South African Milk Tart (Light & Fluffy Custard Pie)

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1. 1Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and set out a standard-size pie plate.
2. 2Step 2: In a large bowl of a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar together. Add egg and beat until light and fluffy.
3. 3Step 3: In a separate bowl mix flour, baking powder, and salt together. Add to butter mixture and mix until dough comes together.
4. 4Step 4: On a lightly floured work surface, use a rolling pin to roll the dough out approx. 2 inches larger than your pie plate.
5. 5Step 5: Gently place the dough into the pie dish and using your fingers gently press into place. Using a fork prick the dough all over the bottom. Trim edges and shape as desired.
6. 6Step 6: Use parchment paper to cover the base of the pastry and place pie weights (or dry beans/rice) over the parchment paper to weigh the pastry down.
7. 7Step 7: Place in the middle of the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then carefully remove the paper and the weights and continue to bake for an additional 5 minutes until light brown. Set aside.
8. 8Step 8: In a large pot bring milk to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and set aside.
9. 9Step 9: Meanwhile, using a stand mixer beat eggs and sugar together. Add flour, cornflour and salt. Mix well. While the mixer is running on low carefully pour the boiled milk into the mixture – making sure to slowly pour small amounts at a time (approx. 1/4 cup until halfway then add the rest) stir well. You don’t want to cook your eggs (Note: Make sure you are using the largest mixing bowl you have, so there is lots of room to pour the milk in. If you don’t have a large mixing bowl for your mixer, you can mix by hand using a whisk until smooth and there are no lumps).
10. 10Step 10: Pour the mixture back into the pot, return to the stove and stir for 10-12 minutes on medium heat until the mixture thickens. Add butter and vanilla and mix. Pour into your pastry shell.
11. 11Step 11: Allow the milk tart to cool in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 hours (you do not need to cook the tart any further).
12. 12Step 12: Sprinkle with cinnamon when ready to serve.