How to Make Traditional South African Jam Tertjies (Jam Tarts)

Sweet, simple, and full of nostalgic charm, Jam Tertjies are a staple of South African home baking. These mini jam tarts are made with buttery pastry and filled with bright, fruity preserves, most often apricot jam, a local favorite.

They’re the kind of treat you’ll find on a Sunday tea tray, at a church bazaar, or in a grandmother’s kitchen, lovingly baked and passed around with mugs of Rooibos tea.

In this post, we’ll explore the roots of this beloved tartlet, walk you through a foolproof recipe, and share ideas for adding your own twist to these classic bites of comfort.

A Brief History of Jam Tertjies

Jam tertjies (Afrikaans for "jam tarts") have strong Cape Dutch and Afrikaner roots, and they’ve long been part of the traditional South African baking repertoire. Passed down through generations, they were a standard at community fundraisers, kospotte (church food stalls), and holiday celebrations.

Jam Tarts

Typically filled with apricot jam, thanks to the country’s abundance of apricot orchards, jam tertjies represent the heart of South African hospitality: simple ingredients, prepared with care, and meant to be shared.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Buttery, crumbly pastry

2. Sweet, gooey jam filling

3. Great for teatime, bake sales, or lunchbox treats

4. Easy to make and customize

5. A true taste of South African baking tradition

   
   

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 2 cups cake flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 125g cold butter or margarine, cubed

• 2 tbsp caster sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla essence

• 1–2 tbsp cold water (only if needed)

  
  

For the Filling:

• About ½ cup apricot jam (or jam of your choice)

  
  

How to Make Jam Tertjies

Step 1: Make the Pastry

1. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl.

2. Add the cold butter and rub it into the flour until the texture resembles breadcrumbs.

3. Stir in the caster sugar.

4. In a small bowl, beat the egg and vanilla together.

5. Add the egg mixture to the flour and gently mix to form a soft dough. Add a spoon of cold water if needed.

6. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

   
   

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

• Lightly grease a mini muffin tray or tartlet pans.

  
  

Step 3: Roll and Shape

• On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about 3 mm thickness.

• Use a round cutter (6–7 cm diameter) to cut circles.

• Press each circle into the tart pan or muffin tin wells.

  
  

Step 4: Fill with Jam

• Spoon about ½ teaspoon of jam into the center of each tart. Be careful not to overfill, as jam expands while baking.

  
  

Step 5: Bake

• Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

• Allow to cool slightly before removing from the tray. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

Tea Time with Jam Tertjies

Tips for Perfect Jam Tertjies

• Use smooth, thick jam to prevent runny tarts.

• Chill the dough for easier rolling and cleaner cuts.

• Don’t overwork the dough, keep it tender and flaky.

• Let the tartlets cool before removing to avoid breaking the delicate shells.

  
  

Variations to Try

• Mixed Jam – Use different jams in one batch for a rainbow of flavors.

• Fig or Peach Jam – Perfect for autumnal flair.

• Jam + Coconut – Add a spoonful of sweet coconut mixture on top (like a mini Hertzoggie).

• Crumble Topping – Add a simple oat or nut crumble for extra texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm or room temperature with a cup of Rooibos tea, moerkoffie, or spiced chai.

• Dust lightly with icing sugar for a bakery-style finish.

• Include them in a dessert tray with Hertzoggies, Koeksisters, or Milk Tart slices.

Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

• These can be frozen (unbaked or baked) for up to a month. Thaw and reheat in a warm oven for a freshly baked taste.

  
  

Final Bite

Whether you grew up enjoying them after Sunday lunch or you’re trying them for the first time, Jam Tertjies are a sweet and simple way to taste a piece of South Africa’s rich food heritage. They’re a reminder that some of the best recipes come in the smallest packages.

Up next: Pair your jam tertjies with our Rooibos Iced Tea recipe or explore more classic South African bakes like Malva Pudding or Koeksisters.