Rescue Roast Coffee Milk Tart
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Rescue Roast Coffee Milk Tart
South Africa's Favourite Melktert with a Delicious Coffee Twist
Few desserts are as proudly South African as Milk Tart, or Melktert.
Found at family gatherings, church bazaars, coffee mornings and celebrations across the country, Milk Tart is beloved for its creamy filling, delicate pastry and signature cinnamon topping.
At Rescue Roast, we've added a coffee lover's twist to this timeless classic by incorporating freshly brewed coffee into the silky custard filling.
The result is a dessert that combines everything South Africans love about Milk Tart with the rich aroma and flavour of premium coffee.
Whether you're entertaining guests or simply looking for a unique coffee-inspired dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Why Coffee and Milk Tart Work So Well Together
Milk Tart is known for its smooth, creamy texture and subtle sweetness.
Coffee naturally complements these flavours by adding:
✔ Rich aroma
✔ Chocolate notes
✔ Caramel undertones
✔ Greater depth
✔ Balanced sweetness
The coffee enhances the traditional flavour without overpowering the classic Milk Tart character.
The Best Rescue Roast Coffee for This Recipe
🏆 Winner: Blend #2
Brazil Cerrado Medium Blend
For most Milk Tart lovers, Blend #2 creates the perfect balance.
What to Expect
✔ Chocolate notes
✔ Nutty sweetness
✔ Smooth finish
✔ Low acidity
✔ Excellent balance
The flavour pairs beautifully with the creamy custard filling.
Alternative Blend Choices
Blend #3
Brazilian & Colombian Dark Blend
Perfect if you enjoy:
✔ Rich coffee flavour
✔ Dark chocolate notes
✔ Stronger desserts
Blend #1
Brazil, Colombia & Ethiopia Blend
Perfect if you enjoy:
✔ Caramel sweetness
✔ Fruit notes
✔ Greater complexity
Rescue Roast Coffee Milk Tart Recipe
Serves
8–10 people
Ingredients
Pastry Base
-
1 pre-baked sweet pastry shell (23–25cm)
-
Or your favourite homemade pastry recipe
Coffee Custard Filling
-
750ml full cream milk
-
150ml strong Rescue Roast coffee
-
3 large eggs
-
120g sugar
-
40g cornflour (Maizena)
-
30g butter
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
-
Ground cinnamon
-
Optional cocoa powder dusting
Step 1: Brew the Coffee
Prepare:
150ml strong Rescue Roast coffee
We recommend:
Rescue Roast Blend #2
Allow the coffee to cool slightly.
Step 2: Heat the Milk
In a saucepan combine:
-
750ml milk
-
150ml brewed coffee
Heat gently until warm.
Do not boil.
Step 3: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a separate bowl whisk together:
-
Eggs
-
Sugar
-
Cornflour
Whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Temper the Eggs
Slowly add some of the warm milk-coffee mixture to the eggs while whisking continuously.
This prevents the eggs from curdling.
Step 5: Cook the Filling
Return everything to the saucepan.
Cook over medium heat while stirring continuously.
Continue until the mixture thickens into a smooth custard.
Remove from heat.
Stir in:
-
Butter
-
Vanilla extract
The filling should be silky and smooth.
Step 6: Fill the Tart Shell
Pour the warm coffee custard into the prepared pastry shell.
Smooth the surface.
Allow to cool to room temperature.
Step 7: Chill
Refrigerate for:
3–4 hours
or until fully set.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Before serving:
Dust generously with:
✔ Ground cinnamon
Optional:
✔ Light cocoa powder dusting
✔ Chocolate shavings
Serve chilled.
What Does It Taste Like?
Expect:
✔ Creamy custard
✔ Gentle coffee flavour
✔ Cinnamon warmth
✔ Smooth sweetness
✔ Chocolate undertones
✔ Silky texture
The coffee adds depth while still allowing the classic Milk Tart flavour to shine.
Make It Your Own
Strong Coffee Version
Increase coffee to:
200ml
for a more pronounced coffee flavour.
Chocolate Coffee Milk Tart
Add:
50g melted dark chocolate
to the custard mixture.
Mocha Milk Tart
Add:
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
while cooking the custard.
Amarula Coffee Milk Tart
For an adult version:
Add:
2 tablespoons Amarula
after cooking the custard.
Perfect Pairings
Serve with:
✔ Espresso
✔ Cappuccino
✔ Flat White
✔ Boeretroos
✔ Rescue Roast Decaf
A slice of Coffee Milk Tart with a fresh cup of Rescue Roast coffee creates the perfect South African coffee break.
Why South Africans Love Milk Tart
Milk Tart remains one of South Africa's most iconic desserts because it is:
✔ Simple
✔ Comforting
✔ Creamy
✔ Versatile
✔ Perfect for sharing
Adding coffee gives this beloved classic a modern twist while preserving everything that makes Milk Tart so special.
Which Rescue Roast Blend Should You Use?
Blend #2
Best Overall Choice
Expect:
✔ Chocolate notes
✔ Nutty sweetness
✔ Smooth caramel-like finish
Blend #3
For Stronger Coffee Flavour
Expect:
✔ Rich body
✔ Dark chocolate notes
✔ Greater intensity
Blend #1
For More Complexity
Expect:
✔ Caramel sweetness
✔ Floral notes
✔ Layered flavour profile
Final Thoughts
The Rescue Roast Coffee Milk Tart combines two South African favourites: exceptional coffee and traditional Melktert.
The result is a creamy, comforting dessert with just enough coffee flavour to delight coffee lovers while remaining true to the classic South African recipe.
Whether served at a family gathering, weekend braai or special celebration, this dessert is guaranteed to become a conversation starter.
For the best results, we recommend Rescue Roast Blend #2, whose chocolate and nutty characteristics pair perfectly with the creamy custard filling.
And every cup of Rescue Roast coffee used in this recipe helps support animal rescue organisations across South Africa.