These Melktert Bombs (South African milk tart-inspired doughnut puffs) are heavenly bite-sized treats with a creamy condensed milk filling and a cinnamon-sugar coating. Crispy outside, custardy inside—perfect with coffee or as a sweet snack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Irresistibly soft & creamy inside
✔ Golden, cinnamon-sugar coated exterior
✔ Easy to make with simple ingredients
✔ South African-inspired (like mini milk tarts!)
Ingredients
For the Doughnut Puffs
- 1 cup (250ml) water
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Condensed Milk Filling
- ½ cup (120ml) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (115g) melted butter (for dipping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Choux Pastry
In a saucepan, heat water, butter, sugar, and salt until boiling. Remove from heat, add flour all at once, and stir vigorously until a smooth dough forms. Return to low heat, stirring for 1-2 minutes to cook out raw flour taste. Transfer to a bowl, cool slightly, then beat in eggs one at a time until glossy. Stir in vanilla.
2. Pipe & Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pipe 1-inch balls onto a parchment-lined tray (or use a small scoop). Bake 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden. Do not open the oven! Cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Fill with Condensed Milk Custard
Whisk together condensed milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Poke a hole in each puff and pipe in filling (or inject with a syringe).
4. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Dip each puff in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
Tips for Success
🔹 Eggs at room temp help the pastry puff better.
🔹 No piping bag? Use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped.
🔹 Storage: Best fresh but keeps 1 day in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions
- Dusted with powdered sugar
- Drizzled with caramel
- With coffee or rooibos tea
Enjoy these sweet, creamy bites! ☕️🍩 Let me know if you’d like a baked custard version instead!