Discover how to make the classic South African Milk Tart (Melktert) with this easy-to-follow recipe. This delightful dessert features a creamy, smooth custard filling encased in a buttery pastry crust, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Perfect for any occasion, this milk tart will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests. Learn the step-by-step process to create this beloved treat that's rich in flavor and tradition.

Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

- ¼ cup granulated sugar

- 1 large egg yolk

- 1-2 tablespoons cold water

For the Custard Filling:

- 2 cups whole milk

- ¼ cup granulated sugar

- 3 large eggs

- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

- 2 tablespoons cornstarch

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

For the Topping:

- Ground cinnamon (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

Prepare the Pastry:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

- In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and butter. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

- Add the egg yolk and pulse until just combined. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.

- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch tart pan. Trim the edges and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

- Prick the bottom of the tart shell with a fork and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Make the Custard Filling:

- In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam. Do not let it boil.

- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, and cornstarch until smooth.

- Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.

- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking continuously, until the custard thickens (about 5-7 minutes).

- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and nutmeg (if using).

Assemble and Bake:

- Pour the custard filling into the pre-baked tart shell and smooth the top with a spatula.

- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden.

- Allow the tart to cool to room temperature. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Milk Tart (Melktert) with a cup of tea or coffee!

Nutritional values

This recipe combines a buttery, flaky pastry base with a rich and creamy custard filling, topped with a light dusting of cinnamon. Perfect for a classic dessert, this tart delivers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice.

Pastry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups)

   - Calories: 364 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 76 grams

Benefits: Provides the structure for the pastry, all-purpose flour creates a crisp and light base for the tart.

Unsalted Butter (½ cup, chilled and cubed)

   - Calories: 717 kcal

   - Fat: 81 grams

Benefits: Chilled butter ensures a flaky pastry texture and gives a rich, buttery flavor.

Granulated Sugar (¼ cup)

   - Calories: 387 kcal

Benefits: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the richness of the butter in the pastry.

Egg Yolk (1 large)

   - Calories: 55 kcal

   - Protein: 3 grams

Benefits: The egg yolk provides fat and moisture, helping to bind the dough and add richness.

Cold Water (1-2 tablespoons)

Benefits: Cold water helps bind the dough together without warming the butter, which ensures the pastry remains flaky.

Custard Filling Ingredients:

Whole Milk (2 cups)

   - Calories: 61 kcal

   - Protein: 3.3 grams

Benefits: Milk creates a smooth, creamy custard, providing essential calcium and vitamin D.

Granulated Sugar (¼ cup)

   - Calories: 387 kcal

Benefits: Adds sweetness to the custard, complementing the richness of the eggs and milk.

Eggs (3 large)

   - Calories: 72 kcal

   - Protein: 6 grams

Benefits: Eggs thicken the custard, adding richness and creating a silky texture.

All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons)

   - Calories: 364 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 76 grams

Benefits: Flour helps thicken the custard and contributes to its smooth, creamy consistency.

Cornstarch (2 tablespoons)

   - Calories: 381 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 91 grams

Benefits: Cornstarch acts as a stabilizer for the custard, ensuring it sets properly.

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)

   - Calories: 12 kcal

Benefits: Vanilla adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor of the custard.

Ground Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon, optional)

   - Calories: 525 kcal

   - Fiber: 20 grams

Benefits: Nutmeg gives the custard a hint of spice, adding depth and warmth to the flavor profile.

Topping:

Ground Cinnamon (for sprinkling)

   - Calories: 6 kcal

   - Fiber: 1.4 grams

Benefits: Cinnamon adds a delicate touch of spice, enhancing the overall aroma and flavor of the tart.

This pastry with a creamy custard filling and a sprinkle of cinnamon offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The buttery, flaky crust contrasts with the smooth, sweet custard, while the cinnamon or nutmeg adds a touch of warmth. Ideal for an afternoon tea or as a delightful dessert.