Malva Pudding is a beloved South African dessert known for its rich, spongy texture and decadent caramelized sauce. This traditional treat has a delightful balance of sweetness and warmth, making it a popular choice for gatherings and special occasions. Often served with custard, ice cream, or whipped cream, this pudding is guaranteed to impress your guests.
The Secret Behind Malva Pudding’s Irresistible Charm
Malva pudding may share the usual suspects, flour, butter, milk, and eggs, with your typical cake, but it boasts a few unique additions that elevate it to an extraordinary dessert.
A Tangy Twist: Vinegar
The magic begins with a dash of vinegar added to the dough mix. This acidic ingredient interacts with baking soda, giving Malva pudding its trademark spongy yet marshmallow-like texture.
Fruity Sweetness: Apricot Jam
Another star ingredient is apricot jam. Not only does it infuse the pudding with a delightful fruity sweetness, but it also plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and appearance. The jam contributes to the pudding’s moist, sticky finish and helps it brown beautifully in the oven.
Traditional Touch: Brandy
Historically, Malva pudding wouldn’t be complete without a touch of brandy in the sauce. While many contemporary recipes forgo this ingredient to cater to a wider audience, the brandy adds a classic depth of flavour that aficionados will appreciate.
Experience the unique charm of Malva pudding, where every bite tells a story of tradition and culinary excellence.
The Classical South African Delight, Malva Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
For the Pudding:
- 15ml (a tbsp) butter softened
- 125ml (½ cup) sugar
- 1 large egg
- 250ml (1 cup) cake flour
- 5ml (1 tsp) baking powder
- 125ml (½ cup) milk
- 30ml (2 tbsps) apricot jam
- 5ml (1 tsp) baking soda dissoved in..
- 15ml (1 tbsp) viniger
For the Sauce:
- 250ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 125ml (½ cup) sugar
- 125ml (½ cup) water
- 5ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish with non-stick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and mix well until incorporated.
- Sift the flour and baking powder, then fold them into the egg mixture, alternating with the milk.
- Stir in the apricot jam.
- Dissolve the baking soda in the vinegar and add it to the batter, mixing gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer.
- Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, stirring continuously.
- Remove from heat once fully combined.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
- Once the pudding is baked, use a fork to prick holes all over the surface.
- Slowly pour the warm sauce over the hot pudding, allowing it to soak in.
- Let the pudding rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with custard, ice cream, or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Tips for Perfecting Your Malva Pudding
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps everything mix together more smoothly and creates a better texture.
- Mixing the Vinegar and Baking Soda: Add the vinegar and baking soda to the dough mix just before pouring it into the baking dish. This ensures the pudding retains its light and spongy texture.
- Incorporate the Apricot Jam: Warm the apricot jam slightly before mixing it into the batter. This makes it easier to blend and ensures an even distribution of sweetness and moisture.
- Don't Overmix the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a dense pudding instead of the desired spongy texture.
- Baking Time and Temperature: Bake at a moderate temperature (around 180°C or 350°F) to avoid overbrowning the top while ensuring the inside is cooked through. Start checking for doneness after 30-35 minutes.