Description
A traditional South African dessert, Milk Tart features a creamy, smooth filling made from milk, sugar, and eggs, set in a buttery pastry crust. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pastry:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons cold water (or as needed)
For the Filling:
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Pastry: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, combine the flour and sugar. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and water, pulsing until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough into the pan, trim off any excess, and prick the base with a fork. Place a sheet of parchment paper on top of the dough and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden, then remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat, but do not let it boil. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and flour until smooth. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to avoid curdling.
- Cook the Filling: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Tart: Pour the custard filling into the pre-baked tart shell and smooth the top with a spatula. Allow the tart to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the top with ground cinnamon. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
For a quicker option, use store-bought tart shells. The milk tart can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Garnish with extra cinnamon or fresh fruit if desired.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg