12/12/2025
Traditional Gypsy Tart π―π₯§
A true Kentish classic, the Gypsy Tart is a sweet, silky dessert made with just a few humble ingredients. With its buttery pastry case and creamy, caramel-like filling, itβs a nostalgic pudding that generations remember fondly.
Ingredients
For the pastry:
πΎ 1 ΒΌ cups plain flour
π§ Β½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
π 2 tbsp caster sugar
π₯ 2β3 tbsp cold water
For the filling:
π₯ 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk, well chilled
π¬ 1 ΒΌ cups light muscovado sugar (or soft brown sugar)
Method
π₯ Preheat oven to 375Β°F. Grease and line a 9-inch tart tin.
πΎ To make the pastry, rub butter into flour and sugar until breadcrumb-like. Add cold water a spoonful at a time until the dough comes together. Wrap and chill for 20 minutes.
π₯§ Roll out pastry and line the tart tin. Prick the base with a fork, then line with parchment and baking beans. Bake blind for 15 minutes. Remove beans and parchment, and bake for a further 5 minutes until golden. Leave to cool slightly.
π₯ In a large bowl, whisk chilled evaporated milk until frothy and thickened (about 5 minutes with an electric whisk).
π¬ Gradually whisk in the muscovado sugar until fully incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy.
π₯§ Pour filling into the cooled pastry case and bake for 10 minutes only β no longer, or it will set too hard.
βοΈ Allow to cool completely in the tin. The tart should have a soft, mousse-like filling. Dust with icing sugar if desired.
Serving Information
β±οΈ Prep time: 25 minutes
π₯ Baking time: 30 minutes
β Total time: 55 minutes
π½οΈ Serves: 8 slices
β‘ Calories: ~320 per slice
Tips
β¨ The evaporated milk must be very cold for the filling to whip properly β chill it overnight.
β¨ Store in the fridge and eat within 2 days.
β¨ For a twist, try using dark muscovado sugar for a deeper, treacly flavour.