South African Melktert (Milktart) Recipe 🥧
Overview:
South African Melktert, also known as Milktart, is a beloved traditional dessert that features a wonderfully thick and flavorful milk custard set in a delicious crust. This dessert is cherished by people of all ages, with its creamy filling being especially adored by children as a delightful treat.
Recipe Information:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 pies
Ingredients:
- 2 prepared graham cracker crusts
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 4 eggs, separated
- 1 tablespoon margarine
- Cinnamon (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
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Heat Milk: Begin by heating 3 cups of milk in a saucepan until it reaches the boiling point.
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Prepare Custard Mixture: While the milk is heating, in a separate bowl, mix together the remaining 1/4 cup of milk, cake flour, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and egg yolks until well combined.
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Combine with Hot Milk: Once the milk is boiling, slowly pour the flour mixture into the saucepan with the hot milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
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Thicken: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously, until it becomes very thick and coats the back of a spoon. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
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Beat Egg Whites: In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
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Incorporate Egg Whites: After the milk mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, gently fold in the beaten egg whites until well combined.
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Add Margarine: Stir in the margarine until it melts completely and is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Assemble the Tarts: Pour the creamy custard mixture into the prepared graham cracker crusts, dividing it evenly between the two crusts.
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Sprinkle with Cinnamon: Generously sprinkle cinnamon over the tops of the tarts, adding a delightful aroma and extra flavor.
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Chill and Set: Place the assembled tarts in the refrigerator to cool and set for at least 2-3 hours, or until firm.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once set, slice the South African Melktert into portions and serve chilled. Each bite promises a creamy, comforting indulgence that’s perfect for any occasion.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 2424.4
- Fat: 94.9g
- Saturated Fat: 28.4g
- Cholesterol: 495.4mg
- Sodium: 1904.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 349.9g
- Fiber: 6.3g
- Sugar: 193.2g
- Protein: 46.8g
Tips and Variations:
- For a twist, try adding a hint of nutmeg or ground cloves to the custard mixture for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
- Serve the Melktert with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
- Experiment with different types of crusts, such as shortcrust pastry or even a cookie crust, to customize the tart to your liking.
- You can make individual-sized tarts by using smaller tart pans or ramekins instead of one large pie dish.
- To enhance the presentation, garnish each slice with fresh berries or a sprinkle of cocoa powder before serving.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of South African Melktert, a timeless dessert that celebrates the essence of home baking and culinary tradition. Whether enjoyed as a sweet ending to a family dinner or shared with friends over a cup of coffee, this milktart is sure to evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia with every delicious bite.