Discover the Rich Flavors of Creamy Melk Tart Recipes
Melk tart, a classic South African dessert, has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many around the world. Its creamy filling and crumbly pastry crust make it a perfect treat for any occasion. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 delicious melk tart recipes that will take your baking skills to the next level. From traditional flavors like vanilla bean and cinnamon-spiced, to unique twists like coconut and gingerbread-spiced, there’s something for everyone in our collection.
In the following pages, we’ll dive into the world of creamy melk tarts, exploring various flavor combinations, techniques, and presentation ideas that will make your desserts stand out. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting to explore the world of pastry-making, this article is sure to inspire you to create something truly special.
Traditional South African Melk Tart
A classic South African dessert, Melk Tart is a creamy, sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe yields a rich and velvety tart that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine milk, sugar, egg yolks, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in melted butter until fully incorporated.
4. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
5. Pour milk mixture into the pie crust and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cinnamon-Spiced Melk Tart
Warm up with a classic dessert that combines the comfort of cinnamon and milk in a flaky pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine milk, heavy cream, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a simmer.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Roll out the flour and butter mixture on a lightly floured surface to form a circle.
5. Place the cooled milk mixture in the center of the dough circle.
6. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, forming a tart shape.
7. Brush with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Serve warm and enjoy!
Vanilla Bean Melk Tart
A classic French dessert gets a creamy twist with this vanilla bean milk tart. The velvety filling and flaky crust make it perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar.
2. Add butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press dough into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Trim edges and prick the base with a fork.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, milk, salt, and vanilla bean.
6. Pour filling into cooled tart crust and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Coconut Melk Tart
This Coconut Melk Tart combines the richness of coconut and melk (a type of milk) with a buttery crust, creating a unique dessert that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup shredded coconut
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press dough into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
7. Pour the mixture into the baked tart crust.
8. Sprinkle shredded coconut on top and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Chocolate Drizzle Melk Tart
Elevate your dessert game with this rich and creamy tart, featuring a velvety chocolate drizzle and a buttery pastry crust. Perfect for satisfying sweet tooth cravings or impressing dinner guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry and place in a tart pan with a removable bottom.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sugar, egg yolks, and salt.
4. Pour mixture into the pastry crust and bake for 25 minutes or until set.
5. Allow to cool before drizzling with melted chocolate and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes
Lemon Zest Melk Tart
This refreshing tart combines the sweetness of melk (a type of milk) with the brightness of lemon zest, perfect for a springtime dessert or a unique snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup melk (or heavy cream)
– 2 large egg yolks
– Zest of 2 lemons
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Add melted butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together melk, egg yolks, lemon zest, and salt.
6. Pour the mixture into the dough-lined tart pan.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the filling is set.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Almond Crust Melk Tart
This classic Dutch dessert combines a delicate almond crust with a creamy melk tart filling, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (60g) confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup (30g) finely ground almonds
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, almonds, and salt.
3. Add melted butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Press the dough into a 9-inch (23cm) tart pan with a removable bottom.
5. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and granulated sugar.
7. Pour the mixture into the baked tart crust and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until set.
8. Allow the tart to cool before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Cardamom-Infused Melk Tart
A classic Indian-inspired dessert gets a creamy twist with the addition of cardamom and milk, resulting in a sweet and aromatic tart that’s perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 tablespoons cardamom extract
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, milk, cardamom extract, and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth.
4. Beat in eggs until well combined.
5. Pour mixture into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
7. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Caramelized Melk Tart
This Caramelized Milk Tart is a rich and indulgent dessert that combines the deep flavors of caramelized milk with a buttery pastry crust. Perfect for special occasions or as a treat to brighten up any day.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Place on prepared baking sheet.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until milk has thickened slightly and turned a light golden brown.
5. Brush edges of pastry with beaten egg for an egg wash. Pour caramelized milk mixture onto center of pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and filling is set.
7. Remove from oven and let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Berry-Topped Melk Tart
A sweet and tangy dessert that combines the flaky crust of a melt-in-your-mouth tart with the juicy sweetness of mixed berries.
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 heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
4. Press dough into a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Meanwhile, whip heavy cream and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
7. Arrange mixed berries on top of cooled tart crust.
8. Top with whipped cream and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pistachio Melk Tart
A sweet and nutty dessert that combines the richness of pistachios with the creaminess of melk tart, perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ground pistachios
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup melk tart filling (homemade or store-bought)
– Whipped cream and chopped pistachios for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch tart pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together ground pistachios, sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter and stir until mixture forms a crumbly dough.
4. Press dough into prepared tart pan.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Allow tart to cool completely before filling with melk tart filling.
