Toronto’s Best Butter Tarts

From shell to filling, Charmaine’s gave both our judges that Proustian taste memory they were after. “This is what my aunts would make,” said Mark, praising its butter pastry and filling. Charmaine Sweets, 115 Vanderhoof Ave., $2.50

The Maid’s Cottage is a producer out of Newmarket that distributes its tarts across the city. Alexandra compared this one to her grandmother’s, saying “The perfect amount of goopiness.” Pusateri’s Fine Foods, multiple locations, $3.95

“From a technical standpoint, this one is probably the best one,” said Alexandra. Mark called it a French-style butter tart, saying, “It’s an unconventional butter tart, but I really keep coming back to it.” Gerrard St. Bakery, 635 Gerrard St. E., $4

Although both judges appreciated the neutral, even tart-leaning dough, they found Flaky Tart’s butter tart a little too goopy for their liking, forming a sugary pool when it was cut.   The Flaky Tart, 711 Mt. Pleasant Rd., $3.50

Although the judges appreciated the caramel drizzle on top, this tart ate closer to a cookie for the judges. “It’s not a butter tart,” said Alexandra. “It’s just not pulling out that butter tart memory.”  Phipps Bakery Café, 420 Eglinton Ave. W., $2.99

They both liked the look of this tart from Leah’s. “The filling was tasty and texturally very nice,” said Alexandra. Mark agreed. “The honey is very pervasive,” he said. “Really hits your palate.” Leah’s Bakery, 621 St. Clair W., $2.95

This one lost points because it lacked many of the qualities of a butter tart, deemed our judges. “It reminds me of a pumpkin pie,” said Alexandra. “There’s definitely a spice in there that’s not traditional.” Tartistry, 1252 The Queensway, $3.25

Mark praised the sweetness of this tidy little tart from Phipps Desserts, saying, “The flavour is really good. The sweetness level is quite excellent, but the dough is very hard.” Alexandra agreed. Phipps Desserts, 1875 Leslie St. Unit 21, $2.50