Do butter tarts have dairy? A look at traditional ingredients and dairy-free options

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Traditionally made with butter, eggs, and often cream or milk, the classic Canadian dessert, a butter tart, typically contains dairy. Understanding the specific ingredients is key for individuals with dietary restrictions or allergies.

Quick Summary

Traditional butter tarts are not dairy-free, as they contain butter and sometimes milk or cream in the filling. Delicious dairy-free and vegan versions exist using plant-based alternatives for both the crust and filling. The low lactose content in butter is key for those who are lactose intolerant but not allergic.

Key Points

Traditional Recipe Contains Dairy: Classic butter tarts are made with dairy butter and sometimes cream or milk, making them unsuitable for vegan diets or those with milk allergies.
Vegan Alternatives Exist: High-quality vegan butter, plant-based milks, and other substitutes can be used to create delicious, dairy-free versions.
Lactose vs. Allergy: People with lactose intolerance may tolerate the low lactose content in butter, but a milk protein allergy requires complete avoidance of all dairy products.
Read Store-Bought Labels Carefully: Pre-made butter tarts can vary widely in their ingredients, so always check the product packaging for specific allergens.
Substitutions are Easy: Vegan buttery spreads or solid coconut oil can replace butter in the pastry and filling, and plant-based milks can substitute cream or milk.
High in Calories and Sugar: Regardless of the ingredients, butter tarts are a decadent treat high in sugar and fat and should be consumed in moderation.

Do butter tarts contain dairy?

Yes, traditional butter tarts almost always contain dairy. The name itself, a buttery filling, is the biggest clue. The recipe includes multiple dairy products in both the pastry crust and the sweet, gooey filling. This is a crucial point for anyone with a dairy allergy or who follows a vegan diet. However, for those with lactose intolerance, the situation can be more nuanced depending on the recipe and sensitivity level.

The dairy in a classic butter tart

Examining the typical components of a traditional butter tart recipe reveals where the dairy comes from:

The Pastry Crust: Most traditional recipes call for a butter pastry or a combination of butter and lard. Butter, made from milk, is a dairy product. The butter is what creates the flaky, tender texture of the crust.
The Filling: This is where things can get even more dairy-intensive. While recipes vary, a standard butter tart filling includes:
- Butter: Melted butter is a primary ingredient, providing the signature rich flavor.
- Cream or Milk: Many recipes, particularly those aiming for a runnier filling, incorporate a splash of cream or milk.
- Eggs: While not dairy, eggs are a common allergen and are also present in the filling to help it set.

Dairy alternatives for a modern twist

For those who need or want to avoid dairy, there is good news. Many delicious and satisfying vegan and dairy-free butter tart recipes are available. These recipes substitute the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives without sacrificing flavor or texture. The rise of quality vegan butters and other plant-based products has made this easier than ever.

How to create a dairy-free butter tart

To bake a dairy-free version, the following substitutions are essential:

For the Pastry: Instead of dairy butter, use a vegan buttery spread, plant-based butter, or solid coconut oil. For a super-flaky crust, the key is to keep the solid fat and water very cold.
For the Filling: The substitution here is straightforward. Replace the dairy butter with melted vegan butter. If a recipe calls for cream or milk, use a plant-based milk like almond, soy, or coconut milk. Cornstarch or arrowroot powder can be used to help the filling set properly.

Lactose intolerance vs. milk protein allergy

It's important to understand the difference between lactose intolerance and a milk protein allergy, as this affects how someone can approach butter tarts.

Lactose Intolerance: This is the inability to fully digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. Since butter is primarily fat and contains only trace amounts of lactose, many people with lactose intolerance can consume small amounts of butter without issue. However, recipes with added cream or milk would still pose a problem.
Milk Protein Allergy: This is an allergic reaction to the protein in milk. Even trace amounts can cause a reaction. For individuals with a milk protein allergy, complete avoidance of traditional butter tarts is necessary, and all substitutions must be strictly followed.

Traditional vs. Dairy-Free Butter Tarts: A Comparison


Feature	Traditional Butter Tarts	Dairy-Free/Vegan Butter Tarts
Pastry Fat	Dairy butter or a combination with lard	Vegan buttery spread, plant-based butter, or solid coconut oil
Filling Fat	Melted dairy butter	Melted vegan butter or coconut oil
Filling Liquid	Often includes cream or milk	Plant-based milk like almond, soy, or coconut milk
Sweeteners	Brown sugar, corn syrup, maple syrup	Brown sugar, corn syrup, maple syrup
Add-ins	Raisins, currants, nuts (pecans, walnuts)	Raisins, currants, nuts (pecans, walnuts)
Allergens	Dairy, eggs, wheat, nuts (optional)	Wheat, nuts (optional)

The nutritional aspect of butter tarts

It's worth noting that while delicious, butter tarts are a treat and not a health food. They are typically high in sugar, fat, and calories, whether traditional or dairy-free. A typical single tart can contain over 300 calories. Enjoying them in moderation is key, especially if you are watching your calorie intake. The focus should be on savoring the flavor and flaky texture, regardless of the ingredients.

Conclusion

In short, do butter tarts have dairy? Yes, the classic, traditional recipe absolutely does, with butter and often cream or milk featuring prominently in both the pastry and the filling. However, the modern food landscape, with its wide array of high-quality plant-based alternatives, has made it simple to create dairy-free and vegan versions. Whether you are lactose intolerant, have a milk protein allergy, or simply choose to eat vegan, you don't have to miss out on this classic Canadian delicacy. The key is simply to use the right substitutions and be mindful of your dietary needs. For those with severe allergies, always double-check store-bought tarts for cross-contamination warnings.

Source for vegan recipes: For an excellent collection of dairy-free and vegan baking ideas, explore the recipes on Go Dairy Free.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary dairy ingredient in a traditional butter tart is butter, which is used in both the flaky pastry crust and the sweet, rich filling. Some recipes also include heavy cream or milk in the filling.

No, traditional butter tarts are not dairy-free. However, many vegan and dairy-free recipes exist that use plant-based alternatives, such as vegan butter and plant-based milks.

Using certain types of margarine can make butter tarts dairy-free. It is crucial to check the ingredient list of the margarine, as some brands still contain dairy ingredients like whey or casein.

Yes, butter contains only trace amounts of lactose because the churning process removes most of the milk solids. This is why many people with lactose intolerance can consume small amounts without symptoms.

No, individuals with a milk protein allergy should not eat traditional butter tarts. Even though butter is low in lactose, it still contains milk proteins that can trigger an allergic reaction.

For a dairy-free filling, you can use melted vegan butter in place of regular butter. If the recipe calls for milk or cream, use a plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or coconut milk.

Most store-bought butter tarts contain dairy, as they follow traditional recipes. Always check the allergen information on the packaging, as they often explicitly state 'Contains: Milk'.