Maple Brown Butter Tartlets

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines elegance with down-home comfort, Maple Brown Butter Tartlets are your answer. These little bites are a celebration of fall flavors, perfect for cozy gatherings, potlucks, or just a moment of solo indulgence. The nutty aroma of browned butter meets the sweet richness of maple syrup in a filling that’s both luscious and deeply flavorful.

Nestled in a buttery crust and baked to golden perfection, these tartlets are delightfully crisp on the outside with a gooey, custard-like center. Every bite captures a balance of warmth and sweetness, making them a memorable treat that feels like a hug in dessert form.

Why You’ll Love This Maple Brown Butter Tartlets Recipe

Maple Brown Butter Tartlets are rich without being overwhelming. The maple syrup gives a deep, natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the toasted notes from the browned butter. They’re simple enough for beginner bakers but feel special enough for a dinner party or holiday dessert tray.

These tartlets also freeze well, travel easily, and reheat like a dream. Whether you’re serving them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or enjoying them cold straight from the fridge, they shine in any setting.

What Kind of Crust Should I Use?

For the perfect tartlet, a buttery, flaky pastry is key. You can use store-bought shortcrust for convenience, but making your own pie crust adds a rustic, homemade feel that pairs beautifully with the nutty brown butter flavor. The crust should be rolled thin enough to crisp up, but thick enough to hold the gooey filling without leaking.

Ingredients for the Maple Brown Butter Tartlets

The ingredient list for these tartlets is refreshingly short but each plays an essential role in building up that signature flavor.

Butter adds richness and is the base for browning to create that deep, nutty profile.

Maple syrup provides the primary sweetness and depth of flavor. Use real maple syrup for best results.

Brown sugar intensifies the caramel-like notes and complements the maple beautifully.

Eggs are essential to bind the filling and give it that creamy custard-like texture.

Heavy cream softens the sweetness and rounds out the filling for a velvety finish.

Salt enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.

Pie crust or tartlet shells provide the base. Homemade or store-bought both work well.

How To Make the Maple Brown Butter Tartlets

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Melt the butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Allow it to bubble and foam, stirring frequently, until golden brown bits form on the bottom. It should smell nutty and toasted. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, and maple syrup until smooth. Slowly add the slightly cooled browned butter while whisking to prevent scrambling the eggs. Add the heavy cream and a pinch of salt, mixing until fully combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Tartlet Shells

If using homemade crust, roll it out and cut circles to fit your muffin tin or tartlet pans. Press them gently into the molds and chill for 15 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the filling into each chilled tartlet shell, filling them about three-quarters full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers are just slightly jiggly. Cool in the pan before removing.

Step 5: Serve

Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple glaze makes them extra special.

How to Serve and Store Maple Brown Butter Tartlets

These tartlets are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Fresh out of the oven, they’re buttery and warm, making them perfect for fall or winter nights with a cup of tea or cider. Chilled, they become a firm yet tender bite-sized treat for warmer days.

This recipe makes 12 tartlets, ideal for feeding a small crowd or storing leftovers. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully; just wrap individually and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, warm them in a 300°F oven for about 8-10 minutes.

What to Serve With Maple Brown Butter Tartlets?

Whipped Cream

The airy texture and light sweetness of whipped cream make it the perfect companion.

Maple Glazed Bacon

For an elevated sweet-savory twist, serve these with crispy maple glazed bacon.

Vanilla Ice Cream

The cold creaminess of vanilla ice cream plays beautifully against the warm tartlet filling.

Fresh Berries

Add a bright, tangy contrast with a handful of fresh raspberries or blackberries.

Coffee or Chai Latte

Serve alongside a warm, spiced beverage to highlight the tartlets’ cozy flavors.

Roasted Nuts

Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a delightful crunch.

Apple Compote

A spoonful of apple compote enhances the fall flavors and adds a touch of tartness.

Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Maple Brown Butter Tartlets, you might also enjoy some of these cozy favorites:

Try the rich and buttery Butter Pecan Cheesecake for another maple-adjacent classic.

For a nostalgic touch, check out the sweet and fruity Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls.

Explore the chewy goodness of Peggi’s Gigantic Melt-In-Your-Mouth Crispy Peanut Butter Cookies.

Craving pie flavors without the hassle? The Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies deliver bold sweetness in every bite.

Or go bold with the flavor-packed Carrot Pound Cake topped with cream cheese frosting.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic or try a twist? Did you drizzle with extra maple syrup or keep it simple?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Maple Brown Butter Tartlets are the kind of dessert that make people pause mid-bite and ask for the recipe. They bring warmth, texture, and pure comfort in every morsel. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special brunch, or just because, this is the kind of recipe that instantly earns a spot in your go-to collection.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?