Melktert

The story

Melktert developed from Cape-Dutch custard tarts, using a high proportion of milk and a dusting of cinnamon. The dish is recognised for cinnamon milk custard tart. Its success depends on preserving the intended contrast of texture, seasoning and temperature, so the defining ingredient remains clear rather than being buried by garnish or sauce. It is served at tea, celebrations and community events and is one of South Africa’s most recognisable home-baked desserts.

Ingredients

• Base
• 1 piece shortcrust pastry caseblind baked · 1 piece shortcrust pastry case, blind baked
• Custard
• 700 ml whole milk700 ml whole milk
• 3 piece eggs3 piece eggs
• 120 g caster sugar120 g caster sugar
• 35 g cornflour35 g cornflour
• 30 g butter30 g butter
• Finish
• 4 g ground cinnamonfor dusting · 4 g ground cinnamon, for dusting

Method

1. Prepare the tin

   Heat the oven to 180°C / 356°F and butter the tin or tart dish. Cut baking paper to fit if the pudding is sticky.

   Look for: Tin is fully greased Tip: Warm puddings release more easily from a prepared dish. Avoid: Do not rely on a dry tin for syrup puddings.

2. Mix the base

   Cream or whisk the sugar, eggs and butter, then fold in flour, milk and the dish-specific flavour such as apricot jam, dates, caramel or Amarula.

   Look for: Smooth thick batter or custard Tip: Scrape the bowl so the bake is even. Avoid: Do not beat hard after adding flour.

3. Bake gently

   Bake until risen, set and browned: 25 to 35 minutes for tarts, 35 to 45 minutes for puddings.

   Look for: Set centre and golden top Tip: A skewer should come out with moist crumbs, not raw batter. Avoid: Do not open the oven too early.

4. Finish properly

   For syrup puddings, simmer the sauce for 3 minutes and pour it over the hot sponge in stages. For chilled desserts, layer and refrigerate until firm.

   Look for: Sauce absorbed or layers set Tip: Pierce puddings lightly so sauce travels through. Avoid: Do not pour all sauce in one corner.

5. Serve South African-style

   Serve warm puddings with custard or cream, or chilled fridge tarts in clean slices.

   Look for: Neat slice or saucy warm spoonful Tip: Dust cinnamon, add crushed chocolate or cream only at the end. Avoid: Do not serve fridge tarts before set.

Nutrition

per serving

Approximate values for recipe content display; will vary by exact brands, fat level, serving size and accompaniments.