Ever wanted to whip up a delicious dessert without breaking a sweat?
This South African classic is a sweet treat that’s bound to impress your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
Now, I know cooking can sometimes feel overwhelming, but fear not! I’m here to simplify the process for you, step by step.
With easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be mastering this mouthwatering dessert in no time.
From gathering the ingredients to putting the finishing touches on your masterpiece, I’ve got you covered.
What Is Malva Pudding?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s understand what Malva Pudding is.
Originating from South Africa, this dessert is a sweet and spongy apricot-flavored treat, often served with a creamy sauce.
It’s a comforting dish, perfect for cold days or as a hearty finish to a meal.
Ingredients
To serve 6 people, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Pudding:
- 250ml (1 cup) Castor Sugar – for sweetness
- 2 large Eggs – room temperature, for structure
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) Apricot Jam – for the distinctive flavour
- 150g (250ml or 1 cup) Cake Flour – sifted, for a light texture
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) Bicarbonate of Soda (Baking Soda) – for rise
- Pinch of Salt – to enhance flavours
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) Butter – melted, for richness
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) Vinegar – to react with bicarbonate of soda for rise
- 250ml (1 cup) Milk – for moisture
For the Sauce:
- 200ml Fresh Cream – for creaminess
- 100-200ml (1/2 – 1 cup) Sugar – adjust to taste, for sweetness
- 100g Butter – for richness
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) Vanilla Essence – for flavour
- 125ml (1/2 cup) Hot Water – to thin the sauce slightly
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 20cm square baking dish
- Saucepan for the sauce
Method
Follow these steps to create your Malva Pudding:
Making the Pudding Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Combine sugar and eggs: In a large bowl, beat the castor sugar and eggs until fluffy and light, about 5 minutes.
- Add apricot jam: Mix in the apricot jam until well combined.
- Dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the sifted cake flour, bicarbonate of soda, and a pinch of salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the egg mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Add butter and vinegar: Fold in the melted butter and vinegar until the batter is smooth.
- Bake: Pour the batter into a greased 20cm square baking dish. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
Preparing the Sauce:
- Combine ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the cream, sugar, butter, vanilla essence, and hot water.
- Heat gently: Stir over low heat until the sugar has dissolved and the butter has melted. Do not boil.
- Pour over hot pudding: Once the pudding is baked, remove it from the oven and pour the hot sauce over it. The pudding will absorb the sauce, making it moist and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Malva Pudding is best served warm. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of fresh cream, vanilla custard, or even a scoop of ice cream.
The warm, comforting texture of the pudding, combined with the richness of the sauce, makes for a truly delightful dessert experience.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the batter: This can make the pudding tough.
- Poke holes in the pudding before adding the sauce: This helps the pudding absorb the sauce better.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your liking: Start with the lesser amount of sugar and taste before adding more.
We hope this guide has made the process of creating Malva Pudding clear and approachable.
Whether you’re a first-time baker or a seasoned chef, the joy of bringing this South African delight to life is an experience worth savouring.