South African Melktert Or Milk Tart (Custard Pie)

Name: South African Melktert Or Milk Tart (Custard Pie)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 lb puff pastry; 1 1/2 teaspoons butter; 1 pinch salt; 1 cinnamon stick; 3 cups milk, for boiling; 2 teaspoons custard powder; 3 teaspoons cornflour; 3 teaspoons cake flour; 2 tablespoons cold milk; 1/2 cup sugar; 4 large eggs, separated; 1/2 teaspoon almond essence; cinnamon-sugar mixture

Servings: persons

1/2 lb puff pastry
1 1/2 teaspoons butter
1 pinch salt
1 cinnamon stick
3 cups milk, for boiling
2 teaspoons custard powder
3 teaspoons cornflour
3 teaspoons cake flour
2 tablespoons cold milk
1/2 cup sugar
4 large eggs, separated
1/2 teaspoon almond essence
cinnamon-sugar mixture

1
Preheat oven to 400o F.
2
Line bottom and sides of two pie plates (not deep dish) with puff pastry making raised edges.
3
In a pot, bring milk to a slow boil and add butter, salt and cinnamon. Reduce to simmer.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine custard powder, corn flour and cake flour. Stir in cold milk and mix to form a paste. Stir in a little of the hot milk mixture.
5
Stir custard mixture into the pot of hot milk. Add 4 tbsp of the sugar and bring to a boil, stirring continuously.
6
Remove from heat once the mixture has thickened. Discard cinnamon.
7
Beat egg whites until stiff. Gradually beat in the remaining sugar. Set Aside.
8
Beat egg yolks lightly and add a little of the custard mixture to the egg yolks.
9
Then stir the yolk/custard mixture into the main custard mixture and add almond extract.
10
Gently FOLD in the egg whites.
11
Pour the mixture into the awaiting pie pans and bake for approximately 10 minutes.
12
Lower the temperature to 350 F and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the filling has set.
13
Cool slightly and sprinkle the top of the custard pie with cinnamon and sugar.
14
Serve cold.

463

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/2 lb puff pastry, 1 1/2 teaspoons butter, 1 pinch salt, 1 cinnamon stick, and more.

Yes, South African Melktert Or Milk Tart (Custard Pie) falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!