10/15/2025
🇿🇦 Hertzoggies (South African Jam & Meringue Tarts)
Hertzoggies are delightful little tartlets that are as pretty as they are delicious. The contrast between the crumbly crust, sticky jam, and airy, sweet meringue makes them an irresistible treat.
Yields: 12-18 tartlets Prep time: 30-40 minutes Bake time: 15-20 minutes
🛒 Kromdraai Eats Shopping List
For the Pastry (Tart Shells):
2 cups (250g) All-Purpose Flour
2
1
tsp Baking Powder
4
1
tsp Salt
2
1
cup (113g) Cold Butter, cubed
2
1
cup (100g) Sugar
1 large Egg, beaten
1 tbsp Cold Water (if needed)
For the Filling:
4
3
- 1 cup (200g-250g) Kromdraai Deli Apricot Jam (smooth or chunky)
For the Meringue Topping:
2 large Egg Whites (at room temperature)
2
1
cup (100g) Caster Sugar (superfine sugar)
Pinch of Cream of Tartar (optional, helps stabilize meringue)
2
1
cup (50g) Desiccated Coconut (or finely ground almonds)
A few drops of Pink or Orange Food Colouring (optional, for traditional look)
🔥 Method
Phase 1: Make the Pastry
Sift Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Add Sugar & Egg: Stir in the sugar. Add the beaten egg and mix until a dough just begins to form. If the dough is too dry, add the cold water one teaspoon at a time until it comes together.
Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Phase 2: Prepare Fillings & Preheat
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350
∘
F (180
∘
C).
Grease Pans: Lightly grease a standard 12-hole muffin tin or tartlet pans.
Roll & Cut Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry to about
8
1
inch (3mm) thickness. Using a round cookie cutter (approx. 2.5-3 inches / 6-7.5cm), cut out circles and gently press them into the prepared muffin/tartlet tins. Prick the bottoms with a fork.
Add Jam: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of apricot jam into each pastry shell.
Phase 3: Make & Add Meringue
Whisk Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl (preferably glass or metal), whisk the egg whites (and cream of tartar, if using) with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
Add Sugar: Gradually add the caster sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to whisk until stiff, glossy peaks form and the sugar has dissolved (when you rub a little meringue between your fingers, it should feel smooth).
Fold in Coconut & Colouring: Gently fold in the desiccated coconut. If using, add a few drops of food colouring and gently fold until just combined.
Top Tarts: Pipe or spoon the meringue mixture on top of the jam in each pastry shell, creating a small peak or swirl.
Phase 4: Bake & Cool
Bake: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the meringue is lightly browned and set.
Cool: Remove the tins from the oven and let the Hertzoggies cool in the tins for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Hertzoggies are perfect for afternoon tea, coffee breaks, or as a delightful dessert.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
🔪 Kromdraai Eats Kitchen Tip
Meringue Success: For the best meringue, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature and that your bowl and whisk are absolutely free of any grease. Any trace of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly.