Melktert

What is Melktert?

Melktert, or milk tart, is a beloved South African dessert featuring a crumbly pastry crust filled with a creamy custard made from milk, flour, sugar, and eggs. The milk-to-egg ratio is higher than in traditional European custard tarts, resulting in a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It is often dusted with cinnamon for added aroma.

History and Origins

Melktert originated with Dutch settlers in the Cape of Good Hope in the 17th century. It evolved from the Dutch dessert Mattentaart, a cheesecake-like tart, adapted to local ingredients and tastes in South Africa.

Ingredients and Preparation

The filling is made from milk, sugar, flour, and eggs, sometimes infused with cinnamon. The crust is a shortcrust pastry baked until crisp. The custard filling is lighter and creamier than European versions due to the higher milk content.

Cultural Significance

Melktert is a cultural icon in South Africa, commonly served at festivals, religious events, and special occasions. Over time, recipes have evolved to include variations like apricot jam fillings and spices such as nutmeg and cloves.

Modern Popularity

Today, Melktert enjoys global popularity with various presentations including bite-sized and layered versions. New flavors like caramel, chocolate, and orange zest have also been introduced.