If you’re a fan of traditional South African desserts, you’re likely already familiar with the legendary milk tart—or melktert, as it’s known locally. This creamy, comforting treat has graced South African tables for generations. But if you’re looking for a fresh take, why not try a coconut milk custard tart? This recipe brings a tropical flair to a much-loved classic and is bound to become a new favourite.
What is Melktert?
Melktert is a classic South African tart made with a light, airy milk tart filling and either a biscuit or pastry base. What sets the South African tart apart from other custard desserts is its higher milk-to-egg ratio, which gives the custard its smooth, delicate texture. This milk tart recipe is a staple at family gatherings, church bazaars, and holidays. And with its subtle sweetness and creamy consistency, it’s easy to see why.
A coconut custard filling to elevate your tart
Want to give the traditional melktert a creative spin? Add a coconut custard filling for a twist that’s both nostalgic and refreshing. This variation combines a buttery milk tart crust with a toasted coconut base and a silky milk tart custard that’s poured over and chilled to perfection. The result? A coconut milk tart that’s light, luscious, and ideal as a fridge milk tart for warm summer days.
Ingredients for Milk tart with coconut custard
Looking for the full list of ingredients for milk tart with a coconut twist? Here’s what you’ll need:
For the milk tart crust:
- Butter
- Sugar
- Egg
- Salt
- Custard powder
- Baking powder
- Cake flour
For the coconut custard filling:
- Desiccated coconut
- Brown sugar
- Butter
For the milk tart filling:
- Milk
- Butter
- Eggs
- White sugar
- Salt
- Cornflour (Maizena)
- Cake flour
- ustard powder
- Almond essence
- Ground cinnamon (for topping)
This is a versatile milk tart crust recipe that pairs perfectly with both traditional and modern melktert fillings.
Step-by-Step: Coconut fridge milk tart recipe
Step 1: Make the Milk Tart Crust
Cream the butter and sugar, beat in the egg, and combine with the dry ingredients. Press the dough into a tart pan and blind bake at 180°C for 15 minutes. This step is key for a crisp, golden crust.
Step 2: Toast the Coconut Layer
Melt butter in a saucepan, then add brown sugar and coconut. Stir until golden and fragrant. Spread this over the cooled crust to form your coconut base.
Step 3: Cook the Milk Tart Custard
Boil milk and butter in a pot. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, salt, and dry ingredients. Slowly pour some hot milk into the egg mixture to temper it, then combine all and stir over heat until thickened. This rich milk tart filling recipe will set into a creamy, dreamy custard layer.
Pour the custard over the coconut layer, dust with cinnamon, and chill for at least 3 hours. This is an ideal fridge milk tart recipe—no oven time required after baking the crust.
Why you’ll love this coconut milk tart
This isn’t just any milk tart recipe—it’s a comforting dessert with a tropical surprise. The coconut adds texture and sweetness, while the custard brings that signature milk tart South African flavour.
- Perfect for gatherings, tea time, or casual desserts
- Great as an unbaked milk tart recipe when served chilled
- Easy to follow—even for beginner bakers
- A flavourful update to the classic melk tert recipe
Pro tips for the best milk tart
- Crust Tips: Blind bake the crust to avoid sogginess from the custard.
- Custard Tips: Stir constantly for a lump-free texture.
- Coconut Tips: Slightly toast the coconut for enhanced flavour.
Whether you’re after a milk tart South African recipe to impress guests or just a comforting fridge treat, this coconut milk tart hits the mark every time.
Milk tart South African recipe with a coconut twist: A Must-try dessert
This milk tart with coconut custard filling is a delicious update on a South African classic. With its creamy centre, toasted coconut base, and crisp crust, it’s the kind of dessert that brings people together.
So grab your ingredients for milk tart, follow this easy guide, and treat yourself to a slice of South African tradition—reinvented. Whether you call it melktert, milk tart, or coconut milk custard tart, there’s no denying it’s a treat worth sharing.
Expert advice for SA expats right here at FinGlobal
Just as every great recipe starts with the right ingredients, your international move needs the right financial guidance—FinGlobal is here to help with tax emigration, and money transfers made simple.
If you’d like to chat with a knowledgeable consultant, take the time to get in touch with us. You can give us a call at +27 28 313 5600 or email us at info@finglobal.com at your convenience, and one of our friendly consultants will assist you further.