Irresistibly Creamy: Discover the Magic of South African Milk Tart

Indulge in the sweet, creamy comfort of this classic South African Milk Tart, a beloved dessert in many households. The buttery crust perfectly complements the velvety, custard-like filling, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a simple craving for something sweet, this milk tart is sure to satisfy and become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You Will Love this Classic South Africa Milk Tart

• Simplicity and Ease: The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you’ll find it a breeze to prepare.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a festive celebration, or an afternoon tea with friends, this milk tart fits any occasion perfectly. Its light, creamy texture makes it a delightful end to any meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This tart can be made in advance, making it a convenient option for entertaining. It tastes just as delicious the next day and can be stored at room temperature for 3 days.

Share this delightful treat with your loved ones. It also makes a lovely homemade gift for someone special. Present it with some beautiful flowers from the garden, and you’ll surely bring a smile to their face.

Classic South African Milk Tart

A milk tart is a classic South African dessert featuring a creamy, custard-like filling nestled in a buttery crust and traditionally topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine South African

Ingredients

  

Pie Crust

• 2 cups/ 240g / 8.5oz cake flour
• ½ cup / 100g / 3.5 oz sugar
• 1 egg
• 250 g / 8.8 oz butter
• 1 tsp baking powder

Filling

• 3 eggs
• 1 litre / 34oz milk
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 1 cup / 200g / 7 oz sugar
• 2½ tablespoons cake flour
• 2½ tablespoons cornflour

Instructions

 

Instructions for the Crust:

• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and generously grease 2 foil milk tart tins (22.5cm / 9inch).
• Using a Kitchen Aid stand or hand mixer, cream butter until light and fluffy. Add sugar, egg, cake flour, and baking powder, and mix until well combined.
• Split the dough in approximately two and gently press into foil containers using the palm of your hand. Tip: Rub some flour on your hands so the dough doesn’t stick.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes. Every 5-7 minutes, remove the crust from the oven and press down on the dough with a tablespoon to ensure it stays flat.
• Image 1 – after 5 min
  
• Image 2 – after 10 min
  
• Image 3 – after 15 min
  
• As you do this, the crust will automatically go up the sides. Once it is golden brown and cooked, the crust can be removed from the oven.
  

Instructions for the Filling:

• Using a Kitchen Aid hand mixer, beat sugar and eggs well. Add vanilla essence, then add cake flour and cornflour and mix very well.
• Bring 1 litre of milk to the boil. Watch carefully, and as the milk is about to boil up, remove it from the heat and add the egg mixture to the milk, stirring continuously. Continue mixing until the filling is a thick custard. If it does not thicken sufficiently, place it on the heat again until it thickens.
• Pour half the mixture into each of the milk tart tins. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon.
  

Keyword easy milk tart recipe, milk tart, traditional milk tart

I Would Love to Hear From You

Have you tried making this South African Milk Tart? How did it turn out? Do you prefer it with a traditional sprinkle of cinnamon, or do you have your own twist on the classic recipe? Let me know in the comments below—I would love to hear your ideas and variations.