Melktert Cheesecake (No-Bake)

Melktert Cheesecake (No-Bake)

The ultimate South African comfort dessert - creamy, cinnamon-kissed melktert meets rich New York cheesecake. No oven needed, and it tastes exactly like home.

Ingredients

  • 200ย gramsย Tennis biscuits (or Marie biscuits)
  • 80ย gramsย unsalted butter, melted
  • 500ย gramsย full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 385ย gramsย sweetened condensed milk
  • 3ย tablespoonsย fresh lemon juice
  • 1ย teaspoonsย vanilla essence
  • 2ย teaspoonsย ground cinnamon (plus extra for dusting)
  • 250ย millilitersย whipping cream, cold
  • 2ย tablespoonsย custard powder
  • 60ย millilitersย whole milk

Steps

-Make the biscuit base:ย Crushย 200ย gramsย Tennis biscuits (or Marie biscuits)ย into fine crumbs (use a food processor or a zip-lock bag and rolling pin). Mix withย 80ย gramsย unsalted butter, meltedย until the crumbs resemble wet sand. Press firmly into the base of a 23cm springform tin. Refrigerate while you make the filling.
-Chill the base:ย Let the biscuit base set in the fridge.
Mix the custard paste:ย In a small bowl, whiskย 2ย tablespoonsย custard powder (like Snowflake or Pick n Pay brand)ย withย 60ย millilitersย whole milkย until completely smooth with no lumps. This gives the filling that authentic melktert flavour. Set aside.
-Make the cream cheese filling:ย Beatย 500ย gramsย full-fat cream cheese, softenedย with an electric mixer until fluffy and smooth, about 2 minutes. Addย 385ย gramsย sweetened condensed milk,ย 3ย tablespoonsย fresh lemon juice,ย 1ย teaspoonsย vanilla essence, andย 2ย teaspoonsย ground cinnamon (plus extra for dusting). Beat again until silky. Fold in the custard paste mixture until fully combined.
-Whip the cream:ย In a separate bowl, whipย 250ย millilitersย whipping cream, coldย to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two batches โ€” keep it light and airy. Don't overmix.
-Assemble and set:ย Pour the filling over your chilled biscuit base and smooth the top with a spatula. Dust generously with ground cinnamon in a classic melktert pattern. Cover and refrigerate until fully set.
-Serve:ย Remove from the springform tin and slice into wedges. Dust with a final pinch of cinnamon just before serving. Best enjoyed cold, with a cup of rooibos tea โ€” just like home.

ย 

Makes 10 Servings

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2 comments

raw custard powder???

ria

Yum! This no bake melktert recipe looks great! I am going to try it at home.

Gretha Maree

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FAQ Section

What is Melktert?

Melktert (meaning "milk tart" in Afrikaans) is a traditional South African dessert made with a sweet pastry or biscuit crust filled with a creamy, cinnamon-dusted milk custard. It's one of the most beloved South African bakes, found at every family gathering, church bazaar, and school tuck shop across the country.

Can I make Melktert without an oven?

Yes! This no-bake version uses cream cheese and whipped cream to create a set filling - no baking required. It's perfect for SA expats living in apartments or anywhere without a reliable oven.

What can I use instead of Tennis biscuits?

Tennis biscuits are the most authentic choice for a South African melktert base. Marie biscuits or digestive biscuits are the best substitutes.

How long does Melktert Cheesecake last in the fridge?

It keeps well for up to 4 days covered in the fridge - though in our experience, it rarely lasts that long!

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