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Ontario strawberries shine in these sweet summer butter tart squares

Celebrate the season with this delicious take on a Canadian staple. Made with locally grown strawberries, these buttery, gooey bars are perfect for any occasion.
Village Life
strawberry-tarts

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a good butter tart—but this summer, Foodland Ontario is giving the classic treat a fresh twist.

Bursting with sweet, sun-ripened Ontario strawberries, this updated take on a Canadian favourite is perfect for backyard get-togethers, potlucks, or simply treating yourself to something special.

Featuring local ingredients and big seasonal flavour, these strawberry butter tarts are a reminder that summer desserts don’t need to be complicated to be memorable.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or just embracing berry season, this is one treat you’ll want to make while local strawberries are at their peak.

Strawberry Butter Tart Squares

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Makes: 12 squares

Ingredients:

Crust:

  • 1 cup + 2 tbsp (265 mL) all-purpose flour, divided

  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) granulated sugar

  • ½ cup (125 mL) cold butter, cubed

  • 2 eggs

  • 1 cup (250 mL) packed brown sugar

  • 2 tbsp (15 mL) butter, melted

  • ½ tsp (2 mL) baking powder

  • 1 cup (250 mL) chopped strawberries

Directions:

  1. (To prepare the crust, combine 1 cup (250 ml) flour, granulated sugar and cubed butter in a food processor. Process until crumbly.

  2. (Press mixture into 9-inch (23 centimetre) square metal baking pan. Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven for 15 minutes or until edges are just starting to brown. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. To make the filling, whisk eggs, brown sugar and butter in medium bowl. Add 2 tbsp (15 ml) flour and baking powder, whisking until smooth. Fold in strawberries.

  3. (Spread filling evenly over cooled crust. Bake until set and golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool in pan on wire rack before cutting into squares.

Tip: Crust can also be prepared without a food processor. In medium bowl, combine flour and sugar. Using pastry blender or a pair of knives, cut in butter until crumbly.

strawberry-baskets

Try picking your own strawberries this summer

There’s nothing like the experience of choosing your own fresh, ripe strawberries right from the farm. You get a basket of delicious berries to enjoy on their own or in the butter tarts above, and a date or family outing you’ll remember for years to come.

Did you know that there are many local pick-your-own strawberry farms across Ontario? Some great options include Austin’s Pick-Your-Own in Norfolk County, Heemans in Middlesex County, Strawberry Creek Farms in Newmarket, and Barrie Hill Farms in Springwater.

Before you go, be sure to check if they’re open—sometimes weather conditions can affect whether the pick-your-own section is available. With more farms growing “day neutral” strawberries, which produce fruit well into the fall, you'll have plenty of chances to grab local strawberries at the store if you miss.