Milk Tart Cheesecake, also known as Melktert Cheesecake, combines the creamy, cinnamon-infused flavors of South African milk tart with the rich texture of cheesecake. Here’s a recipe inspired by traditional South African desserts:
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
• 200g shortbread cookies (crushed)
• 100g unsalted butter (melted)
For the Filling:
• 500g full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
• 250g mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup caster sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon almond essence
For the Caramel Sauce:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup fresh cream
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
• Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
• Combine the crushed shortbread cookies with melted butter.
• Press the mixture into the base of a 20cm springform pan.
• Place the pan in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
2. Make the Filling:
• In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and mascarpone until smooth.
• Add the caster sugar, eggs, ground cinnamon, and almond essence. Mix until just combined.
• Pour the filling over the chilled crust.
3. Bake:
• Wrap the outside of the springform pan with foil to prevent water from seeping in.
• Place the pan in a larger baking dish filled with hot water, creating a water bath.
• Bake for approximately 55 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight wobble.
• Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open.
• Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Prepare the Caramel Sauce:
• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar until it turns amber.
• Add the butter and stir until melted.
• Slowly pour in the fresh cream, stirring continuously.
• Mix in the ground cinnamon.
• Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Serve:
• Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
• Pour the caramel sauce over the cheesecake before serving.
• Optionally, sprinkle additional ground cinnamon on top.
Enjoy this delightful fusion of flavors that brings together the best of South African desserts!
Recipe adapted from Kerrygold’s Milk Tart Cheesecake.