Get ready to discover the irresistible flavors of Traditional South African Malva Pudding, a dessert that has a special place in the heart of anyone who’s ever tried it. This sweet, spongy baked treat is enriched with apricot jam and drenched in a lusciously creamy sauce, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Whether you’re looking to impress at your next dinner party or simply treat yourself to some comfort, Traditional South African Malva Pudding is all about cozy warmth and nostalgic flavor—the perfect way to end a meal on a high note.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the absolute joys of Traditional South African Malva Pudding is how easy it is to make with humble ingredients you probably already have. Each component plays a role, adding layers of taste, unforgettable aroma, and that perfect golden color that makes this pudding so inviting.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the essential sweetness and helps create a gorgeously caramelized top.
- Large eggs: Give the pudding a lovely rise and tender crumb.
- Apricot jam: The secret ingredient that brings tangy fruitiness and a subtle depth of flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone of the pudding’s texture, making it soft yet sturdy enough for the sauce.
- Baking soda: Provides lightness and makes the pudding beautifully airy.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance all those sweet flavors.
- Butter, melted: Richness, a hint of luxury, and that unmistakable homemade taste.
- White vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to help the pudding rise, plus adds a subtle tang.
- Milk: Keeps the crumb moist and tender, binding everything together.
- Heavy cream (for the sauce): Transforms the sauce into a dreamy, velvety topping.
- Butter (for the sauce): Melts into the sauce, making it glossy and luxurious.
- Sugar (for the sauce): Sweetens the sauce and helps everything meld together.
- Hot water (for the sauce): Lightens the sauce and helps all the flavors blend.
- Vanilla extract (for the sauce): Adds the finishing aromatic note that makes this pudding irresistible.
How to Make Traditional South African Malva Pudding
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by setting the stage: preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. This ensures the pudding won’t stick and will get that gorgeous golden edge every home baker loves.
Step 2: Beat the Eggs and Sugar
Grab a large bowl and beat together the sugar and eggs. Keep going until the mixture is pale and fluffy—this is what gives Traditional South African Malva Pudding its iconic airy crumb.
Step 3: Stir in Apricot Jam
Mix in that apricot jam! It will dissolve into the eggs and sugar, threading gentle fruity notes throughout your pudding and hinting at a real South African classic.
Step 4: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients
In a second bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps avoid lumps and ensures your pudding will bake up evenly light and tender.
Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients
In yet another bowl (or a large measuring cup), combine the melted butter, white vinegar, and milk. This trio unites to give both moisture and subtle complexity to your pudding base.
Step 6: Bring Everything Together
Now, it’s time to build the batter! Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk mixture to your egg mixture, stirring gently until you have a smooth, silky batter ready for the oven.
Step 7: Bake the Pudding
Pour the batter into your prepared dish and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Prepare the Luxurious Sauce
While the pudding bakes, assemble the sauce by combining heavy cream, butter, sugar, hot water, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the butter melts and the sugar has disappeared—don’t let it boil. This sauce is the heart of Traditional South African Malva Pudding!
Step 9: Soak the Pudding
When the pudding is out of the oven, immediately pour the warm, silky sauce over the top. Watch as it soaks in, making every morsel spongey, rich, and heaven-sent.
How to Serve Traditional South African Malva Pudding
Garnishes
A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream is truly all you need to complement a warm slice of Traditional South African Malva Pudding. If you’re feeling extra, a sprinkle of toasted almonds or a dusting of powdered sugar adds simple elegance.
Side Dishes
Although this dessert shines on its own, pair it with stewed or roasted stone fruit on the side for an even more festive touch. The contrast between the bubbling, syrupy fruit and the plush pudding is simply divine.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving portions in individual ramekins, or layer cubes of the pudding in parfait glasses with fresh fruit and cream for a showstopper at any gathering. For special occasions, splash a bit of brandy or Amarula into the sauce for an unforgettable twist on Traditional South African Malva Pudding.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pudding (if there is any!) keeps so well. Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and become even more delicious!
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Traditional South African Malva Pudding freezes beautifully. Wrap cooled pudding tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your pudding back to life, gently reheat slices in the microwave, or cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. Don’t forget: a splash of extra sauce or cream makes it taste just like it’s freshly made.
FAQs
What is the origin of Traditional South African Malva Pudding?
Traditional South African Malva Pudding has its roots in Cape Dutch cuisine Dessert. Many say its name comes from the Afrikaans word for marshmallow due to its springy texture, though its exact origins are open to a bit of friendly debate.
Can I use a different jam if I don’t have apricot?
Absolutely! While apricot jam provides a classic tartness, feel free to substitute with peach or even orange marmalade for a twist. Each variety will give the pudding its own subtle signature.
Is Malva pudding gluten-free?
As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can try swapping in a high-quality gluten-free flour blend for similar results. Just be aware the texture may vary slightly.
What can I use instead of heavy cream in the sauce?
If you’d like a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or a full-fat coconut milk. Keep in mind that the sauce may be a touch less rich, but it will still soak the pudding beautifully.
Can I prepare Traditional South African Malva Pudding in advance for parties?
Definitely! In fact, Malva pudding tastes great when made a day in advance. Simply store it covered in the fridge and reheat before serving. It’s a true crowd-pleaser for gatherings of all kinds.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that brings genuine comfort and a bit of global flair to your table, give Traditional South African Malva Pudding a try. It’s cozy, buttery, and surprisingly easy to master—every bite feels like a warm hug. I hope you love it as much as my friends and family do!
Print
Traditional South African Malva Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Traditional South African Malva Pudding, a beloved baked dessert featuring a moist sponge cake drenched in a sweet and buttery sauce.
Ingredients
Main Pudding:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 cup milk
For the sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Mix sugar and eggs: Beat sugar and eggs until pale and fluffy, then mix in the apricot jam.
- Prepare dry ingredients: Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl.
- Combine wet ingredients: Mix melted butter, vinegar, and milk in another bowl.
- Combine ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients and milk mixture to the egg mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Bake: Pour batter into the baking dish and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make the sauce: In a saucepan, combine cream, butter, sugar, hot water, and vanilla. Stir until butter melts and sugar dissolves.
- Finish: Pour warm sauce over hot pudding once baked. Let it soak in before serving. Enjoy warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Enhance the sauce with brandy or Amarula for extra richness.
- Pudding can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: South African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
