and salt, then gently work cold butter into the mixture using your fingertips. Slowly add cold water, mixing until the dough comes together into a smooth, pliable ball.

Step 3: Shape and Prepare the Tart Shell

Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface. Carefully drape the dough into a 9-inch tart tin, pressing gently into the corners. Use a fork to prick the base, which helps prevent bubbling.

Step 4: Blind Bake the Pastry Shell

Cover the pastry with parchment paper and fill with baking weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until light golden.

Step 5: Craft the Butterscotch Filling

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar and stir continuously until it completely dissolves and becomes smooth.

Step 6: Prepare the Milk Mixture

In a separate jug or bowl, whisk together:
  • Milk
  • Flour

Blend until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps.

Step 7: Combine and Thicken the Filling

Slowly pour the milk-flour mixture into the butter-sugar blend, whisking constantly. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes luxuriously smooth.

Step 8: Fill and Chill the Tart

Pour the butterscotch filling into the prepared tart shell. Allow it to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until the filling sets completely and becomes wonderfully firm.

Helpful Tips For Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart Success

  • Precise Pastry Technique: Use cold butter and work quickly to create a flaky, tender crust that melts in your mouth.
  • Smooth Filling Secret: Whisk milk and flour thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, creamy butterscotch texture.
  • Temperature Matters: Allow tart to cool at room temperature before chilling to prevent condensation and maintain perfect consistency.
  • Blind Baking Brilliance: Use ceramic weights or dried beans to keep pastry base flat and prevent soggy bottom during initial baking.
  • Serving Suggestion: Garnish with whipped cream or a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the rich butterscotch flavor and add elegant contrast.

Delicious Twists On Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart

  • Salted Caramel Butterscotch Tart: Replace butterscotch with salted caramel by adding sea salt to the butter-sugar mixture for a rich, complex flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Almond Flour Tart: Substitute wheat flour with almond flour in the pastry and filling for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Vegan Coconut Butterscotch Tart: Use coconut oil instead of butter, coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and coconut sugar to create a plant-based version of the classic dessert.
  • Chocolate Butterscotch Fusion Tart: Incorporate melted dark chocolate into the filling or create a chocolate swirl for a decadent, indulgent variation that complements the butterscotch flavor.

Pairing Tips For Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart

  • Brew Caramel Coffee Match: Serve a hot espresso or cappuccino with smooth caramel notes that echo the butterscotch's sweet depth and enhance the tart's creamy texture.
  • Pour Whiskey Warmth Companion: Select a smooth amber whiskey or bourbon that carries similar burnt sugar and vanilla undertones, creating a luxurious dessert experience with complementary warm flavor profiles.
  • Create Nutty Crunch Contrast: Sprinkle toasted pecans or almonds around the tart's edge to add crispy texture and nutty complexity that balances the butterscotch's silky sweetness.

How To Store Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart After Baking

  • Store covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure wrap touches the surface to prevent skin formation.
  • Carefully wrap individual slices or whole tart in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Place in airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
  • Remove from freezer and let sit in refrigerator overnight. Never thaw at room temperature to maintain texture and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. Alternatively, place in preheated oven at 150°C for 5-7 minutes to restore original texture and warmth.

FAQs About Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart

  • What are the key ingredients for a classic butterscotch tart?

The key ingredients are butter, sugar, flour, milk, and salt. These simple pantry staples create the rich, caramel-like flavor characteristic of butterscotch.

  • Can I make the pastry crust in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the pastry dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before rolling and baking. This makes the recipe more convenient for planning.

  • How do I know when the butterscotch filling is properly thickened?

The filling is ready when it becomes smooth and coats the back of a spoon, with a consistency similar to a thick custard. It should look glossy and hold its shape when stirred.

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Butterscotch Tart Recipe

Butterscotch Tart Recipe


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4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 mins
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Delightful butterscotch tart brings nostalgic comfort from British kitchens, blending silky caramel notes with buttery pastry. Sweet memories melt together, inviting you to savor each luxurious, golden-brown slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients (Crust and Filling):

  • 10 ounces (300 grams) butter
  • 10 ounces (300 grams) Demerara sugar
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) plain flour
  • 4 ounces (110 grams) butter
  • 6 fluid ounces (175 milliliters) milk
  • 3 ounces (75 grams) plain flour

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1 pinch salt
  • Cold water to mix

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pastry by gently crumbling chilled butter into flour and salt, creating a coarse, sandy texture.
  2. Gradually introduce cold water, kneading until a cohesive dough forms without overworking.
  3. Roll the pastry to a thin, even layer and carefully drape into a 9-inch tart tin, trimming excess edges.
  4. Using a fork, delicately puncture the base to prevent air bubbles during baking.
  5. Line the pastry with parchment paper and ceramic weights, then bake at 200°C for 15 minutes to set the structure.
  6. Remove weights and parchment, returning the tart shell to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden.
  7. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then incorporate sugar, stirring continuously until completely dissolved and smooth.
  8. Whisk milk and flour in a separate container until achieving a completely lump-free mixture.
  9. Gradually stream the milk-flour combination into the butter-sugar base, whisking constantly to create a thick, glossy butterscotch filling.
  10. Transfer the warm filling into the prepared tart shell, allowing it to settle evenly.
  11. Let the tart cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours until the filling sets firmly.

Notes

  • Customize the pastry by using gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
  • Add a pinch of sea salt to the butterscotch filling to enhance the deep caramel notes and create a more complex flavor profile.
  • Prevent soggy bottom by ensuring the pastry is completely cooled before adding the butterscotch filling, which helps maintain a crisp crust.
  • Garnish with toasted chopped nuts or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving to add texture and elevate the visual appeal of the tart.
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 556
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 4.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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