South Africans are a fiercely loyal bunch, especially when it comes to our food. We’ve already had to fend off foreigners who call biltong “beef jerky” and koeksisters “fried dough”. But now, a new scandal is brewing, and this time, it’s over a dessert so cherished it’s practically a national treasure—our beloved Milk Tart, or as we call it, melktert.
The controversy ignited when culinary queen Martha Stewart shared a recipe for something she calls “Desperation Pie.” According to Stewart, it’s a classic American dessert, hailing from Indiana, with a custard filling and a buttery crust. Sound familiar? Well, it should—because it’s eerily similar to our Milk Tart! The only thing missing was a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, but otherwise, it looked like it had come straight from a South African kitchen.
The video quickly made its way to South African TikTok, where local radio personality Thabo Baloyi, armed with a sharp tongue and a lot of patriotism, called it out. “The Americans have stolen milk tart! We’ve gladly given away Elon Musk, Charlize Theron, and even nearly Nelson Mandela’s hearing aid… but it’s never enough for some people”.
As the video racked up views, South Africans flooded the comment section. The outrage was real, but the comments were priceless:
- “No, not the Milk Tart! Please keep the koeksisters safe next.”
- “As South Africans, we should not stand for such injustice against the great milk tart.”
- “Desperation pie…. what does that even mean… like yea I’m always desperate vir n lekker melktert, but what?”
- “Out of all the words, every single one, they chose to call it desperation pie. It’s not even a pie!”
The debate was on: Did America really steal our Milk Tart, or is this just a case of culinary coincidence? Let’s break it down.
Both Milk Tart and Desperation Pie are custard-based desserts that emerged during times of scarcity. Milk Tart hails from the 17th century when Dutch settlers adapted European custard recipes to suit what they had on hand—milk, eggs, and a lot of love.
Desperation Pie, on the other hand, made its debut in the United States during the Great Depression when folks had to get creative with what was left in the pantry. It’s a simpler version, often made with vinegar or buttermilk. Now, call us biassed, but vinegar in a custard pie? We’ll stick to our Milk Tart, thanks!
So, did Martha Stewart really “steal” our Milk Tart? Well, it depends on how you look at it. The ingredients might be similar, and the concept isn’t far off, but the Milk Tart’s legacy is purely South African. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a slice of history. It’s what your ouma makes when you visit and what you crave on a Sunday afternoon.
But let’s be honest—this isn’t just about dessert theft. It’s about cultural pride, a cheeky bit of banter, and a shared love for good food.