7. Top with whipped cream and chopped pistachios, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Orange Blossom Melk Tart
A sweet and tangy tart that combines the brightness of orange with the fluffiness of meringue, perfect for a delightful dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 2 large egg whites
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons orange zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
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 a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a medium bowl, whip egg whites and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. Add orange zest, juice, and salt; mix until well combined.
4. Spread meringue mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mini Melk Tart Bites
These bite-sized treats are the perfect combination of crunchy pastry and creamy filling, making them ideal for parties or snacking on-the-go. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have these delicious morsels ready in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup Melk (or dulce de leche)
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into small squares, about 3 inches per side.
3. In a small bowl, mix together sugar and butter until well combined. Spoon a small amount onto the center of each pastry square.
4. Top with a dollop of Melk.
5. Fold the pastry squares in half to enclose filling. Press edges to seal.
6. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
7. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Gluten-Free Melk Tart
Experience the creamy delight of a traditional milk tart, now made gluten-free! This recipe uses a simple crust and a velvety filling to create a dessert that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/4 cup coconut sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, coconut sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
4. Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and salt.
6. Pour the filling into the baked tart crust and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set.
7. Allow the tart to cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 43-50 minutes
Vegan Melk Tart
Treat yourself to a rich and creamy tart that’s perfect for dessert or a special occasion. This Vegan Melk Tart is made with a flaky crust, a velvety filling, and topped with a caramelized sugar crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup vegan butter, chilled and cubed
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Make the crust by combining flour, vegan butter, and ice-cold water in a bowl. Mix until it forms a ball.
3. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch and place into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
5. Pour the filling mixture into the crust and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
7. To caramelize the sugar, sprinkle granulated sugar over the tart and use a blowtorch to melt it.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Nutella Swirl Melk Tart
This decadent dessert combines the richness of Nutella with the creaminess of melk tart, creating a unique and indulgent treat. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup melk (or heavy cream)
– 2 tablespoons Nutella
– 1 egg, beaten
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
5. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together melk and Nutella until smooth.
7. Pour the melk-Nutella mixture into the tart crust.
8. Beat the egg in a small bowl, then drizzle over the filling.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
10. Allow to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Raspberry Coulis Melk Tart
Raspberry Coulis Milk Tart: A Sweet and Tangy Treat
This recipe combines the sweetness of milk tart with the tanginess of raspberry coulis, creating a unique dessert that’s perfect for warm weather. With a simple crust made from pastry dough and a creamy filling infused with fresh raspberries, this tart is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 2 cups milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup raspberry coulis (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Fresh raspberries for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm). Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Pour the milk mixture into the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border around the edges.
5. Spoon the raspberry coulis over the milk mixture, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Fold the pastry up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Allow to cool before serving.
Lavender Honey Melk Tart
A sweet and soothing dessert perfect for warm weather, this Lavender Honey Milk Tart combines the floral charm of lavender with the richness of honey and creamy milk.
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
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds
• 2 large eggs
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 softened butter and mix until a crumbly mixture forms.
3. Press the mixture into the prepared tart pan, ensuring an even layer.
4. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until lightly golden.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, honey, milk, and lavender buds. Beat in eggs.
6. Pour the filling into the baked tart crust and bake for an additional 25-27 minutes or until the filling is set.
7. Allow the tart to cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Gingerbread-Spiced Melk Tart
Escape the ordinary with this sweet and spicy treat, infused with the comforting flavors of gingerbread and warm spices. This indulgent tart is perfect for a cozy evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and spices.
3. Add melted butter, chopped ginger, and mix until crumbly.
4. Press mixture into a greased 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.
6. While crust cools, whisk together milk, eggs, and honey in a separate bowl.
7. Pour filling over cooled crust and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
8. Allow to cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Espresso-Infused Melk Tart
Experience the perfect blend of rich espresso and creamy melk tart, a unique dessert that will elevate your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 1 9-inch tart crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 cups melk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 shots of strong espresso
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll out the tart crust and place it in a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together melk, sugar, and heavy cream until well combined.
4. Pour the melk mixture into the prepared tart crust.
5. Drizzle the melted butter and espresso shots over the melk mixture.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
7. Remove from oven and let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of creamy delights with our collection of 20 mouthwatering Melk Tart recipes! From classic South African flavors to creative twists like coconut and Nutella swirl, we’ve got you covered. Discover how to make traditional tarts, as well as gluten-free, vegan, and mini bite-sized versions. Add a touch of spice with cinnamon or gingerbread, or opt for sweet treats featuring caramelized sugar, berries, or orange blossom. Whether you’re a fan of classic vanilla or adventurous flavors like cardamom or lavender honey, there’s something for everyone in this comprehensive recipe guide.
