Indulge in this easy milk tart recipe, a classic South African milk tart (melktert) loved for its silky, custard-like filling and delicate cinnamon topping. If you’ve ever wondered how to make milk tart at home, this step-by-step guide will show you just how simple it can be.
This traditional melktert recipe features a buttery crust that perfectly complements the smooth, creamy filling, creating a beautiful balance of texture and flavour. Whether you’re planning a relaxed afternoon tea, a family gathering, or simply craving something sweet, this milk tart is a much-loved favourite.
This South African milk tart recipe is a true classic and surprisingly easy to prepare, making it one you’ll want to keep on hand.
If cinnamon is one of your favourite spices, you’ll especially love this milk tart. For another delicious cake using cinnimon, you may also enjoy my Apple Cinnamon Swirl Loaf.
What is Milk Tart? A Classic South African Tea-Time Cake
Milk Tart, or Melktert, is a traditional South African baked treat enjoyed across generations. It features a silky custard filling made from flour and cornflour, milk, sugar, eggs, and a touch of vanilla, set in a crisp, buttery crust. Finished with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon, it offers a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures.
Unlike a formal dessert served after a meal, Milk Tart is traditionally enjoyed with tea or coffee, making it a classic tea-time cake. Its light, sweet custard and tender crust make it ideal for casual gatherings, family snacks, or simply as a delightful treat any time of day.
Milk Tart Crust Recipe: The Perfect Base for Your Custard
The crust is just as important as the creamy custard when making the perfect South African Milk Tart. For a traditional base, use a sweet pastry made with butter, sugar, flour, egg and baking powder. he buttery crust provides the ideal foundation for the sweet, creamy custard, making every bite utterly satisfying.
Why You Will Love This Traditional South African Milk Tart
Simplicity and Ease: This 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 gathering, afternoon tea, or festive celebration, this traditional milk tart fits beautifully. Its light, creamy texture makes it a delightful treat any time of day.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This Milk Tart can be made in advance, making it convenient for entertaining. It tastes just as delicious the next day and can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Share this delightful tea-time cake with your loved ones. It also makes a lovely homemade gift. Present it with some fresh flowers, and you’ll surely bring a smile to someone special.
Traditional South African Milk Tart
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 with bowl 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.
Must-have Tools and Ingredients for this Traditional South African Milk Tart
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Description: Perfect for mixing the milk tart filling, saving time by avoiding washing the stand mixer mid-bake. |
Description: Used to prepare the milk tart base, making creaming and mixing quick and effortless. |
Description: Provides ample capacity for mixing the tart base comfortably |
Perfect for mixing the milk tart filling, saving time by avoiding washing the stand mixer mid-bake.
Used to prepare the milk tart base, making creaming and mixing quick and effortless.
Provides ample capacity for mixing the tart base comfortably
Trusted Brands I Use for Perfect Milk Tart Results
For a smooth, reliable bake every time, I turn to my favourite kitchen essentials:
– MyKitchenAid stand mixer handles the shortcrust base with ease, while the hand mixer gives the egg mixture a light, even texture.
– Colman’s Spray and Cook keeps the tart from sticking without adding extra flavour.
– Moirs Vanilla Essence brings a beautifully balanced vanilla note that enhances the custard without overpowering it.
– And Royal Baking Powder ensures the crust stays just the right texture, never heavy or dense.
Milk Tart Tips
Whisk Constantly for a Silky Custard
As the filling thickens, keep whisking to prevent lumps and ensure that signature smooth, creamy consistency every good milk tart recipe is known for.
Let It Cool Properly Before Slicing
This is key. Your melktert needs time to set fully.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste
Traditional milk tart is gently sweet, not overly rich. Taste your filling before setting and adjust if needed.
Frequently asked Questions
To prevent a runny filling, be sure to cook the custard until thickened and allow the tart to set fully before slicing.
Milk tart keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from drying out.
Milk tart is served cold.
Full-cream (whole) milk is the best.
Where to buy authentic South African ingredients?
Check out my guide on Where to Buy South African Products to find everything you need for your next bake!
Save this Recipe for later
Love South African treats? Save this Traditional Milk Tart recipe for later!
Love Baking? Try These 4 Classic Favourites Too
If you enjoyed this Milk Tart, you’ll love these tried-and-tested bakes, each one a crowd-pleaser in its own way!
Carrot Cake: Packed with spice and texture, finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting.
Chocolate Cake: A soft, decadent classic that’s always a hit at birthdays and special occasions.
Easy Butter Scones Recipe: Buttery and golden, perfect with jam and cream for tea time.
Banana Bread: Simple, sweet, and perfect when you’ve got overripe bananas on the counter.
This Traditional South African Milk Tart Recipe is a Treasured Recipe Shared by a Friend
I first received this recipe from my friend over 20 years ago, and it’s been a firm favourite ever since.