Milktart recipe

Easy South African Milk Tart Recipe

If you’re craving a taste of South Africa but want to keep things simple, look no further than this classic South African milk tart (Melktert) recipe. Creamy, sweet, and with a hint of cinnamon, this dessert is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this easy recipe will help you create a delicious treat that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
  • 1/2 cup (115g) butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 egg yolk

For the Filling:

  • 2 cups (500ml) milk
  • 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
  • 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup (60g) butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 large eggs

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar.
  2. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Stir in the egg yolk until the dough starts to come together. You may need to add a teaspoon of cold water if the dough is too dry.
  4. Press the dough into a 9-inch (23cm) tart pan, covering the bottom and sides evenly. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust to prevent bubbling.
  5. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

2. Bake the Crust:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.

3. Make the Filling:

  1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Do not let it boil.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and a small amount of milk to form a smooth paste.
  3. Gradually stir the cornstarch mixture into the simmering milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Allow it to cool slightly.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then slowly add them to the milk mixture, stirring continuously.
  6. Pour the filling into the cooled crust.

4. Bake the Tart:

  1. Bake the tart at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top.
  2. Let the milk tart cool completely before serving. It can be served warm or chilled, depending on your preference.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Dust the top of the milk tart with additional ground cinnamon or powdered sugar if desired.
  2. Slice and serve. Enjoy this South African classic with a cup of tea or coffee!

Tips:

  • For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a bit of lemon zest to the filling.
  • Make sure the milk mixture is not too hot when adding the eggs to prevent curdling.

This milk tart is a delicious and comforting dessert that brings a taste of South Africa right to your kitchen. Enjoy baking and indulging in this creamy, sweet treat!

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