This custard-filled pastry with a buttery crust and dusting of cinnamon offers a taste of South African tradition and comfort.

Prep: 45 minutes

Cook: 2 hours

Serves: 6

Ingredients

For The Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• Ground cinnamon, for dusting

Preparation

Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add the egg and mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of cold water.
5. Press the dough into a 9-inch (23cm) tart pan, ensuring it's evenly distributed across the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough.
6. Prick the base of the crust with a fork and chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
7. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Let it cool completely.

Make the Filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until just below boiling. Do not let it boil.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, cornstarch, flour, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
3. Slowly pour a little of the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
4.  Gradually add the rest of the milk, whisking continuously.
5. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil.
6. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter until melted and fully incorporated.

Assemble the Tart:

1. Pour the warm filling into the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
2. Dust the top with ground cinnamon.
3. Allow the tart to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.

Serve:

1. Once chilled and set, slice and serve the milk tart.
2. Enjoy it on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream!