Mini Milk Tart Tarts: Bite-Sized South African Delights
These adorable Mini Milk Tart Tarts capture all the creamy, cinnamon-spiced magic of traditional South African melktert in perfect single-serving portions. With a silky custard filling and crisp pastry shell, they’re ideal for parties, tea time, or sweet cravings!
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Easy pre-made shells – No pastry stress!
✅ Authentic milky-cinnamon flavor – Just like grandma’s
✅ Perfect for sharing – No slicing needed
✅ Make-ahead friendly – Chill until serving
📝 Ingredients & Substitutions
For the Filling
| Ingredient | Why It’s Key | Swaps |
|---|---|---|
| Condensed milk | Sweet, creamy base | Coconut condensed milk (vegan) |
| Full-cream milk | Balances richness | Almond milk (lighter) |
| Cornflour | Thickens custard | All-purpose flour (use 2x more) |
| Eggs | Sets the custard | 3 egg yolks (extra richness) |
For Assembly
- 12 pre-baked mini tart shells (store-bought or homemade)
- Ground cinnamon (essential for that classic dusting!)
Optional Upgrades:
- 1 tsp almond extract (nutty twist)
- Zest of 1 orange (citrusy brightness)
- Dulce de leche drizzle (decadent finish)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Arrange tart shells on a baking tray.
2. Make the Custard (10 mins)
- In a saucepan, heat condensed milk, regular milk, and vanilla until steaming (don’t boil).
- In a bowl, whisk eggs + cornflour until smooth.
- Temper the eggs: Slowly pour warm milk into egg mix while whisking.
- Return to pan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick like pudding (~5-7 mins).
3. Fill & Bake (15 mins)
- Spoon custard into shells (fill to just below the rim).
- Bake for 10-15 mins until set (center should barely jiggle).
4. Chill & Serve
- Cool completely, then refrigerate 1+ hour.
- Dust with cinnamon before serving.
🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Tarts
✔ Pre-bake shells if homemade (5 mins at 180°C to prevent sogginess).
✔ Strain custard through a sieve for ultra-smooth texture.
✔ Chill thoroughly – They firm up when cold!
✔ No cornflour? Use custard powder (same amount).
🍽 Serving Suggestions
🎉 Party Perfect
- Arrange on a tiered stand with fresh berries.
- Skewer with mini forks for easy nibbling.
☕ Tea Time Elegance
- Pair with rooibos tea or espresso.
- Add edible gold leaf for glam.
🌿 Flavor Twists
- Chocolate: Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder to custard.
- Salted caramel: Swirl caramel into filled tarts before baking.
🔄 Storage & Make-Ahead
- Fridge: Keep 3 days (cover loosely).
- Freeze: Unbaked custard freezes well for 1 month.
- Serve cold – The custard holds its shape best chilled.
💡 Why This Recipe Works
- Condensed milk adds sweetness without graininess.
- Cornflour prevents curdling vs. flour.
- Mini shells = portion control + pretty presentation!
🎉 Final Verdict: Bite-Sized Bliss!
These Mini Milk Tart Tarts are creamy, cinnamon-kissed, and irresistibly cute—a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Your turn! How will you customize yours? Share below! 👇
P.S. For a texture contrast, sprinkle crushed speculoos cookies on top! 🍪