Malva Pudding is a beloved South African dessert known for its rich, spongy texture and sweet, caramelized flavor.
This classic pudding is traditionally served warm with a generous drizzle of custard, cream, or ice cream, making it the perfect comfort food.
The pudding is often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions, but it’s so delicious that it can be made anytime you crave a sweet treat.
Ingredients:
For the Pudding:
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/3 cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) square or round baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the sugar and eggs together until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- Add the apricot jam and mix well until fully incorporated.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, mixing until just combined.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Stir in the melted butter, vinegar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until you have a smooth batter.
5. Bake the Pudding:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pudding is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Prepare the Sauce:
- While the pudding is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, butter, and hot water.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Do not let the sauce boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Soak the Pudding:
- As soon as the pudding is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm sauce over the hot pudding.
- Allow the pudding to soak up the sauce for at least 15 minutes before serving. The pudding should be moist and slightly sticky.
8. Serve the Malva Pudding:
- Serve the pudding warm with a generous drizzle of custard, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Enjoy the rich, sweet, and buttery flavors of this traditional South African dessert.
Tips for the Perfect Malva Pudding:
- Apricot Jam: The apricot jam adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps to keep the pudding moist. You can substitute it with other jams, but apricot is the traditional choice.
- Soaking: Don’t skip the step of soaking the pudding with the sauce. This is what gives Malva Pudding its characteristic moist and spongy texture.
- Serving: Malva Pudding is best served warm. If you have leftovers, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave and drizzle with extra sauce before serving.
Malva Pudding is a comforting and indulgent dessert that brings the warmth of South Africa to your table.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this pudding is sure to become a favorite.
Enjoy the rich flavors and the joy of sharing this classic dessert with loved ones!
