Get ready to indulge in a world of creamy, dreamy, and utterly delicious melk tarts! The classic South African dessert has been a staple for generations, and its popularity only continues to grow. With its smooth, velvety filling and buttery pastry crust, it’s no wonder why this treat is a crowd-pleaser.
In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 different variations of melk tart recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. From traditional flavors to creative twists, each recipe offers a unique take on the classic dessert. Whether you’re a fan of sweet and simple or bold and adventurous, there’s something for everyone in this collection of creamy melk tarts.
Traditional South African Melk Tart
This classic dessert is a staple in many South African households. The creamy filling, sweet pastry crust, and caramelized top make it a must-try treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) tart pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
3. Press the dough into the prepared tart pan, trimming edges to fit.
4. Bake crust for 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
6. Pour filling into baked tart shell and smooth top.
7. Return to oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes or until filling is set.
Cooking Time: 50-55 minutes
Cinnamon Sugar Melk Tart
Discover the sweet and comforting flavors of this Cinnamon Sugar Melk Tart, a perfect treat for any occasion. This classic dessert is elevated with the addition of crunchy cinnamon sugar topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) milk tart filling (see note)
– 1/2 cup (60g) granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, whipped
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3mm).
3. Spread the milk tart filling over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch (2.5cm) border.
4. Mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the filling.
5. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling to form a crust.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow cooling before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Vanilla Bean Melk Tart
This classic South African dessert combines the creamy richness of milk tart with the subtle warmth of vanilla bean, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying a sweet treat in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg yolk
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground vanilla bean
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Add butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
5. Transfer dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and ground vanilla bean.
7. Pour mixture into the prepared tart crust.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Coconut Melk Tart
This Coconut Melk Tart is a rich and creamy dessert that combines the sweetness of coconut with the smoothness of milk. With only a few ingredients, you can create this decadent treat in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 9-inch tart crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Roll out the tart crust and place it in a 9-inch tart pan.
3. In a bowl, mix together sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, sugar, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared tart crust.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown.
6. Allow the tart to cool completely before whipping heavy cream to top it off.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chocolate Drizzle Melk Tart
A classic Dutch dessert gets a decadent makeover with this recipe, featuring a velvety chocolate drizzle over a creamy melk tart. Perfect for special occasions or as a indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 9-inch pie crust
– 1 cup milk (whole, low-fat or nonfat)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crust and place in a tart pan with a removable bottom.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, egg yolks, and salt until smooth. Pour into the pie crust.
3. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
4. Allow to cool completely. Drizzle with melted chocolate and serve.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Lemon Zest Melk Tart
Brighten up your dessert game with this innovative take on the traditional melk tart, infused with the zesty flavor of lemon zest.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large egg yolks
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9-inch tart pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt. Add cubed butter; use a pastry blender or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press dough into prepared tart pan; trim edges to fit.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, egg yolks, lemon juice, and heavy cream.
5. Pour filling over crust; sprinkle with grated lemon zest.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until filling is set and crust golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Almond Crust Melk Tart
This traditional Dutch tart combines the nutty flavor of almonds with the creamy richness of melk (a type of milk). The almond crust provides a crunchy base for the velvety filling, making this dessert a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ground almonds
– 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups melk (or whole milk)
– 1 large egg yolk
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together almonds, confectioner’s sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter and stir until the mixture forms a crumbly crust.
4. Press the crust into a 9-inch (23cm) tart pan with a removable bottom.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together melk, egg yolk, and granulated sugar.
6. Pour the filling over the almond crust.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
8. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Caramelized Melk Tart
This sweet and savory tart combines the richness of caramelized milk with a buttery pastry crust and a hint of saltiness, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, butter, sugar, and sea salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, for 10-12 minutes or until the milk has thickened and turned a deep golden brown.
4. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a tart pan with a removable bottom. Fill the tart shell with the caramelized milk mixture.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Cardamom Spiced Melk Tart
This sweet and aromatic tart combines the warmth of cardamom with the creamy richness of melk, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy evening treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup heavy cream (melk)
– 2 large eggs
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer to prepared baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, mix together sugar and cardamom. Sprinkle evenly over pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Drizzle melted butter over the sugar mixture, then pour in heavy cream and beat until smooth.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before serving. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Berry-Topped Melk Tart
A classic South African dessert, this Berry-Topped Melk Tart is a sweet and tangy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a creamy melk tart base topped with a mixture of fresh berries, this recipe is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens.
