Milk Tart Recipe

Oh, let me tell you about this one: Milk Tart is a dessert that will make your heart sing with joy! This classic South African treat is all about creamy, comforting flavors and a beautifully delicate texture. Imagine a smooth, velvety filling made with milk, sugar, and eggs, set inside a buttery, crisp pastry crust. It’s like the best of a custard and a pie all wrapped into one perfect dessert. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked—and you’ll find yourself making it again and again for every occasion (or just because you’re craving something sweet and soothing). Ready to whip up this deliciousness? Let’s go!

Why You’ll Love Milk Tart

Let me tell you why this milk tart is the dessert you need in your life:

• Simple and Elegant: With just a few ingredients, this tart comes together effortlessly. The flavor is rich, creamy, and comforting, but it looks elegant on the table—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
• Heavenly Texture: The filling has a custardy, smooth texture that melts in your mouth. Paired with the crisp, flaky crust, it’s a dessert experience like no other. Every bite is pure bliss.
• Versatile: This tart can be served warm or cold, making it perfect for any season. It’s just as delightful on a sunny afternoon as it is on a cozy winter evening.
• Crowd-Pleasing: It’s one of those desserts that everyone loves. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a treat to a family gathering, or just making something for the weekend, this milk tart will never let you down.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this perfect, silky milk tart:

• For the Crust:
  • All-purpose flour: For the base of the tart. It gives you that delicious, flaky crust.
  • Butter: Rich, creamy butter to make the crust crisp and melt-in-your-mouth.
  • Sugar: Just a touch to add sweetness to the crust.
  • Eggs: To bind everything together and give the crust that perfect texture.
• For the Filling:
  • Milk: The heart of this tart. Full-fat milk gives the filling that creamy, smooth texture we all crave.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the custard-like filling, making every bite perfectly balanced.
  • Cornstarch: To thicken the filling and give it that beautiful, silky smooth consistency.
  • Eggs: Adds richness to the filling, giving it that custardy texture.
  • Butter: A small amount to add extra richness to the filling.
  • Vanilla extract: For that aromatic sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
  • Ground cinnamon: A sprinkle on top of the tart for that signature finishing touch.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now that we’ve got our ingredients, let’s get to the fun part—making this milk tart!

Step 1: Make the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the flour, butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix everything together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add one egg and mix until the dough starts to come together. If needed, add a splash of cold water to bind the dough. Roll out the dough and press it into a tart pan, making sure to press it up the sides. Blind bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling. Pour everything back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until melted and smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Tart

Once the filling has cooled slightly, pour it into the prepared crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even coverage.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Allow the tart to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge to chill for at least 3 hours. Once chilled, sprinkle the top with a light dusting of ground cinnamon for that signature finish.

Step 5: Slice and Enjoy!

Cut yourself a slice (or two) and enjoy the sweet, creamy, comforting goodness of this milk tart!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 300
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 130mg
Potassium: 180mg
Calcium: 140mg

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes

How to Serve Milk Tart

Milk tart is great on its own, but if you want to add a little extra touch to your serving, here are a few ideas:

• Fresh Fruit: Serve with some fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top can take this dessert to the next level.
• Iced Tea or Coffee: Pair it with a chilled glass of iced tea or a cup of coffee for the perfect afternoon treat.
• Mint Garnish: A sprig of fresh mint on top makes this dessert look even more appealing.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: Milk tart can be made a day in advance, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings or family meals. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
• Crust Variations: If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought graham cracker crust or a pre-made tart shell instead of making your own.
• Sweetness Level: You can adjust the sweetness of the filling to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter tart, feel free to add a bit more sugar.
• Cinnamon Variation: Some people like to add a little cinnamon to the filling itself, which gives it a slightly different flavor. You can try this for a more spiced version!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different crust?
A1: Yes, you can use a graham cracker crust or a shortcrust pastry instead of the regular tart crust. Each will give a different texture but will still taste delicious.

Q2: Can I make this milk tart ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! This tart actually tastes even better when it has had time to chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

Q3: How should I store leftover milk tart?
A3: Store leftover milk tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for those late-night cravings!

Q4: Can I freeze milk tart?
A4: While this dessert is best served fresh, you can freeze the tart before adding the cinnamon topping. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Q5: Can I use a dairy-free milk substitute?
A5: Yes! You can substitute the milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or another dairy-free milk alternative, but it may slightly change the flavor and texture of the tart.

Q6: Can I add flavor variations?
A6: Definitely! You can add a little lemon zest or orange zest to the filling for a citrusy twist. You could also try a few drops of almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.

Q7: How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
A7: Blind baking the crust is a great way to ensure that it stays crisp. Make sure it’s golden brown and fully cooked before filling it with the milk mixture.

Q8: Can I make the filling with non-dairy butter?
A8: Yes, you can substitute the butter in the filling with non-dairy butter if you want a dairy-free version.

Q9: How do I make the milk tart creamier?
A9: If you want a creamier filling, you can replace part of the milk with heavy cream for a richer texture.

Q10: What can I do with leftover milk tart filling?
A10: If you have leftover filling, it makes a great custard-like treat on its own! Just serve it in individual cups and top with cinnamon.

Conclusion

This Milk Tart is one of those desserts that’s simple yet irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and slightly spiced with cinnamon—delightful in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, this dessert is bound to become a favorite. It’s time to give your taste buds a taste of this creamy goodness!

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