Canadian Butter Tart Cheesecake
The Ultimate Canadian Butter Tart Cheesecake combines rich cheesecake, gooey butter tart filling, and maple caramel sauce into one unforgettable Canadian dessert perfect for holidays and celebrations. Canada’s Most Iconic Dessert Meets Creamy Cheesecake Perfection.
This recipe is apart of the Great Canadian Series

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

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
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: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 735Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 15gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 138mgSodium: 306mgCarbohydrates: 101gFiber: 3gSugar: 74gProtein: 8g
These calculations are based off Nutritionix

