Easy South African Milk Tart Recipe (Melktert) – A Classic Favourite

If you’re looking for an easy South African milk tart recipe, you’re in the right place! This creamy, cinnamon-dusted dessert is a staple at family gatherings, tea parties, and Sunday lunches across Mzansi. With a rich, silky custard filling and a deliciously crisp base, this melktert recipe is simple enough for beginners and perfect for any occasion.

And what better time to enjoy it than on 27 February—International Milk Tart Day? It’s the perfect excuse to celebrate this much-loved South African classic! Whether you’re making one from scratch or enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, melktert is a dessert worth celebrating.

Why South Africans Love Melktert

Milk tart is a traditional South African dessert with Cape Dutch origins. Unlike a custard tart, melktert has a lighter, milkier texture, making it incredibly moreish! Best of all, this quick and easy milk tart can be made with everyday ingredients.

Ingredients for Easy Milk Tart

For the Crust:

• 1 cup flour
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• A pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 2 ½ cups full-cream milk
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 tbsp cornflour (Maizena)
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 1 tbsp butter
• Ground cinnamon (for topping)

How to Make Milk Tart (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Make the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and rub it into the flour until crumbly.
3. Add the egg yolk and mix until a dough forms.
4. Press the dough into a greased tart tin (22 cm) and bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Milk Tart Filling

1. Heat 2 cups of milk in a saucepan over medium heat until warm (but not boiling).
2. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, cornflour, flour, and eggs with the remaining ½ cup of milk. Whisk until smooth.
3. Slowly pour this mixture into the warm milk, stirring constantly.
4. Continue stirring over low heat until the custard thickens. Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla essence.

Step 3: Assemble & Serve

1. Pour the custard into the cooled tart crust and smooth the top.
2. Sprinkle generously with ground cinnamon.
3. Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Tips for the Best South African Milk Tart

• Use full-cream milk for the creamiest filling.
• For a crustless milk tart, simply pour the custard into a dish and chill before serving.
• Make ahead: Melktert tastes even better the next day!

Find out more on how authentic Groups R Us is—Just like this Melktert recipe

At Groups R Us, we believe in authenticity—just like a true South African melktert. Whether it’s community, quality, or tradition, we stand for real, local experiences. Support local. Stay real.