Why You’ll Love This Milk Tart in a Glass?
Milk Tart in a Glass, or Mini Melktert Verrines, is a delightful twist on the traditional South African dessert, melktert, made even more sophisticated and fun by presenting it in individual glass jars. Imagine a creamy, velvety custard filling sitting atop a crunchy, buttery biscuit base, topped with fresh fruits and a dash of cinnamon. Each bite brings together the sweetness of the custard, the richness of the chocolatey biscuit base, and the freshness of the topping—creating a treat that is irresistible, indulgent, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a cozy evening at home, or looking for a unique dessert to bring to a potluck, these mini verrines will surely impress.
Not only does this dessert have a wonderfully smooth texture and rich flavor, but it also has a stunning visual appeal that makes it perfect for serving in small jars or glasses, allowing you to enjoy it in individual portions. This recipe is a simpler take on the classic melktert, making it easy for anyone to recreate in their kitchen. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food with a modern twist.
What You’ll Need
For the Base:
- 200g Romany Cream biscuits (or similar chocolate biscuits)
- 75g butter, melted
For the Cream Filling:
- 500ml milk
- 100g sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 50g cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- Fresh berries or fruits (strawberries, raspberries, or mango)
- Cinnamon for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Biscuit Base:
- Start by crushing the Romany Cream biscuits (or any chocolate biscuits you’re using) into fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a ziplock bag and using a rolling pin to crush them, or you can pulse them in a food processor.
- Once the biscuits are finely crushed, melt the butter in a microwave or on the stovetop. Combine the melted butter with the crushed biscuits, mixing well to ensure all the crumbs are coated with the butter.
- Spoon the biscuit mixture into the bottoms of your serving glasses or verrines. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to gently press the mixture down to create a compact base.
- Place the glasses in the fridge while you prepare the custard filling to allow the base to set.
- Make the Cream Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat, but be careful not to let it boil. Stir occasionally to prevent it from scorching.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornflour (cornstarch), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will form the base of your custard, so make sure it’s smooth with no lumps.
- Slowly add the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. This step is crucial as it ensures you don’t scramble the eggs when adding them to the hot milk.
- Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and continue to cook over low to medium heat, stirring constantly. The custard will thicken after a few minutes. When it reaches a pudding-like consistency, remove it from the heat.
- Let the custard cool slightly for a few minutes before carefully spooning it over the prepared biscuit base in your glasses. Fill each glass just below the rim.
- Chill and Set:
- Place the glasses with the custard in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing the custard to firm up and set. This step is key to achieving the perfect creamy texture.
- Prepare the Topping:
- When you’re ready to serve the milk tart in a glass, prepare your fresh fruit topping. Depending on what you prefer or what’s in season, you can use strawberries, raspberries, or mango slices. Gently wash and slice the fruits as needed.
- Just before serving, sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon over the top of the custard for that traditional melktert flavor. You can also add a few whole berries or fruit slices as an attractive garnish.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once chilled, your Mini Melktert Verrines are ready to be served. You can serve them as is or with a little extra fruit for added flair. Enjoy the layers of creamy custard, crunchy base, and sweet fruit topped with the aromatic warmth of cinnamon.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The milk and eggs you use will directly impact the taste of your custard. Use high-quality, fresh eggs and full-fat milk for the best results.
- Tempering Eggs: When adding the hot milk to the egg mixture, make sure you do it slowly and whisk continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Perfect Custard Consistency: The custard should be thick enough to hold its shape but not so thick that it becomes pudding-like. It should have a smooth, silky texture.
- Crush Biscuits Well: The base is an important part of this dessert. Be sure to crush the biscuits into fine crumbs to create a uniform, compact base.
- Chill Properly: Don’t skip the chilling step. Allow the custard to set properly in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Twist: Add cocoa powder to the custard mixture for a chocolate-flavored custard that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate biscuit base. You can also top the verrines with chocolate shavings or ganache for extra indulgence.
- Coconut Milk Version: For a dairy-free variation, try substituting the milk with coconut milk. This will add a subtle tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with mango or pineapple topping.
- Nutty Crust: Instead of a biscuit base, you can try using crushed nuts like almonds or hazelnuts mixed with butter for a nutty, crunchier base that complements the smooth custard.
- Boozy Milk Tart: For a grown-up version, add a splash of rum, brandy, or Amarula (a South African cream liqueur) to the custard mixture. This adds depth of flavor and a bit of decadence to the dessert.
- Vegan Version: To make this recipe vegan, swap out the eggs and milk for plant-based alternatives like almond milk and cornstarch. There are egg replacers available that will work well in this recipe.
Storing and Reheating
- Storage: These Mini Melktert Verrines can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Be sure to cover them with plastic wrap or an airtight lid to prevent them from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
- Reheating: This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it. However, if you prefer a warm version, you can microwave the custard briefly, but be cautious not to overheat it, as it could change the texture.
- Freezing: While it’s not ideal to freeze the custard filling, you can freeze the biscuit base. Simply prepare the base, press it into the glasses, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw the base before assembling the verrines with the custard and fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make the biscuit base ahead of time? Yes, the biscuit base can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. This will allow it to set and become firmer before you add the custard.
- Can I use store-bought custard for this recipe? While making the custard from scratch gives the best results, you can use store-bought custard as a shortcut. Just be sure to let it cool before adding it to the glasses.
- Can I make this dessert gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free biscuits or even create a nut-based crust as an alternative to the traditional biscuit base. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
- What fruits work best as toppings? Fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries work wonderfully. You could also use tropical fruits like mango, kiwi, or passion fruit for a different twist.
- Can I add flavorings to the custard? Yes, you can experiment with adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the custard for an additional layer of flavor. You could also infuse the milk with cinnamon or orange zest before adding it to the egg mixture.
The Final Word
Milk Tart in a Glass, or Mini Melktert Verrines, is an irresistible dessert that brings together the best of both worlds: the comfort of a traditional South African treat with the elegance of modern presentation. From the crunchy chocolate biscuit base to the creamy, velvety custard filling and the bright, fresh fruit topping, every component of this dessert is designed to delight the senses.
Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these Mini Melktert Verrines will impress your guests and bring joy to your table. So, grab your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself to a little taste of heaven in every glass!