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South African Malva Pudding

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Warm South African malva pudding with glossy caramel sauce and vanilla custard.
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Malva pudding is a beloved South African baked dessert: a soft, lightly caramelized sponge soaked in warm buttery sauce and served with custard.

Bake the sponge until just set, then pour the hot sauce over it while it is still warm so the pudding absorbs the sweet, creamy richness.

Do not overbake the sponge. It should be puffed and golden but still soft enough to absorb the sauce without becoming heavy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with vanilla custard, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream. A little grated orange zest adds a fresh contrast.

Close-up spoonful of South African malva pudding with apricot sauce and vanilla custard.

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate leftovers for up to four days. Rewarm covered in a low oven or microwave individual portions with a spoonful of cream.

Warm South African malva pudding with glossy caramel sauce and vanilla custard.

South African Malva Pudding

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A tender South African caramelized sponge pudding soaked in warm apricot sauce and served with custard.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: South African
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
 
 

Pudding
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp apricot jam
  • 1 tbsp butter melted
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup milk
Sauce
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 8-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

Mix and Bake:
  1. Heat the oven to 350 F and butter an 8-inch baking dish. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  2. Beat the egg with the jam, melted butter, vinegar, and milk. Stir into the dry ingredients until just combined.
  3. Pour into the dish and bake until puffed and golden, about 35 to 40 minutes.
Make the Sauce:
  1. While the pudding bakes, simmer the butter, cream, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and the sugar dissolves.
  2. Pour the hot sauce over the hot pudding as soon as it comes out of the oven. Let it stand for 10 minutes.
Serve:
  1. Spoon the warm pudding into bowls and serve with vanilla custard or cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 5gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 34g

Notes

  • Apricot jam adds the traditional gentle fruitiness without making the pudding taste strongly of fruit.
  • The pudding is forgiving and can be baked in individual ramekins; reduce the baking time.

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