South African Milk Tart Recipe (Melktert)
Milk Tart, or Melktert, is a beloved South African dessert that combines a sweet pastry crust with a creamy, cinnamon-infused milk filling. This authentic recipe captures the essence of this classic treat, providing a taste of South African culinary heritage.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 200g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 50g (1/4 cup) sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 500ml (2 cups) full-cream milk
- 2 large eggs
- 150g (3/4 cup) sugar
- 50g (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour
- 50g (1/4 cup) cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and rub the mixture together until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add the egg to the mixture and combine until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough briefly on a floured surface, then wrap it in cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and line a greased tart pan with it, ensuring an even thickness.
- Prick the base with a fork and blind bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow the crust to cool while you prepare the filling.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk with the cinnamon stick until just below boiling point. Remove the cinnamon stick and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, and cornstarch until well combined.
- Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Allow the tart to cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- Dust the chilled milk tart with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon before serving.
This authentic South African Milk Tart is a delightful combination of textures and flavours, embodying the warm, comforting essence of traditional South African cuisine. Enjoy a slice of this classic dessert as a sweet conclusion to any meal or as a treat to share with friends and family. Visit our shop for inspiration for your next South African baking or cooking recipe!