Silky Smooth Milk Tart Recipe: A Classic Sweet Delight

Whipping up a creamy South African milk tart always transports me back to my grandmother’s sunny kitchen.

Memories of sweet, silky custard nestled in a buttery crust dance through my mind.

Generations have treasured this delightful dessert, passing down cherished techniques from one baker to another.

Soft, delicate flavors blend perfectly with a crisp pastry shell that crumbles gently on your tongue.

Cinnamon sprinkled across the top adds a warm, inviting touch that makes this treat irresistible.

My version promises a simple yet magical experience that connects you directly to traditional Cape cuisine.

You’ll fall in love with every tender, custardy bite of this beloved classic.

Why Milk Tart Is a Classic Comfort Treat

• Craft with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this milk tart a dream for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and celebrations, this classic treat brings smiles to everyone's face.
• Nostalgic Comfort: Reminiscent of traditional bakery favorites, this milk tart delivers a warm, creamy experience that transports you to sweet childhood memories.
• Minimal Kitchen Prep: Requires basic cooking tools like a food processor and saucepan, ensuring you won't need specialized equipment to create this delightful dessert.

Ingredients Needed for Milk Tart

• Flour: The main dry ingredient that provides structure to the crust.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning in both crust and filling.
• Butter: Creates a rich, flaky texture in the crust.
• Eggs: Binds the crust and provides structure to the filling.

• Milk: The primary liquid that creates the creamy filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to both crust and filling.
• Cinnamon Stick: Infuses a deep, warm spice into the milk.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides a classic finishing touch to the tart.

• Flour, Cornstarch: Help to thicken and stabilize the milk filling.

How to Make Classic Milk Tart

Step 1: Craft the Delectable Crust

• Flour
• Sugar
• Butter
• Egg
• Vanilla

Pulse everything until the dough transforms into a perfect, unified mixture.

Gently press this golden treasure into a 9-inch tart pan, making sure to cover every nook and cranny. Take a fork and playfully prick the base.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake until the crust turns a gorgeous light golden color (about 15-20 minutes). Let it cool down and rest.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Grab a saucepan and combine milk with a fragrant cinnamon stick. Warm it up gently, but don’t let it boil.

• Sugar
• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Eggs

Make sure the mixture is silky smooth. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking like a pro to prevent any curdling drama.

Transfer everything back to the saucepan and cook over medium heat. Stir continuously until the filling becomes gloriously thick (around 5-7 minutes).

Pull it off the heat, wave goodbye to the cinnamon stick, and stir in some vanilla extract for extra magic.

Step 3: Bring the Masterpiece Together

Pour the luxurious filling into your perfectly baked crust.

Smooth the top with a loving touch. Dust a generous snowfall of ground cinnamon across the surface.

Let the tart cool completely, then tuck it into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. When ready, slice and serve this creamy dream that’ll make taste buds dance with joy!

Tips for Perfect Milk Tart Every Time

• Mix dough ingredients just until they combine to avoid overworking, which can make the crust tough and crumbly.
• Heat milk gently to prevent scorching or boiling, ensuring a smooth, creamy filling without burning the bottom.
• Gradually add warm milk to egg mixture while whisking constantly to prevent scrambling and maintain a silky texture.
• Stir filling continuously over medium heat, watching for the right consistency that coats the back of a spoon without burning.
• Refrigerate tart for at least 2 hours to let filling set completely and develop a rich, creamy taste that's perfectly cold and delightful.

Variations to Try on Classic Milk Tart

• Gluten-Free Milk Tart: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free baking mix for the crust to maintain similar texture.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cow's milk with coconut or almond milk. Use dairy-free margarine instead of butter to create a lactose-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the classic milk tart flavor profile.
• Vegan Milk Tart: Use plant-based milk, coconut cream, and egg replacer. Create a nut-based crust with dates and almonds for a completely plant-based dessert.

What Goes Well with Milk Tart

Enjoy a warm chai tea or spiced rooibos tea that complements the tart’s delicate cinnamon notes and adds depth to each creamy bite.

Select a crisp moscato or sweet dessert wine with light fruity undertones that cut through the tart’s creamy texture without overwhelming its subtle sweetness.

Serve alongside a small scoop of vanilla bean or caramel ice cream to elevate the dessert’s creamy profile and provide a cool contrast to the warm cinnamon flavors.

Pair with a light espresso or cappuccino to highlight the tart’s delicate sweetness and provide a sophisticated finishing touch to your dessert experience.

How to Store Milk Tart Safely

• Store milk tart in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and keep refrigerated at 40°F.
• Wrap the entire tart tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep the tart at room temperature for no longer than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Consume within this timeframe for best quality and safety.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. Alternatively, place in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore slight warmth without compromising the delicate custard texture.

FAQs

• What is the origin of Milk Tart?

Milk tart, or “Melktert” in Afrikaans, is a traditional South African dessert with Dutch colonial influences, featuring a creamy milk-based custard filling in a sweet pastry crust.

• Can I make this recipe without a food processor?

Yes, you can mix the crust ingredients by hand using a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine the butter with dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.

• How do I know when the filling is properly thickened?

The filling is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear path when you run your finger through it, typically taking 5-7 minutes of constant stirring.

Milk Tart Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

South African milk tart delights with creamy custard nestled in a buttery crust, promising comfort and sweet nostalgia. Homemade goodness awaits you in this classic dessert that connects generations through its simple, irresistible charm.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (1 liter) whole milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon, for dusting

Thickening Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
• 1 large egg

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Instructions

1. Craft a buttery pastry shell by blending flour, sugar, butter, egg, and vanilla in a food processor until a cohesive dough forms.
2. Transfer the dough into a 9-inch tart pan, meticulously pressing it to cover the base and sides with an even layer.
3. Use a fork to create small perforations across the dough base, which prevents uneven rising during baking.
4. Bake the crust at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes until achieving a delicate golden hue, then set aside to cool completely.
5. Infuse milk with a cinnamon stick over medium heat, warming gently without allowing it to reach a boiling point.
6. Simultaneously whisk sugar, flour, cornstarch, and eggs in a separate bowl until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
7. Gradually stream the warm milk into the egg mixture, continuously whisking to prevent potential curdling.
8. Transfer the combined liquid back to the saucepan, cooking over medium heat while stirring consistently until the filling thickens and reaches a pudding-like texture (approximately 5-7 minutes).
9. Remove from heat, discard the cinnamon stick, and incorporate vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
10. Elegantly pour the creamy filling into the cooled pastry shell, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
11. Generously dust the top with ground cinnamon for a classic, aromatic finish.
12. Allow the tart to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to set and develop optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Create a perfectly smooth crust by using cold butter and handling the dough minimally to prevent tough pastry.
• Prevent egg mixture from curdling by tempering slowly and whisking continuously when adding warm milk.
• Achieve silky filling consistency by stirring constantly and removing from heat the moment the mixture thickens to avoid scrambling.
• Enhance flavor by toasting the cinnamon stick briefly before adding to milk for deeper, richer aromatic notes.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: South African

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 303 kcal
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 57 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg