South African Melktert Milktart
Experience the comforting, creamy nostalgia of South African cuisine with this Melktert, or Milk Tart, a beloved traditional dessert. This indulgent tart features a buttery, tender crust and a velvety milk custard filling, delicately infused with vanilla and crowned with a dusting of fragrant ground cinnamon. With its light texture and perfectly balanced sweetness, Melktert is a delightful treat for after-dinner indulgence or afternoon tea. Simple yet elegant, this recipe comes together in just over an hour and can be made ahead, making it ideal for gatherings or celebrations. Serve it chilled to let the cinnamon-spiced custard shine—every slice is pure comfort in dessert form!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.5 cups Salted butter
- 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar (for the crust)
- 2 Egg yolks
- 3.5 cups Whole milk
- 0.75 cups Granulated sugar (for the filling)
- 0.25 cups Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour (for the filling)
- 2 Eggs
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
To prepare the crust, combine the flour and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Add the butter and rub it in with your fingers until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Add the egg yolks to the bowl and mix until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of cold water at a time until it forms a ball.
Press the dough evenly into a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish, covering the base and sides. Prick the base lightly with a fork to prevent air pockets.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and let cool.
For the filling, heat the milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until warm, but not boiling.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, flour, and eggs until smooth.
Slowly pour a small amount of the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
Gradually add the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan of milk, stirring continuously.
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency. Remove from heat.
Stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
Pour the custard filling into the cooled crust and smooth the surface with a spatula.
Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the top of the tart.
Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
Slice and serve the Melktert chilled. Enjoy this creamy and comforting classic South African dessert!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1840 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.5 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.6 g | 33% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 741 mg | 247% | |
| Sodium | 164 mg | 7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 371.2 g | 135% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.8 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 204.8 g | ||
| Protein | 38.3 g | 77% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.0 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 158 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 11.7 mg | 65% | |
| Potassium | 418 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
