If you’ve ever craved a dessert that is velvety, comforting, and impossibly easy, this Milk Tart Recipe is about to become a favorite at your table. With its creamy cinnamon-kissed custard nestled in a delicate crust, milk tart (or “melktert”) is a beloved South African treat that tastes every bit as dreamy as it looks. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—humble ingredients come together to create a silky, fragrant dessert that’s elegant enough for company but cozy enough for a midnight snack. Each bite is a little celebration, and whether you grew up with milk tart or are discovering it for the first time, this recipe is guaranteed to win you over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Milk Tart Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each element is chosen for a reason, lending just the right flavor, texture, and aroma to make this tart unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need, with a few tips and reasons why they matter:
- Prepared 9-inch pie crust (baked and cooled): The crisp base that keeps your custard sliceable; try homemade or your favorite store-bought version.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Provides a lush, creamy body to the custard, so full-fat milk is key for richness.
- Cinnamon stick (1): Infuses the milk with warm, subtle spice—don’t skip the steeping for maximum flavor.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds silkiness and helps bring the custard together smoothly.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweet, bakery-fresh aroma and layers in comforting vanilla notes.
- Large eggs (2): Essential for setting the custard and creating that signature smooth texture.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the tart without overpowering the gentle spice and vanilla.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Gives the custard a bit of structure so it sits beautifully in its crust.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Works with the flour to thicken the filling just enough without heaviness.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and highlights the other flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (for topping): That iconic, generous sprinkle on top is both eye-catching and irresistible.
How to Make Milk Tart Recipe
Step 1: Infuse the Milk with Cinnamon
Pour the whole milk into a medium saucepan and add the cinnamon stick. Heat gently over medium until the milk is steaming (but not boiling), stirring occasionally. This slow infusion lets the cinnamon flavor bloom, promising a custard that’s anything but bland. Once the milk is steaming, remove the pan from the heat and let the cinnamon stick steep for about 10 minutes—this is where the magic happens!
Step 2: Enrich the Milk
After steeping, fish out the cinnamon stick and immediately stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract. The warmth will melt the butter right in and coax out all of those delicious vanilla notes. Set this fragrant mixture aside—you’ll be marrying it with your eggs next.
Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt until you have a perfectly smooth, lump-free blend. This step ensures a custard that’s light and creamy instead of grainy. If you like, sift the flour and cornstarch in for extra smoothness.
Step 4: Combine and Temper
Now, slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly (don’t rush!). This gradual tempering prevents the eggs from scrambling and produces a lovely, cohesive custard base. Take time to whisk until everything is blended and silky.
Step 5: Cook the Custard to Perfection
Return the combined mixture to your saucepan and set it over medium heat. Whisk constantly and patiently until the mixture thickens into a luscious custard, about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the custard coats the back of a spoon and holds its shape. Don’t walk away—constant attention is key for perfect texture.
Step 6: Assemble and Chill
Pour the warm custard into your prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Immediately, dust the surface generously with ground cinnamon. The cinnamon crust is the signature touch that adds both flavor and a beautiful finish. Place your tart in the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours, or until the custard is completely set and sliceable. This waiting time builds anticipation for that first perfect piece!
How to Serve Milk Tart Recipe
Garnishes
A flourish of ground cinnamon is classic, but feel free to get creative! Add a dollop of whipped cream, a scatter of fresh berries, or even a delicate chocolate curl if you’re feeling fancy. Each topping accentuates the simple beauty of your Milk Tart Recipe, making every slice feel unique and special.
Side Dishes
Milk Tart is a star all on its own, but it also plays well with others. Fresh fruit salads, a plate of buttery shortbread, or even a bold espresso are wonderful alongside your tart. For a playful twist, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and let the chill and creaminess amplify the custard’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
This Milk Tart Recipe loves a bit of imagination! Make mini tarts in muffin tins for dainty, individual servings at a party, or cut the chilled tart into squares for a dessert tray. You can also build a parfait with crumbled tart, berries, and whipped cream for an eye-catching layered treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers should be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator, where the tart keeps its creamy texture for up to four days. Place a layer of parchment between the tart and plastic wrap to keep the cinnamon topping intact and the crust crisp.
Freezing
This Milk Tart Recipe actually freezes quite well! Wrap individual slices or the whole tart in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving—just note that while the custard may release a little liquid upon thawing, the flavor remains spot on.
Reheating
Milk Tart is traditionally enjoyed chilled and doesn’t really require reheating. If you prefer a warmer touch, let individual slices sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Try to avoid microwaving, as that can impact the silky custard texture.
FAQs
Can I use a graham cracker crust instead?
Yes! A graham cracker or even a cookie crumb crust gives an irresistible twist to this Milk Tart Recipe, adding a bit more crunch and sweetness to every bite. The custard pairs beautifully with either traditional or alternative crusts.
How do I know when the custard is thick enough?
The custard is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and you can draw a line through it with your finger without the line closing up. It will continue to firm up as it chills, so don’t worry if it’s just a bit wobbly when you pour it into the crust.
Can I infuse even more cinnamon flavor?
Absolutely! Steep the cinnamon stick in the milk longer—up to 20 minutes—for a more pronounced cinnamon aroma. You can also add extra ground cinnamon to the custard mixture for an extra boost.
Is this Milk Tart Recipe gluten-free?
It isn’t gluten-free as written, but it’s easy to adapt. Use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute the all-purpose flour with a trusted gluten-free blend. The result is every bit as luscious and satisfying.
Do I need to chill the tart for the full 4 hours?
Chilling is crucial for the custard to fully set and slice neatly. If you’re in a hurry, you might get away with 2–3 hours, but for that picture-perfect slice and ideal texture, 4 hours (or overnight) is best.
Final Thoughts
This Milk Tart Recipe is pure comfort in a slice—silky, nostalgic, and wonderfully simple. Whether you’re baking for old friends or introducing your family to a South African classic, the results are always crowd-pleasing. Grab your whisk and a cinnamon stick and let yourself fall in love with milk tart, one chilled slice at a time!
Print
Milk Tart Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of a classic South African Milk Tart. This no-bake dessert features a luscious custard filling with a hint of cinnamon, all nestled in a buttery pie crust.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 prepared 9-inch pie crust (baked and cooled)
Custard Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Topping:
- Ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Milk Mixture: Heat milk and cinnamon. Remove from heat, add butter and vanilla. Let cool.
- Whisk Egg Mixture: Combine eggs, sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Slowly pour milk into egg mixture, whisking continuously.
- Cook Custard: Cook mixture until thick. Pour into crust, sprinkle with cinnamon, chill.
Notes
- Enhance cinnamon flavor by steeping longer
- Try with graham cracker crust for a different taste
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop, No-Bake
- Cuisine: South African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
