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Canadian Butter Tart Cheesecake

This recipe is apart of the Great Canadian Series

Canadian Butter Tart Cheesecake

If there’s one dessert that proudly represents Canada, it’s the butter tart. This dessert is one of a kind Canadian goodness.

With its rich, gooey filling and sweet buttery flavour, the butter tart has been a beloved Canadian treat for generations. Now imagine everything you love about a classic butter tart combined with a rich and creamy cheesecake.

That’s exactly what you’ll find in this Ultimate Canadian Butter Tart Cheesecake.

Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, silky cheesecake filling, a decadent butter tart topping, and a drizzle of maple caramel sauce, this dessert is the perfect showstopper for holidays, family gatherings, Canada Day celebrations, or anytime you’re craving a truly Canadian dessert.

At Canadian Cooking Adventures, I love showcasing the flavours that make Canadian food special, and this cheesecake is one of the most indulgent recipes in my Ultimate Canadian Series.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Rich and creamy cheesecake

✔ Loaded with classic butter tart flavour

✔ Perfect make-ahead dessert

✔ Great for holidays and celebrations

✔ Easy to customize with raisins or pecans

✔ Beautiful presentation

✔ A true Canadian dessert


How To Make Canadian Butter Tart Cheesecake

How To Make Canadian Butter Tart Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare The Crust

Preheat oven to 325°F.

Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar.

Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.

Bake for 10 minutes.

Cool completely.


Step 2: Make The Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.

Add:

  • brown sugar
  • sour cream
  • vanilla

Mix until creamy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.

Pour over the prepared crust.


Step 3: Bake

Bake for 55–65 minutes until the centre is slightly set.

Turn off oven and leave cheesecake inside for 1 hour with the door slightly open.

Remove and cool completely.

Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.


Step 4: Make The Butter Tart Topping

In a saucepan over medium heat combine:

  • butter
  • brown sugar
  • maple syrup

Cook until melted and smooth.

Remove from heat.

Whisk in eggs and vanilla.

If using raisins or pecans, stir them in now.

Allow mixture to cool slightly.


Step 5: Add The Topping

Pour the butter tart topping over the chilled cheesecake.

Spread evenly.

Return to the refrigerator until fully set.


Step 6: Make The Maple Caramel Sauce

In a small saucepan combine:

  • maple syrup
  • butter
  • cream

Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Cool slightly before serving.


Step 7: Serve

Slice and drizzle generously with maple caramel sauce.

Garnish with:

  • pecans
  • whipped cream
  • butter tart crumbs
  • maple flakes

What Makes This Recipe Canadian?

Butter tarts are widely considered one of Canada’s most iconic desserts, dating back to early Canadian cookbooks from Ontario.

Combined with pure Canadian maple syrup and creamy cheesecake, this dessert celebrates some of the flavours Canadians know and love best.


Perfect For

  • Canada Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas
  • Cottage Gatherings
  • Potlucks
  • Family Celebrations
  • Holiday Dessert Tables

Storage

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.


Baker’s Tip

For the ultimate butter tart experience, add chopped pecans to the topping and serve each slice with warm maple caramel sauce just before serving.

Canadian Butter Tart Cheesecake

Canadian Butter Tart Cheesecake

Yield: 12
No Ratings

Ingredients

  • For The Crust
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ⅓ cup melted butter
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • For The Cheesecake Filling
  • 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • For The Butter Tart Topping
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup pure Canadian maple syrup
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional
  • ½ cup raisins
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • Maple Caramel Drizzle
  • ½ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ¼ cup heavy cream

Instructions

    Step 1: Prepare The Crust

    Preheat oven to 325°F.

    Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar.

    Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.

    Bake for 10 minutes.

    Cool completely.

    Step 2: Make The Cheesecake Filling

    In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.

    Add:

  • brown sugar
  • sour cream
  • vanilla

Mix until creamy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.

Pour over the prepared crust.

Step 3: Bake

Bake for 55–65 minutes until the centre is slightly set.

Turn off oven and leave cheesecake inside for 1 hour with the door slightly open.

Remove and cool completely.

Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Make The Butter Tart Topping

In a saucepan over medium heat combine:

  • butter
  • brown sugar
  • maple syrup

Cook until melted and smooth.

Remove from heat.

Whisk in eggs and vanilla.

If using raisins or pecans, stir them in now.

Allow mixture to cool slightly.

Step 5: Add The Topping

Pour the butter tart topping over the chilled cheesecake.

Spread evenly.

Return to the refrigerator until fully set.

Step 6: Make The Maple Caramel Sauce

In a small saucepan combine:

  • maple syrup
  • butter
  • cream

Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Cool slightly before serving.

Step 7: Serve

Slice and drizzle generously with maple caramel sauce.

Garnish with:

  • pecans
  • whipped cream
  • butter tart crumbs
  • maple flakes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 735Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 15gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 138mgSodium: 306mgCarbohydrates: 101gFiber: 3gSugar: 74gProtein: 8g

These calculations are based off Nutritionix

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