Living abroad has its perks, but nothing quite fills the gap left by the comforting tastes of home. For South Africans yearning for a bite of nostalgia, this Milk Tart Swiss Roll recipe is the perfect mix of two iconic desserts—milk tart and a swiss roll. Whether you’re reminiscing about teatime treats or looking to share a little piece of heritage with your friends abroad, this Swiss Roll recipe from South Africa will truly delight.
The Milk Tart Swiss Roll combines the creamy, cinnamon-spiced flavours of a traditional Milk Tart recipe with the soft, spongy allure of a Swiss Roll cake. It’s a dessert that doesn’t just taste amazing; it evokes warm, familiar memories of home kitchens and Sunday lunches in South Africa.
Here’s how to make this cinnamon-scented swiss roll and treat yourself to a sweet slice of home.
Ingredients for a Milk Tart Swiss Roll
Before we begin, gather all the ingredients for your milk tart swiss roll. Most of these items should be easy to find no matter where you are in the world.
For the Swiss Roll Cake
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- ¾ cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons milk (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Milk Tart filling
- 1 cup (250ml) milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (maizena)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for dusting)
Step 1: Prepare your Swiss roll cake
The first element of this swiss roll recipe is the light, airy sponge cake that will cradle your creamy filling.
- Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 400°F (200°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar together until they’re pale, thick, and fluffy. This step is key to achieving that perfect swiss roll texture!
- Add Vanilla and Milk: Mix in the vanilla essence and milk, which add both flavour and moisture to your swiss roll cake.
- Sift and Fold Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the lined baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
Step 2: Roll the sponge while warm
This step ensures your swiss roll holds its shape without cracking.
- Turn the Sponge onto a tea towel: Flip the cake onto a clean, lint-free tea towel dusted with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Peel Off the Paper: Gently peel away the parchment paper from the cake’s surface.
- Roll It Up: While the sponge is still warm, roll it up slowly with the towel inside. This will ‘train’ it to hold its swiss roll shape. Allow it to cool completely before unrolling.
Step 3: Make the Milk Tart filling
The Milk Tart filling is the heart of this dessert, offering all the rich, nostalgic flavours of a traditional milk tart recipe.
- Heat milk: Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to bubble. Do not boil.
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and flour in a small bowl.
- Combine wet and dry: Beat the egg into the dry ingredients to form a smooth paste.
- Temper the mixture: Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Cook until thickened: Return the mixture to the saucepan and stir over medium-low heat until thickened. Add the vanilla essence and remove from heat. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and allow it to cool completely.
Step 4: Assemble your Milk Tart Swiss Roll
Now it’s time to bring it all together!
- Unroll the cake: Gently unroll your sponge, remove the tea towel and spread the cooled milk tart filling evenly across the surface.
- Roll it back up: Carefully roll the sponge up again, this time without the tea towel.
- Dust with cinnamon: Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top of the roll for that authentic milk tart touch.
Step 5: Slice and serve
Your Milk Tart Swiss Roll is ready to enjoy! Simply slice it up and serve with tea, coffee, or even on its own.
Milk Tart recipe – Bring a sweet taste of home
This Milk Tart Swiss Roll recipe beautifully combines the comforting, creamy flavors of a traditional milk tart with the light, airy elegance of a classic Swiss roll cake. It’s a delightful dessert that’s both nostalgic and sophisticated, perfect for any occasion. For South Africans living abroad, this recipe offers a delicious way to bring a taste of home to your table while sharing a piece of your culture with new friends. The smooth milk tart filling, wrapped in a soft sponge cake, makes it an irresistible treat that’s sure to impress. Whether it’s for a special gathering or a simple indulgence, this recipe is bound to become a favourite!
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