Looking for one of the most beloved tart recipes of South Africa? Then you need to make a milk tart! This deliciously creamy dessert encompasses layers of flaky pastry, flavorful creamy custard, and a hint of cinnamon on top. Bringing the tangy and scented flavor of South Africa straight to your home, milk tart is often considered the number one choice in the country’s dessert line-up. It’s been said that the desire for a good milk tart might possibly stretch back farther than the actual history of the dessert itself!
The Origin of Milk Tart
Milk tart, also known as “melktert”, is an iconic and treasured South African dessert. Likely to have been introduced by the Dutch settlers that first populated the country, the early versions of milk tart might have appeared as early as 1800s. Research traces back the origin of milk tart to a Dutch cookbook published in the year 1529. On its pages is recorded a sweet dairy pastry with hints of cinnamon and creamy custard, looking almost identical to its South African cousin. Though it is clear that these desserts share the same core ingredients, it’s disputed whether they are descendants of the same root recipe.
The Key Ingredients
The foundation of any great milk tart lies in the key ingredients. In this case, buttery, tender dough, a rich and alluringly tangy custard, and a splash of cinnamon make every bite completely satisfying. Milk, sugar, and starchy cornstarch compliment the flavors and nuances to create a dessert that is truly unique.
Custard Filling
The custard filling is very easy to make and requires few simple ingredients. To a saucepan, add the milk, sugar, and salt and heat over medium flame. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, egg yolks, vanilla, and a dash of cinnamon. Pour the mixture to the hot milk and continuously blend for about 2-3 minutes.
Once the mixture has thickened, remove from the heat and let sit until slightly cool. Then, pour the cream into a prepared pastry case, level the top, and sprinkling with more cinnamon. An optional step is to bake the custard for an additional 10 minutes for a firmer texture.
Flaky Pastry Base
To make the perfect base for your tart, you will need to create a flaky pastry crust. Combine the flour, sugar, salt, and butter in a large mixing bowl and stir to blend. Pour in cold water, a small amount at a time, and stir to make a dough. Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer for at least 5 minutes until it is smooth. Flatten the dough into a disk and refrigerate covered with plastic wrap for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the pastry dough on a floured surface to a 1/8-inch thickness. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough into a greased tart pan and press in the edges. Prick the bottom of the pastry with a fork several times and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
Serving Your Milk Tart
Once the custard and pastry have fully cooled, the milk tart is ready to serve. For a tasty addition to your dessert, sublime top with a dollop of whipped cream before slicing and serving. Milk tart can be enjoyed warm, cold, or at room temperature and is the perfect treat for any occasion.
Stay true to the original South African milk tart recipe or add your own touch; either way, you will quickly win over the hearts of your family and friends with this delightful dessert!
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