If there’s one dessert that truly captures the heart of South African home baking, it’s milk tart — that creamy, cinnamon-dusted classic that tastes like comfort in every bite. And when you turn it into easy, no-bake squares made with Marie biscuits, you get all that nostalgic flavor with none of the fuss!
These Marie Biscuit Milk Tart Squares are silky, sweet, and wonderfully simple. With a crunchy buttery base and a smooth, custardy filling, they’re perfect for when you want something homemade but quick. Whether you’re prepping for a Sunday tea, a lunchbox treat, or a late-night craving, this recipe never disappoints.
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No oven needed: A completely no-bake treat that sets beautifully in the fridge.
Simple ingredients: All pantry staples you probably already have.
Classic flavor: Creamy, comforting milk tart goodness with a buttery Marie biscuit twist.
Quick to make: Ready to chill in just 15 minutes of prep.
🥣 Ingredients
Base
- 200 g Marie biscuits
- 100 g butter, melted
Filling
- 400 ml milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp custard powder (or arrowroot/cornstarch)
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- Pinch of cinnamon
👩🍳 Method
1. Prepare the base
Crush the Marie biscuits finely — you can use a food processor or place them in a zip bag and crush with a rolling pin. Mix the crushed biscuits with the melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the base of a square or rectangular dish (about 20×20 cm). Place in the fridge to set while you make the filling.
2. Make the filling
In a small bowl, mix the custard powder with a few tablespoons of milk to form a smooth paste. In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk and sugar over medium heat until warm (do not boil). Gradually whisk in the custard paste, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla essence and a pinch of cinnamon.
3. Assemble
Pour the warm custard mixture over the chilled biscuit base. Smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top if desired.
4. Chill & serve
Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours (or overnight) until fully set. Cut into squares and enjoy your creamy, nostalgic milk tart treat.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Add a twist: Top with a sprinkle of crushed Marie biscuits or a swirl of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Make it extra creamy: Replace a quarter of the milk with fresh cream.
- Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
❤️ A Taste of Home
These Marie Biscuit Milk Tart Squares are proof that you don’t need complicated techniques to make something special. They’re simple, familiar, and utterly delicious — the kind of dessert that brings everyone back for seconds. So grab your biscuits, whisk up that custard, and enjoy a slice of old-fashioned goodness, no oven required!
Marie Biscuit Milk Tart Squares (No-Bake!)
Ingredients
- Base:
- 200 g Marie biscuits
- 100 g butter melted
- Filling:
- 400 ml milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp custard powder or arrowroot/cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- Pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the base:
- Crush the Marie biscuits finely (use a food processor or place them in a zip bag and crush with a rolling pin).
- Mix the crushed biscuits with the melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the base of a square or rectangular dish (about 20×20 cm).
- Place in the fridge to set while you make the filling.
- Make the filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the custard powder with a few tablespoons of milk to form a smooth paste.
- In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk and sugar over medium heat until warm (do not boil).
- Gradually whisk in the custard paste. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Assemble:
- Pour the warm custard mixture over the chilled biscuit base.
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top, if desired.
- Chill & serve:
- Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours (or overnight) until fully set.
- Cut into squares and enjoy your creamy, nostalgic milk tart treat!