Mini Milk Tart Tarts

If you’ve ever dreamt of the perfect bite-sized dessert that combines creamy sweetness with a delicate, buttery crust, then these Mini Milk Tart Tarts are about to become your new obsession. Think of a mini version of the classic South African milk tart, but with a twist—each bite is packed with a rich, silky filling that’s just the right amount of sweetness. The crisp, golden crust adds the perfect contrast to the velvety filling, and the sprinkle of cinnamon on top? Absolute perfection. Trust me, these little tarts will be gone before you even have a chance to blink.

Why You’ll Love Mini Milk Tart Tarts

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or just want a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea, these mini tarts fit every moment. They’re adorable, shareable, and delicious!

Bite-Sized Delight: Who doesn’t love a mini version of a classic dessert? These tarts are so perfectly sized for indulging—each little bite is just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming.

Delicately Creamy Filling: The creamy custard filling is the heart of this dessert. It’s made from just a few simple ingredients, but when combined, they create an ultra-smooth, rich flavor that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Easy to Make: Don’t let the “tart” part intimidate you! These mini milk tarts are surprisingly easy to prepare and only take a few steps to assemble. Plus, they look so beautiful, it’ll feel like you’ve spent hours making them. But really, you’ll just be smiling as your guests rave about how delicious they are.

Crowd-Pleasing: The best part? These tarts are a hit with everyone. The creamy filling is just sweet enough, and the light, flaky crust is perfection. They’re universally loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients in Mini Milk Tart Tarts

These mini tarts are made with simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Crust:

• All-purpose flour (for a light, flaky crust)
• Butter (adds richness and tenderness)
• Sugar (to balance the flavors)
• A pinch of salt (to enhance the sweetness)
• Ice water (to bring the dough together)

For the Filling:

• Milk (whole milk is best for a creamy, luscious filling)
• Sugar (for that perfect touch of sweetness)
• Cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
• Eggs (for richness and to set the custard)
• Vanilla extract (adds a depth of flavor)
• Ground cinnamon (a traditional touch for topping)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

To start, combine the flour, butter, sugar, and salt in a food processor or by hand. Pulse or rub the mixture together until it forms a crumbly texture. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together. Gather the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.

2. Roll Out the Dough:

Once chilled, lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut circles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass—just large enough to fit into your tart pan or muffin tin. Press each circle gently into the tart pans, making sure to cover the bottom and sides.

3. Bake the Crusts:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the tart shells with parchment paper and add a small amount of pie weights or dried beans to keep them from puffing up while baking. Bake the crusts for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

4. Make the Milk Tart Filling:

In a saucepan, combine the milk and sugar. Heat over medium heat until warm. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, cornstarch, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.

5. Cook the Filling:

Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, whisking continuously until it thickens and begins to bubble. Once thickened, remove from heat and pour the filling into a heatproof bowl to cool slightly. Be sure to whisk in any lumps that form to keep the filling smooth and creamy.

6. Assemble the Tarts:

Once the tart crusts have cooled, carefully spoon the filling into each shell, dividing it evenly. Smooth the tops with a spoon or spatula.

7. Chill and Serve:

Refrigerate the mini tarts for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set. Once chilled, sprinkle with a little cinnamon on top for that signature milk tart flavor. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 mini tarts
Calories per serving: ~150 calories (per tart)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes (for the dough and filling)
Cook Time: 15 minutes (for the crust and filling)
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: About 2 hours and 35 minutes

How to Serve Mini Milk Tart Tarts

These Mini Milk Tart Tarts are delicious served on their own, but you can make the experience even more indulgent with a few extras:

With Fresh Berries: Pair them with fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a burst of color and a touch of tartness that complements the creamy filling beautifully.

Topped with Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream will elevate these tarts and add an extra layer of creamy goodness.

With a Hot Beverage: These tarts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They’re especially delightful with a strong cup of black tea or a cappuccino.

For a Special Occasion: These mini tarts make for a lovely addition to a dessert platter for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. They’re the perfect bite-sized treat to share with friends and family.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: These tarts can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re a great make-ahead option for parties or gatherings.

Swap Spices: If you prefer a twist on the classic, try adding a hint of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for a unique flavor.

Gluten-Free Version: You can easily make these tarts gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the filling ingredients are also gluten-free.

Serve with Fruit: Fresh fruit makes a perfect topping. Consider drizzling honey over the tarts before serving or placing a few fruit slices on top for a refreshing, colorful contrast.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make the tart dough ahead of time?
A1: Yes! The dough can be made in advance. Simply wrap it in plastic and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before rolling it out and baking.

Q2: Can I use store-bought tart shells?
A2: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought tart shells are a great shortcut. Just bake them according to the package instructions and fill with your milk tart custard.

Q3: Can I freeze these mini tarts?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the assembled mini tarts. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before enjoying.

Q4: How can I prevent the filling from curdling?
A4: Be sure to whisk constantly while adding the warm milk mixture to the eggs. This will gradually bring the eggs up to temperature without cooking them too quickly, preventing curdling.

Q5: Can I use a different topping instead of cinnamon?
A5: Yes! You can try dusting the tarts with cocoa powder, grated chocolate, or even a bit of powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.

Q6: Can I use a different kind of milk?
A6: Yes, you can use almond milk, coconut milk, or any other milk alternative. Just make sure the milk you choose is unsweetened for the best result.

Q7: How long do the mini tarts last in the fridge?
A7: These mini tarts will keep for about 3 days in the fridge. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Absolutely! You can easily double or even triple the recipe to make more mini tarts if you’re serving a crowd.

Q9: Can I add other flavors to the filling?
A9: Yes! Feel free to experiment with different extracts, like almond, coconut, or citrus, to give the filling a unique flavor.

Q10: What’s the best way to reheat these tarts?
A10: These tarts are best enjoyed chilled, but if you want to warm them slightly, you can place them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

Conclusion

These Mini Milk Tart Tarts are the perfect combination of buttery crust and creamy, comforting custard filling. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just indulging in a treat, they’re sure to impress everyone. Simple to make, deliciously sweet, and completely irresistible, these mini tarts will have you coming back for seconds. Enjoy!

Print