Description
Milk Tart, or Melktert, is a traditional South African dessert featuring a creamy cinnamon-infused custard filling nestled within a buttery, tender crust. This delightful tart is commonly enjoyed chilled or at room temperature and is especially popular on ‘Milk Tart Day’ in South Africa. The combination of smooth custard and a slightly crisp pastry makes it a comforting and flavorful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Ground cinnamon (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the tart crust.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add the cubed unsalted butter and rub it in with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs. Incorporate the egg and mix until a soft dough forms. Evenly press the dough into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch tart pan. Prick the base with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust turns lightly golden. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a saucepan set over medium heat, heat the milk along with the cinnamon stick until it begins to simmer gently. Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes to infuse the flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Cook: Remove the cinnamon stick from the milk. Gradually whisk the warm milk into the egg mixture to temper the eggs, preventing curdling. Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency, approximately 5–7 minutes.
- Assemble the Tart: Pour the thickened custard filling into the baked tart crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Generously dust the surface with ground cinnamon for a classic finish.
- Chill and Serve: Let the tart cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly. Serve chilled or at room temperature, slicing into 8 pieces.
Notes
- This tart is traditionally enjoyed on Milk Tart Day, celebrated in South Africa on February 27.
- Milk Tart can be served chilled for a firmer texture or at room temperature for a softer fill.
- You may prepare the crust in advance or use a store-bought pie crust for convenience.
- Ensure to whisk the warm milk slowly into the egg mixture to prevent scrambling.
- Ground cinnamon dusting on top adds the authentic flavor and presentation touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: South African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
