The Tart Shack
Whenever we set off on a road trip through Ontario’s idyllic landscapes, we always have a delightful mission: the hunt for the perfect butter tart. Our journeys aren’t just about breathtaking views; they’re culinary quests dotted with visits to local bakeries and dessert havens.
If you share our sweet tooth, your butter tart pilgrimage shouldn’t be confined to well-known bakeries in bustling towns and cities. Expand your horizons and venture into hidden nooks and charming out-of-the-way spots. The real magic often lies in these delightful detours, where you might stumble upon the most unexpected and delicious treasures.
Recently, we were treated to a weekend at the Little Inn of Bayfield. Planning our Huron County getaway, we turned to Google Maps for the region’s top bakeries and butter tart artisans. One pin that instantly intrigued us was a quaint little gem in Belgrave, Ontario: The Tart Shack.
Where is The Tart Shack:
Are you ready to satisfy your wanderlust and sweet tooth? Set your GPS for Huron County as we’re making a pit stop on our Sweet Rogue Trip in the charming farming community near Belgrave to uncover one of Ontario’s best-kept secrets—The Tart Shack!
Located off the beaten path, this charming roadside stand is surrounded by rolling pastures and picturesque farmland. It’s not just a place to buy butter tarts; it’s a nostalgic journey back to simpler times. Whether you’re a butter tart enthusiast or just a fan of all things homemade, this spot offers more than just a tasty treat. Expect a delightful escape filled with mouthwatering goodies, breathtaking countryside views, and that heartwarming touch only a family-run bakery can provide.
You’ll find The Tart Shack at 38557 Belgrave Rd, Belgrave, ON N0G 1E0. It’s tucked away on a rural road, 9km from the nearest town, so keep your eyes peeled—you won’t stumble upon it by accident! Belgrave is conveniently located about 20 minutes northeast of Goderich and just 15 minutes north of Blyth. Click this link to guide you to the Tart Shack.
About The Tart Shack:
Imagine stumbling upon a charming rustic little roadside stand at the end of a family farm’s driveway – welcome to The Tart Shack! This delightful self-serve spot is open only on Saturdays. You can either place your order online or, alternatively, take a chance on the mouthwatering surprises available when you arrive. Therefore, pre-ordering is recommended to ensure you snag your favourite treats and, consequently, discover even more deliciousness in-store.
The magic behind The Tart Shack is a passionate baker who, despite a full-time job as a mechanical designer for an automotive company, devotes weekends to baking joy into the world. The dedication doesn’t waver with the seasons; thanks to a cozy wood stove in the shack, baking happens year-round, making it a perfect sweet stop on a winter road trip.
The Baking at the Tart Shack
What truly sets The Tart Shack apart is the unwavering commitment to real, fresh, and local ingredients—a philosophy deeply rooted in the baker’s farming heritage. This home-based, inspected bakery crafts all of its pastries from scratch, often using ingredients grown on their small farm. The result is an authentic, unforgettable taste that keeps visitors returning for more.
Beyond the Tarts:
The Tart Shack is a haven for more than just butter tarts. Indulge in Kerri’s mini cheesecakes and danishes, adding to the array of homemade delights that make this stand so special. This isn’t just a bakery; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the art of home baking, where each tart tells a story of passion and perfection. In addition to a variety of butter tart flavours, you can also enjoy cinnamon buns, cookies, brownies, croissants, and more.
So pack your appetite and prepare for a sweet adventure at The Tart Shack—where every bite is a journey to remember!
The Tart Shack: A Hidden Gem for Butter Tart Lovers
Get ready to embark on a butter tart adventure at The Tart Shack! As you approach this cozy little bake shop, the charming wooden sandwich board menu signs invite you inside. The irresistible aroma of freshly baked tarts fills the air, promising a delightful, sugary experience. The true stars here are the tarts—each a golden, buttery masterpiece. Whether you prefer the classic plain butter tarts or crave a nutty twist with pecans, every bite will transport you straight to dessert heaven.
Appearance
These butter tarts are a feast for the eyes, handmade with love and crafted from hand-pressed pastry. Each tart boasts a unique appearance, yet all share the classic clover design. Baked to a perfect golden hue, the tarts are filled to the brim, ensuring an ideal crust-to-filling ratio. Some even have a charming boil-over, adding to their rustic appeal.
Pastry
The pastry is a nod to tradition, made with fresh-milled local Huron County flour and real creamy local butter—no lard here! The dough is hand-rolled and shaped the old-fashioned way, resulting in a crust that is flaky, well-laminated, and delightfully chewy. The butter adds a subtle sweetness, and the pastry is light yet sturdy enough to hold the filling securely.
Filling
The filling is a sweet symphony of real butter, dark brown sugar, maple syrup, and fresh eggs, all sourced locally. This luscious mixture is incredibly sweet and buttery, with a creamy, smooth texture that oozes just the right amount. Kerri, the baker, grew up on a farm, so naturally, using real, fresh ingredients is a must for her. These ingredients add a touch of authenticity and warmth to each bite.
Overall Experience
These butter tarts are delightful and incredibly tasty. We opted for the six-pack of classic flavours: plain, pecan, and raisin. While these tarts are perfect for on-the-go snacking, be prepared for some ooze that might drip down your fingers—napkins are a must! The pastry holds together beautifully, flaking just enough without crumbling. Each bite offers the perfect balance of pastry and filling, making for an unforgettable treat.
Transportability
The tarts travel exceptionally well. During our road trip through Huron County, with numerous stops and starts along the way, the tarts, nevertheless, remained intact in their typical cardboard box. They maintained their freshness and quality for several days, making them a perfect companion for any journey.
Home-made done Right
Imagine stepping into a world where the sweet aroma of freshly baked butter tarts fills the air, and every bite takes you back to simpler times. Welcome to Kerri’s little farm in Huron County, where the magic happens. Kerri and her family cultivate a variety of fruits right on their farm, such as cherries, apples, peaches, strawberries, and wild raspberries. Subsequently, all of these fresh fruits find their way into her delectable baked goods. They even tap their own maple trees for syrup, with a little help from a local sugar bush, to meet the demand.
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What sets Kerri’s butter tarts apart is the commitment to quality and tradition. She uses real butter and free-range eggs. Every tart is crafted from scratch with all-natural, locally sourced ingredients, free from preservatives. The result? A taste that feels like home.
Kerri juggles a full-time job during the week, dedicating her weekends to baking. Thanks to a cozy wood stove in her tart shack, she can whip up these delightful treats all year round.
For butter tart enthusiasts, this hidden gem on Belgrave Road is more than just a bakery—it’s an experience. Indulge in the rich flavours of Kerri’s butter tarts and soak in the rustic charm of the countryside. You will not find The Tart Shack at the many butter tart festivals around Ontario; therefore, take a trip on a Saturday morning and, consequently, let the journey back in time begin. Don’t miss out on this authentic taste of Huron County!
Follow along on our Butter Tart Quest as we discover some of the best butter tarts in Ontario.
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