3. Remove from heat and stir in melted butter.
4. Pour into a pre-baked pie crust or tart pan.
5. Top with mixed berries and drizzle with honey.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until filling is set.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Mini Melk Tart Bites
These bite-sized tartlets are a perfect combination of crumbly pastry, creamy melk, and sweet caramelized sugar. They’re easy to make and ideal for snacking or serving at parties.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup melk (or milk)
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into small squares, about 3 inches per side.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together melk, sugar, and salt until well combined. Brush mixture onto the center of each square, leaving a 1/2 inch border around edges.
4. Fold pastry over filling to form triangles, pressing edges to seal. Brush tops with melted butter.
5. Place tartlets on prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Gluten-Free Melk Tart
This gluten-free take on the classic Dutch melk tart is a must-try for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. With its creamy filling and crumbly crust, this dessert is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/4 cup coconut sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine almond flour and coconut sugar.
3. Add melted butter and mix until crumbly.
4. Press mixture into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
5. Bake crust for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, eggs, and vanilla extract.
7. Pour filling over baked crust and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until set.
8. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Nutmeg Infused Melk Tart
This rich and creamy tart is infused with the warm, comforting flavor of nutmeg, perfect for a cozy dessert or brunch treat.
Orange Blossom Melk Tart
This Orange Blossom Milk Tart combines the richness of milk with the fragrant flavor of orange blossom water, resulting in a unique and delicious dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
– 2 large egg yolks
– 1/4 teaspoon orange blossom water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Add milk, egg yolks, and orange blossom water; whisk until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch (23cm) tart pan with a removable bottom.
5. Dot the top with melted butter.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Espresso Melk Tart
Get ready to elevate your dessert game with this rich and creamy Espresso Melk Tart, featuring a velvety coffee-infused filling nestled within a buttery pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup strong brewed espresso or strong coffee
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pastry crust and place in a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Add espresso or coffee and whisk until smooth.
3. Pour egg mixture into the prepared tart shell.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly jiggly.
5. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Whisk together heavy cream and cocoa powder, then pour over cooled tart.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes plus chilling time
Pistachio Crusted Melk Tart
Elevate your dessert game with this creamy and crunchy pistachio-crusted milk tart, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. With its velvety smooth filling and satisfying crunch from the pistachio crust, this treat is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup ground pistachios
– 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, and salt.
3. Add heavy cream and melted butter; whisk until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
5. Sprinkle pistachios evenly over the filling.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
7. Allow to cool before dusting with powdered sugar.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Raspberry Swirl Melk Tart
Experience the sweet and tangy combination of fresh raspberries and creamy melk tart in this delightful dessert. This recipe is perfect for a quick yet impressive treat to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 9-inch pre-baked tart crust
– 1 cup melk (or heavy cream)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together melk, sugar, and salt until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Pour the melk mixture into the pre-baked tart crust.
4. Arrange the fresh raspberries on top of the melk mixture in a swirly pattern.
5. Sprinkle cornstarch over the raspberries to prevent them from sinking during baking.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed.
7. Allow the tart to cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lavender Honey Melk Tart
Elevate your dessert game with this unique and flavorful tart, featuring the calming charm of lavender and the warmth of honey. Perfect for a special occasion or a relaxing evening treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lavender buds, and heavy cream until well combined.
4. Brush the mixture evenly onto the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
5. Beat the egg, sugar, and salt in a separate bowl. Brush this mixture over the tart, making sure to stay within the borders.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of creamy, dreamy desserts with these 18 mouthwatering melk tart recipes! From traditional South African flavors to innovative twists like coconut and caramelized toppings, there’s something for every sweet tooth. Discover how simple it is to create show-stopping treats like vanilla bean, cinnamon sugar, and lemon zest-infused tarts. Plus, explore gluten-free options and mini bite-sized versions perfect for parties or snacks. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
