The milk tart is a classic South African dessert that originated from Dutch settlers in the 1600s. It’s made with a sweet pastry crust and a mouth-watering centre, the result of combining eggs, flour, milk, and sugar.
Enjoyed with a hot cup of tea, a scoop of ice cream, on its own, or after a meal, no dessert compares to our beloved milk tart. Whether you enjoy a flakey puff-pastry-crust, short-crust or crustless milk tart, here are some ways to celebrate National Milk Tart Day.
Fridge milk tart or baked milk tart
Milk tart is one of the few desserts that can be enjoyed in any season, after any meal. If you’re heading to the shops to purchase a milk tart in celebration of National Milk Tart Day, there are two different types you can choose from: baked milk tart, or milk tart ‘cooked’ in the fridge. Both are equally delicious.
Make your own milk tart
If you really want to get into celebrating South Africa’s favourite dessert, go the extra mile and make your own milk tart. Our recipe uses a short-crust pastry base, rather than a puff pastry base. We’ve also included a twist on the traditional recipe. Get the instructions for our milk tart recipe here.
Milk tart variations
There are all kinds of milk tart-inspired foods and even drinks out there. From ice cream, to pancakes, to shooters, the traditional milk tart has undergone an evolution suited for the South African palate. Also read: Evolution of the humble milk tart. Here are some mouthwatering milk tart variations we found that you can recreate to celebrate this firm family favourite:
Milk tart shooters
Milk tart macaroons
Milk tart churros
Milk tart smoothies
Image: Instagram @bakersbiscuits
