Review: Tim Hortons Salted Caramel Butter Tart
At first glance, it looks like the crust is thicker than a standard butter tart, and the filling doesn’t reach quite as high as you’d expect. The reason becomes clear after a bite: the pastry is light, soft, and flaky, and that extra rim is intentional. The filling is much runnier than a typical butter tart, so the crust needs to be a bit sturdier to contain it.
Flavor-wise, it’s delicious, though not a classic butter tart experience. The caramel note is front and center, rich and sweet, while the “salted” part is more of a whisper than a punch. The filling never really firms up, even at room temp, which makes it messier than usual — especially if you nibble away that extra rim (lesson learned). With the full pastry intact, the balance works much better.
Portion-wise, it’s slightly bigger than a standard tart, and that works in its favor. One is plenty — it’s richer and sweeter than a traditional version, so you don’t need more.
Bottom Line: A sweet seasonal spin on a Canadian classic. The caramel is indulgent, the texture messy but enjoyable, and the pastry flaky enough to hold it together (if you let it). Perfect for dessert lovers who don’t mind sticky fingers.
Next week, I’ll be sharing my exclusive copycat recipe for this butter tart — gooey caramel filling that actually sets a bit better, with a flaky crust and a true salted finish. Subscribe so you don’t miss it.