south african melktert recipe

south african melktert recipe

The Best south african melktert recipe

I’ve been making South African melktert recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish is a traditional South African dessert that consists of a custard-like filling made with milk, sugar, and eggs, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. It’s a bit more involved to make than some other desserts, but the end result is well worth the effort.

My kids love helping me make the pastry dough from scratch, and they’re always excited to get their hands dirty with the crumbly mixture. As we work together in the kitchen, I love watching them learn and grow as they develop their skills and confidence in the kitchen. We often serve melktert at family gatherings and parties, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

The combination of the creamy filling and the crispy pastry crust is just irresistible. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover pastry dough if you have some on hand. I also appreciate how easy it is to make melktert ahead of time – just assemble the components in advance and bake it off when you’re ready.

It’s perfect for busy families or anyone who wants to impress their guests with a show-stopping dessert without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen. My family loves melktert so much that we’ve even started making mini versions for quick snacks or treats on-the-go. It’s amazing how something so simple can bring so much joy to our lives.

Over time, I’ve experimented with different flavor combinations and variations to keep things interesting – like adding a pinch of nutmeg or using different types of milk – but the classic recipe remains our favorite by far.

South African Melktert

South African Melktert

4.5 from 1888 votes

A classic South African custard tart with a sweet pastry crust and a creamy, cinnamon-spiced filling. This dessert is beloved for its simple ingredients and comforting flavor.

Prep Time25 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pastry

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 large egg yolk
2 to 3 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling

4 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, separated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4Add the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of ice water, stirring with a fork until the dough just comes together.
5Add more water if needed, 1 teaspoon at a time.
6Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
7On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to a 12-inch circle.
8Transfer to a 9-inch tart pan, pressing gently into the bottom and sides.
9Trim excess dough.
10Line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights.
11Bake the crust for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
12Remove the parchment and weights, then bake for another 5 to 7 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.
13Set aside to cool slightly.
14In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt.
15Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
16Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil, about 8 to 10 minutes.
17In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks lightly.
18Slowly whisk about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks to temper them.
19Then pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly.
20Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring, for 2 minutes until the custard is very thick.
21Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter until smooth.
22Pour the custard into the pre-baked tart shell.
23Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
24In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
25Gently fold in 2 tablespoons of sugar, then spread the meringue over the custard, sealing the edges.
26Sprinkle ground cinnamon evenly over the meringue.
27Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until the meringue is set and lightly browned.
28Cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

🔧Equipment

9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Saucepan
Rolling pin
Parchment paper
Pie weights or dried beans

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 115mg🧂Sodium: 280mg🌾Total Carbs: 41g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 24g🥩Protein: 8g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, use full-fat milk. The tart can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Dust with extra cinnamon before serving.

Watch Video Of How South African Melktert Works

Melktert is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just want to treat your family to something special.

It’s easy to make ahead of time and can be reheated as needed for convenience.

One of my favorite ways to serve melktert is topped with fresh fruit or whipped cream for added flavor and texture.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About South African Melktert

Q: What is melktert?

Melktert is a traditional South African dessert that consists of a custard-like filling made with milk, sugar, and eggs, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust.

Q: What type of pastry crust is used in melktert?

The pastry crust used in melktert is typically made from scratch using a combination of flour, butter, and water.

Q: How do you make the custard filling for melktert?

To make the custard filling, you’ll need to mix together milk, sugar, eggs, and flour – then cook it over low heat until it thickens.

Q: Can I use store-bought pastry dough instead of making it from scratch?

You can use store-bought pastry dough if you prefer – but keep in mind that it won’t have quite the same homemade flavor or texture as making it from scratch.

Q: How do I assemble and bake melktert?

To assemble melktert, simply place the custard filling inside the pastry shell – then bake it off until golden brown.

Q: Can I freeze melktert for later use?

Yes – you can freeze assembled melkterts for up to 3 months before baking. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

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