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:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar.
- Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chill the crust in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
2. Bake the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.
3. Make the Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and a small amount of milk to form a smooth paste.
- Gradually stir the cornstarch mixture into the simmering milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Allow it to cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then slowly add them to the milk mixture, stirring continuously.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust.
4. Bake the Tart:
- Bake the tart at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top.
- Let the milk tart cool completely before serving. It can be served warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Dust the top of the milk tart with additional ground cinnamon or powdered sugar if desired.
- 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!