National Butter Tart Day

A smiling person in a retro kitchen, wearing a vintage apron, holding a freshly baked butter tart on a vintage plate.. — National butter tart day illustration

Welcome to the delicious world of National Butter Tart Day! Get ready to indulge in the buttery, gooey goodness of these sweet treats. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the butter tart obsession, this national day is your chance to celebrate all things butter and tart!

When is Butter Tart Day?

It's national butter tart day on the 1st June.

The Origins of National Butter Tart Day

Butter tarts have a long and delectable history that dates back to the early settlement days of Canada. Thought to have originated in Ontario, these sweet pastries have since become a beloved Canadian dessert, capturing the hearts and taste buds of people across the country.

The exact origin of the butter tart is a topic of friendly debate. Some claim that it was the English who brought their custard tarts to Canada and that they eventually evolved into the butter tart. Others believe that the recipe was created by early French settlers, who used the readily available ingredients of butter, sugar, and eggs to make a simple and delicious treat.

Regardless of its true origins, the butter tart has become an iconic Canadian dessert, and its popularity continues to grow year after year. So much so, that a special day was designated to celebrate the sweet and sticky delight – National Butter Tart Day!

How to Celebrate National Butter Tart Day

Ready to satisfy your sweet tooth? Here are a few ways you can celebrate National Butter Tart Day:

Find a local bakery or pastry shop that specializes in butter tarts and treat yourself to a variety of flavors. From classic butter and raisin to creative variations like pecan or maple bacon, there's a butter tart flavor for everyone.
Gather with friends and family for a butter tart baking party. Share your favorite recipes, experiment with different fillings and baking techniques, and enjoy the delicious results together.
Host a butter tart taste-testing competition. Have your friends or family members bring their favorite butter tarts, and vote on the best one. May the sweetest tart win!
Share your love for butter tarts on social media. Use the hashtag #NationalButterTartDay to join the conversation and see how others are celebrating this tasty national day.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the largest butter tart ever made weighed a whopping 25 pounds? It was created in 2011 by a bakery in Ontario, Canada, as part of a butter tart festival. Now that's a tart fit for a crowd!

History behind the term 'Butter Tart'

1626

The First Mention

The term 'butter tart' is believed to have originated in 1626, with the first recorded mention appearing in a cookbook called 'The Compleat Cook' by William Jarvis. However, the exact recipe and ingredients for the early butter tarts were quite different from the modern version.

1620

Early Colonial Influence

Butter tarts were first introduced to North America by European settlers in the early 17th century. The English and Scottish immigrants brought with them a love for baking, including sweet treats like tarts. However, the original butter tarts were quite different from the ones we enjoy today. They were simpler, often made with just butter, sugar, and eggs, and sometimes flavored with spices like nutmeg or ginger.

1620

Arrival of the term 'tart'

The term 'tart' originated from medieval England and referred to a small pie or pastry filled with sweet or savory fillings. Tarts were commonly made with a pastry shell and a filling made from eggs, sugar, and various fruits or meat. The concept of tarts travelled with English settlers to different parts of the world, including North America.

Early 1900s

Introduction of the butter tart

The butter tart as we know it today is believed to have originated in Canada, specifically in the province of Ontario. It is said that early Canadian settlers adapted the concept of tarts and created their own unique version using locally available ingredients. The addition of butter to the filling gave it a rich, creamy texture and flavor.

1850

Evolution of Ingredients

During the mid-19th century, the butter tart started to evolve. Canadian cooks began experimenting with the traditional recipe, adding new ingredients such as raisins, pecans, or walnuts. These additions provided a delightful texture and flavor contrast to the rich buttery base. It was during this period that the butter tart gained recognition as a distinctively Canadian dessert.

19th Century

Evolution of the Recipe

During the 19th century, the recipe for butter tarts started evolving. The addition of maple syrup and brown sugar became common, giving the tarts their signature sweet and gooey filling. It was also during this time that the use of shortcrust pastry as the tart shell became standard.

Early 20th Century

Rise in Popularity

Butter tarts gained significant popularity in the early 20th century. As more families settled in Canada, the tarts became a staple in Canadian culinary traditions, particularly in Ontario. The simplicity of the recipe and the delicious taste made them a beloved treat for gatherings and special occasions.

Mid-20th century

Rise in popularity

Butter tarts gained immense popularity in Canada during the mid-20th century. They became a staple dessert in many households, particularly during festive occasions like Christmas and Thanksgiving. The combination of the flaky pastry crust, gooey buttery filling, and the optional addition of raisins or nuts made them irresistible to Canadians across the country.

1900

Rising Popularity

By the dawn of the 20th century, butter tarts had gained popularity as a beloved Canadian treat. They were commonly served in Canadian households during special occasions, holidays, and community gatherings. The tarts' sweet, gooey filling and decadent taste made them a crowd-pleaser for both children and adults alike.

Mid-20th Century

Regional Variations

As the butter tart gained popularity, various regions in Canada developed their own unique variations. Some would include raisins or pecans in the filling, while others would add a touch of vinegar for a tangy flavor. These regional variations further enriched the butter tart heritage.

2008

Official recognition

In 2008, the Ontario Butter Tart Festival was established in the town of Midland, Ontario. The festival celebrates the beloved Canadian dessert and attracts both locals and visitors who indulge in various butter tart creations. This event further solidified the butter tart's cultural significance and its place in Canadian culinary history.

2006

Official Recognition

In 2006, the Ontario Butter Tart Festival was established in Midland, Ontario, as a celebration of this iconic Canadian dessert. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year who indulge in various versions of butter tarts made by local bakers. This event not only showcases the diversity of butter tart recipes but also solidifies the cultural significance of this delectable treat in Canadian cuisine.

2008

Butter Tart Day

In 2008, Butter Tart Day was established in Ontario, Canada, to celebrate this beloved pastry. Every year on the first Saturday in June, people come together to indulge in butter tarts and pay homage to this delicious Canadian dessert. It has become a day of feasting and sharing recipes, keeping the tradition alive.

Did you know?

Did you know that the largest butter tart ever made weighed a whopping 25 pounds? It was created in 2011 by a bakery in Ontario, Canada, as part of a butter tart festival.