Melktert (Milk Tart) Recipe

Melktert (Afrikaans for “Milk Tart”) is a classic South African dessert that features a creamy, custard-like filling made from milk, sugar, and eggs, baked into a light pastry crust. This sweet and comforting tart is a favorite at family gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg

For the Filling

  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon (for dusting)

Instructions

Make the Crust

  1. Preheat the oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Mix the crust ingredients:
    • In a bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
    • Add the egg and mix well.
    • In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, and then gradually add it to the butter mixture.
    • Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Shape the crust:
    • Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
    • Prick the crust with a fork and bake for about 10-15 minutes until it’s lightly golden.
    • Remove and set aside to cool.

Make the Filling

  1. Heat the milk:
    • In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
  2. Whisk the dry ingredients:
    • In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, flour, and eggs until smooth.
  3. Combine the egg mixture and milk:
    • Slowly pour some of the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
    • Then slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk, whisking continuously.
  4. Thicken the filling:
    • Return the saucepan to low heat and cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens into a custard-like consistency (about 5-7 minutes).
    • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Assemble and Bake

  1. Fill the tart shell:
    • Pour the custard filling into the baked crust and smooth the top.
  2. Bake the tart:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the filling is set.
  3. Dust with cinnamon:
    • Remove from the oven and dust the top generously with ground cinnamon.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Serve Melktert chilled or at room temperature, allowing the filling to set fully.
  2. Slice and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a classic South African treat.