Description
The Oumas Melktert Crumble Tray Bake is a South African-inspired dessert that beautifully blends the creamy, silky custard of a classic melktert with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumble topping. Presented as an easy-to-share tray bake, this comforting treat offers a perfect balance of smooth custard and crunchy crumble, ideal for family gatherings, casual tea times, or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Crumble Base and Topping
- 2 cups flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Creamy Custard Filling
- 4 cups full cream milk (or plant-based milk for vegan option)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs (or flaxseed egg substitute for vegan)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Crumble Base: Combine flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press two-thirds of this crumble evenly into a greased tray bake pan to form a sturdy, buttery base.
- Make the Creamy Custard Filling: In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, eggs, and cornstarch over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens into a silky custard that coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour the custard evenly over the pressed crumble base in the tray.
- Add the Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the custard layer without pressing it down. This will create a crunchy, golden topping once baked.
- Bake Until Golden and Set: Bake the tray bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the crumble topping is golden brown and crisp. Let it cool completely before slicing to allow the custard to firm up for clean slices.
Notes
- Use full cream milk for the creamiest custard texture.
- Keep crumble ingredients chilled before baking to maintain crispness.
- Do not overbake the custard; it should be slightly wobbly at the center when done.
- Allow the tray bake to cool fully for easier and neater slicing.
- Use a serrated knife to cut clean squares without disrupting the layers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of bake)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Oumas Melktert, Melktert Crumble, South African dessert, tray bake, custard crumble dessert, gluten-free melktert, easy dessert, comforting dessert