Mini Butterscotch Tarts

The first bite is buttery, creamy, and perfectly sweet.
These Mini Butterscotch Tarts are rich, smooth, and filled with that deep caramel flavor everyone loves.

I made them for a family gathering, and they disappeared faster than anything else on the table.
The flaky crust and silky filling make them feel fancy but easy to enjoy.

If you love desserts that melt in your mouth, this one’s for you.
Let’s make a batch and taste that cozy butterscotch goodness together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Party Dessert: Bite-sized portions make these tarts easy to serve and enjoy at any gathering.
• Rich and Buttery: The homemade butterscotch filling delivers deep caramel notes with a silky smooth texture.
• Beautiful Presentation: These golden tarts look impressive but are surprisingly simple to make.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the shells and filling separately, then assemble when ready to serve.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The sweet, buttery flavor appeals to both kids and adults alike.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings: This recipe makes 12 mini butterscotch tarts, perfect for serving 6-8 people as a dessert. Want to serve more guests? Simply double the recipe and use two muffin tins.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough for experienced cooks to enjoy making.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Muffin tin (12-cup)
• Rolling pin
• Round cookie cutter or glass (about 3 inches wide)
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Pastry brush
• Wire cooling rack

Ingredients

These mini tarts combine a buttery shortcrust pastry with a luscious butterscotch filling that tastes like pure comfort.

The flaky crust provides the perfect base, while the smooth filling brings sweetness and depth. Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delightful treats:

For the Pastry Shells:

• All-purpose flour (1 and 1/2 cups): Forms the base of your crisp tart shells.
• Icing sugar (3 tablespoons): Adds a touch of sweetness to the pastry.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, cold and cubed): Creates a flaky, tender crust.
• Egg (1 large, beaten): Binds the dough together.

For the Butterscotch Filling:

• Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): The star ingredient that gives butterscotch its signature flavor.
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates a smooth, creamy texture.
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and depth.
• Vanilla paste (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and complexity to the filling.
• Sea salt (a pinch): Balances the sweetness perfectly.

Variations for Mini Butterscotch Tarts

• Add Chocolate: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled tarts for a chocolate-butterscotch combination.
• Use Bourbon: Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the butterscotch filling for an adult twist.
• Try Salted Caramel: Increase the sea salt slightly for a salted butterscotch version.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before the filling sets.
• Make It Creamy: Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream when serving.

How to Make Mini Butterscotch Tarts Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pastry Dough

Combine the flour, icing sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs. Add the beaten egg and mix until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 20 minutes.

2. Roll and Cut the Pastry

Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface until about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut out 12 circles, each slightly larger than your muffin tin cups. Press each circle gently into the muffin tin, making sure it fits snugly against the sides.

3. Blind Bake the Shells

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prick the bottom of each pastry shell with a fork. Line each shell with a small piece of parchment paper and fill with baking beans or rice. Bake for 12 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment. Bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool completely.

4. Make the Butterscotch Filling

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla paste and sea salt.

5. Fill the Tarts

Let the butterscotch filling cool for about 5 minutes until it thickens a bit more but is still pourable. Carefully spoon or pour the filling into each cooled pastry shell, filling them about three-quarters full. The filling will set as it cools.

6. Cool and Set

Allow the tarts to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set completely. This helps the butterscotch filling firm up to the perfect consistency.

Serving and Decoration

These mini tarts look beautiful on their own, but you can dress them up even more:

• Dust with icing sugar for a simple, elegant finish.
• Top with a small dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate in a zigzag pattern across the top.
• Garnish with a small piece of toffee or butterscotch candy.
• Serve on a decorative platter with fresh berries on the side for color contrast.

Present these tarts on individual dessert plates or arrange them on a tiered serving stand for parties. They look stunning alongside a cup of coffee or tea.

Storing Mini Butterscotch Tarts

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• In the Refrigerator: Keep covered tarts in the fridge for up to 5 days. The filling stays fresh and the pastry remains crisp when properly stored.
• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked pastry shells for up to 2 months. Bake them directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time. The filled tarts do not freeze well due to the creamy filling.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Keep Everything Cold: Cold butter and a chilled dough create the flakiest pastry shells.
• Don’t Overmix: Handle the pastry dough gently to avoid tough, chewy shells.
• Watch the Heat: Cook the butterscotch filling over medium heat, not high, to prevent burning.
• Stir Constantly: Keep stirring the filling as it cooks to ensure smooth, lump-free butterscotch.
• Cool Before Filling: Make sure your pastry shells are completely cool before adding the hot filling.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Pricking the pastry with a fork and blind baking ensures crispy bases.
• Test for Doneness: The butterscotch is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and has thickened noticeably.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Tart
Calories	215
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	85mg
Total Carbohydrates	26g
Dietary Fiber	0.5g
Sugars	16g
Protein	2g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Mini Butterscotch Tarts FAQs

Can I use store-bought pastry shells? Yes, you can use pre-made tart shells to save time. Just make sure they are fully baked before adding the butterscotch filling.

Why is my butterscotch filling grainy? This happens when the sugar does not dissolve completely. Make sure to stir constantly over medium heat until all the sugar crystals have melted.

Can I make these tarts in advance? Absolutely. You can bake the pastry shells up to 2 days ahead and store them in an airtight container. Make the filling and assemble the tarts on the day you plan to serve them.

What can I use instead of vanilla paste? Pure vanilla extract works just as well. Use the same amount called for in the recipe.

How do I prevent the pastry from shrinking? Chilling the dough before rolling and baking helps prevent shrinkage. Also, avoid stretching the dough when pressing it into the muffin tin.

Can I make larger tarts instead? Yes, you can use a regular tart pan to make one large tart or a few medium-sized ones. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Mini Butterscotch Tarts are a delightful way to enjoy the rich, caramelized flavor of butterscotch in a perfectly portioned dessert. The buttery pastry shells provide a crisp contrast to the smooth, creamy filling, creating a treat that feels both comforting and special. Whether you are hosting a dinner party, celebrating a holiday, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, these tarts deliver impressive results with straightforward techniques.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can make the components ahead of time, customize the flavor with your favorite additions, and present them in ways that suit any occasion. From casual family dinners to elegant gatherings, these mini tarts fit right in.