South African Sweets: 5 Authentic Recipes from South Africa

Recipes for Nostalgia

Put on your apron and embark on a journey to recreate the flavors of your childhood. We have some favourite South African recipes for guaranteed fun, laughter & happiness. Here are 5 simple traditional South African sweets recipes for crafting beloved South African sweets in the comfort of your own kitchen.

 

 

1. Koeksisters

A traditional South African sweet treat made from braided dough, deep-fried, and soaked in syrup. Koeksisters are a favorite at family gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 large eggs

For the Syrup:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk together, then add to the dry ingredients. Mix to form a dough.
4. Roll out the dough and cut into strips.
5. Braid the strips and press the ends together to secure the braids.
6. Heat oil for deep frying and fry the koeksisters until golden brown.
7. While the koeksisters are frying, prepare the syrup by boiling sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, and ginger until it forms a syrup.
8. Dip the hot koeksisters into the hot syrup, ensuring they are fully coated.
9. Allow the koeksisters to cool and absorb the syrup before serving.

 

 

2. Melktert (Milk Tart)

A beloved South African dessert that features a buttery crust filled with a creamy milk-based custard infused with cinnamon.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg

For the Filling:

• 4 cups milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. To make the crust, combine the flour, butter, and sugar in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Add the egg and pulse until the dough comes together.
4. Press the dough into a greased tart pan, covering the bottom and sides evenly.
5. For the filling, heat the milk in a saucepan until it's just about to boil. Remove from heat.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and eggs until smooth.
7. Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture while whisking continuously.
8. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens.
9. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.
10. Pour the custard filling into the prepared tart crust.
11. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden.

Let the tart cool before slicing and serving.

 

 

 

3. Ginger Pudding

Ingredients:

• ½ cup apricot jam
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1½ cup flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp salt

Sauce

• 4 cups water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger

Instructions:

• Boil the jam and margarine together.
• Dissolve the baking soda in the milk and add to jam and margarine. Remove from the heat.
• Stir in the flour, cinnamon, ginger and salt gradually.

Syrup

• Make the syrup in a saucepan and heat it until it starts to boil.
• Add spoonfuls of the dough into the boiling syrup. Cover and let it cook slowly on a low heat until the dough is cooked and the syrup is thick and tasty.
• Serve with ice cream or custard.

 

 

 

4. Malva Pudding:

A warm and comforting dessert with a rich, sticky sauce, Malva Pudding is a classic South African treat often enjoyed during colder months.

Ingredients:

For the Pudding:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp smooth apricot jam
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp melted butter

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add apricot jam, vinegar, milk, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the pudding is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. While the pudding is baking, prepare the sauce by heating the cream, sugar, butter, and hot water in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
7. When the pudding is done baking, immediately pour the hot sauce over the hot pudding, allowing it to soak in.
8. Allow the pudding to sit for a few minutes to absorb the sauce before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or custard.

 

 

5. Milk Tart Fudge

A delightful fusion of two beloved South African treats, milk tart and fudge. This recipe brings together the creamy flavors of milk tart with the irresistible sweetness of fudge.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, milk, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage (around 234°F or 112°C on a candy thermometer).
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add sweetened condensed milk and mix well.
4. Beat the mixture vigorously until it thickens and starts to lose its gloss.
5. Pour the mixture into a 30cm x 20cm serving pan with non-stick cooking spray greased pan and allow it to cool and set.
6. Once set, cut into squares and enjoy the delicious milk tart fudge.

 

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