Easy Milk Tart

A Little History of South African Milk Tart (Melktert)

Milk Tart, or Melktert, is one of South Africa’s most beloved traditional desserts. Its origins date back to the early Dutch settlers who arrived at the Cape in the 1600s, bringing European custard tart recipes with them. Over time, these recipes evolved in South Africa, becoming lighter and milkier than their European counterparts. Today, Melktert is a cherished part of South African food culture, often served at family gatherings, celebrations, church teas, and special occasions. For many South Africans, a slice of Milk Tart is a taste of home and a reminder of treasured family memories.

The following is one of my favourite and easiest Milk Tart recipes. It brings back so many happy memories of family, friends and South Africa.

Easy Milk Tart

Ingredients

For the Base

1½ packets biscuits of your choice, crushed 150 g butter, melted

For the Filling

700 ml full cream milk, divided 1 tin condensed milk 2 tsp vanilla essence 1 cinnamon stick Naartjie or Satsuma peels (a few strips) 3 eggs 3 dessert spoons heaped cornflour (cornstarch) Pinch of salt Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling

Method

Crush the biscuits and mix with the melted butter.

Press the mixture firmly into a pie dish to form the base.

Refrigerate while preparing the filling.

Pour 500 ml of the milk into a pot and add the vanilla essence, condensed milk, cinnamon stick, and naartjie peels.

Heat gently and allow the cinnamon and naartjie peel to infuse until you can taste their flavour in the milk.

Remove the cinnamon stick and naartjie peels. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 200 ml milk, eggs, cornflour, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Slowly stir the egg mixture into the hot milk mixture, stirring continuously.

Continue cooking over medium heat until the mixture thickens quickly into a smooth custard.

Pour the custard filling over the chilled biscuit base and smooth the top.

Allow to cool, then refrigerate until fully set. Before serving, sprinkle generously with ground cinnamon.

Serve chilled and enjoy a simple, comforting taste of South Africa. 🇿🇦❤️