If you’re looking for a dessert that’s creamy, zesty, quick, and irresistibly delicious, look no further than the No-Bake Cremora Tart. Popular in South Africa and now gaining traction globally, this humble dessert transforms everyday pantry ingredients into a showstopping treat.
Whether you’re entertaining guests, looking for a last-minute dessert, or simply craving something sweet and refreshing, the Cremora Tart ticks all the boxes. Best of all? It doesn’t require an oven.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know: detailed ingredients, step-by-step instructions, preparation tips, flavor variations, storage ideas, and calorie estimates. Let’s get into it.
What Is a Cremora Tart?
Cremora Tart is a chilled, no-bake dessert made using powdered creamer (like Nestlé Cremora), lemon juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a biscuit base. The tart is creamy and rich with a delightful citrus tang, similar to a lemon icebox pie or no-bake cheesecake but with a uniquely silky texture thanks to the Cremora.
This dessert is particularly popular in South African homes and is often served at family gatherings, weekend lunches, and celebrations. It’s one of those nostalgic recipes that combine ease, affordability, and big flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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No baking required: Perfect for hot days or when the oven is in use.
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Quick to prepare: Just 15 minutes of prep time.
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Minimal ingredients: Only six pantry staples.
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Crowd-pleasing flavor: Sweet, tangy, and creamy with a buttery biscuit base.
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Customizable: Switch up flavors, crusts, and toppings easily.
Ingredients (with US Cups & Metric Equivalents)
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful no-bake tart:
For the Crust:
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2 cups crushed Tennis biscuits or graham crackers
(≈ 250g, finely ground) -
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
(≈ 100g)
For the Filling:
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1 cup Cremora powdered creamer
(≈ 250g, Nestlé is commonly used, but store-brand works too) -
½ cup hot water
(≈ 120ml) -
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
(≈ 60ml, from 2–3 lemons) -
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
(≈ 397g)
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
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Mixing bowls
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Measuring cups & spoons
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Whisk or hand mixer
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Rubber spatula
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Tart pan or pie dish
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Spoon or glass (to press the crust)
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Refrigerator
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Biscuit Crust
Start by preparing your biscuit crust. This step is simple but crucial to building a solid base that complements the creamy filling.
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In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of crushed Tennis biscuits with 7 tablespoons of melted butter.
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Stir until the texture resembles wet sand.
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Pour this mixture into a tart pan or pie dish. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to press the crumbs evenly and firmly into the base and slightly up the sides.
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Place the crust in the refrigerator to firm up while you prepare the filling.
Optional: For a firmer crust, you can bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes and allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
The magic of this tart lies in the filling, where simple ingredients blend into a light yet creamy mixture with a citrusy kick.
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In a separate mixing bowl, dissolve the Cremora powder in ½ cup of hot water. Stir until fully smooth with no clumps.
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Add the condensed milk and lemon juice to the mixture. Begin whisking slowly, then increase speed as the mixture begins to thicken. You can use a hand whisk, electric mixer, or even a blender.
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Continue mixing until the filling becomes creamy and slightly firm.
Step 3: Assemble the Tart
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Remove the prepared crust from the refrigerator.
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Pour the Cremora filling evenly into the crust.
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Use a rubber spatula or spoon to smooth the top.
Step 4: Chill and Set
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Cover the tart with plastic wrap or foil.
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Place in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for the best texture.
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When ready to serve, slice gently with a sharp knife. Serve chilled.
How to Serve
Cremora Tart is best served cold, straight from the fridge. It slices beautifully and pairs wonderfully with:
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A dollop of whipped cream
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A dusting of powdered sugar
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Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
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A few curls of white chocolate
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Lemon zest for added zing
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Based on 8 servings.
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Calories: ~320 kcal
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Fat: 15g
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Carbohydrates: 40g
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Sugar: 28g
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Protein: 5g
Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on brands used and portion size.
Tips for Success
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Use real lemon juice. Bottled versions lack the same brightness and flavor.
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Ensure the water is hot. Warm water won’t dissolve the Cremora properly.
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Want a firmer set? Add 1 teaspoon of gelatin dissolved in water to the filling.
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Chill thoroughly. Don’t skimp on chilling time—it’s what helps the filling firm up.
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Avoid overmixing. Once the filling thickens, stop mixing to prevent it from loosening.
Variations & Twists
You can easily make this tart your own. Try some of these fun flavor variations:
1. Chocolate Cremora Tart
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Use chocolate-flavored coffee creamer instead of plain.
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Add a layer of chocolate ganache on top.
2. Coconut Lemon Tart
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Add ¼ cup of desiccated coconut to the filling.
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Top with toasted coconut flakes.
3. Berry Burst Tart
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Layer fresh raspberries or blueberry compote between the crust and filling.
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Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
4. Mini Tartlets
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Use cupcake tins or mini tart pans to create individual portions.
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Perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Store tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Not recommended, as the texture of the filling may change upon thawing.
Common Questions (FAQ)
Can I use evaporated milk instead of condensed milk?
No—evaporated milk doesn’t provide the same sweetness or thickness. Stick with sweetened condensed milk for best results.
What if I can’t find Cremora?
You can substitute with any high-quality powdered non-dairy creamer, but the results may vary slightly in texture and taste.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Yes! Lime juice gives a tangy, tropical twist to the classic recipe.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
It can be if you use gluten-free biscuits for the base.
Final Thoughts
This No-Bake Cremora Tart is proof that simple ingredients can deliver incredible results. With no oven required and a total prep time of just 15 minutes, it’s a dessert that works for just about any occasion—from Sunday lunch to summer picnics.
If you’re new to South African desserts, this is the perfect place to start. And if you’re already a fan of Cremora, this recipe will make you fall in love with it all over again.