One of my favorite and most sweet South African desserts is Malva Pudding. This decadent treat features a caramelized exterior with a spongy interior that is soaked in a tasty, warm sauce. The butter-infused flavor makes it an absolute delight to dive into. Whether you’re looking to serve a dessert for an African-themed party or simply want to indulge in something delicious, this cake is sure to satisfy your needs and desires.

Rich and Comforting Malva Pudding

This Malva Pudding recipe was handed down to me by my aunt and it truly delivers a rich, drenched delight. This classic from Africa is the ultimate in comforting desserts. It is perfect when served with custard and cream, making every bite a moist, straight-from-the-heart experience. The pudding is made with incredible apricot jam and heavy cream, which adds a special touch.

A Taste of Cape Town

Malva Pudding is Cape Town’s favorite dessert and makes a great follow-up to a braai or potjiekos. It feels terrifically celebratory even as a simple treat. It's also a wonderful way to celebrate any public holiday in South Africa. If you’ve never had a good Malva Pudding, you’re missing out on a staple food that’s enjoyed by many. But not to worry, even if you're not based in this beautiful country, you can still enjoy its tastes. This recipe, with extra apricot jam and a simple cream-based sauce, is the best I've ever had and it's so easy to prepare.

What is South African Malva Pudding?

South African Malva Pudding is a beloved traditional dessert, similar to British sticky toffee pudding, with a cake-like texture. Baked and drenched in warm syrup, it becomes incredibly moist and is often served with custard or cream. The spongy cake, infused with apricot jam and caramel notes, is caramelized and soaked in syrup for extra tenderness.

Unlike American custard-like puddings, Malva pudding has a cakey base akin to those in Ireland and the UK. The dessert's name remains uncertain; some link it to marshmallows for its fluffy texture, while others to malvasia used in early recipes.

My experience with Malva pudding began in home economics class in Africa, where it was a rare treat. The first warm, buttery bite left a lasting impression.

Where does it come from?

There are several theories about the origin of Malva pudding, a dessert that is beloved in South Africa. The exact name and origin of this delicious dessert are unclear. Authorities on pudding origins agree that it hails from South Africa, but the reasons behind its name remain a mystery. My favorite theory, which is also the most popular, suggests that Malva pudding was once flavored with the leaves of the geranium plant, known in Afrikaans as Malva.

Others believe it got its name from a woman named Malva, or that it was flavored with a sweet wine called Malvasia. The combination of rich, flavored ingredients like leaves and traditional South African touches make Malva pudding a beloved treat with an intriguing origin story.

Why I Love This Recipe

South African Malva Pudding is a delightful dessert with a distinctive flavor profile. It features a soft sponge infused with apricot and caramel notes, making it incredibly satisfying. The pudding is moistened with a creamy syrup bath that keeps it warm and delicious.

What sets this pudding apart is its cultural fusion, originating in South Africa and combining Dutch influences with Cape Malay flavors. The buttery sauce and simple ingredients make it easy to prepare. With just a few steps, you can have this dessert ready in under an hour.

At CycloneCooking, we love exploring the world of desserts, and this recipe stands out as a favorite. The soul-comforting nature of this pudding, baked in the oven, is similar to the joy we get from other treats like chocolate mochi, butter mochi, and Thunder cake. It's a celebrated dish globally and a must-try for anyone who enjoys a delicious, quick dessert.

Ingredients (4 Servings)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp apricot jam
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 cup milk

Sauce

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup water

Method

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a baking dish.
• In a bowl, sift the flour and baking soda together.
• In another bowl, beat the sugar and egg until thick and light. Add the apricot jam and melted butter, mixing well.
• Add the vinegar and milk to the egg mixture. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until smooth.

• Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 45 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

• While the pudding is baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, heavy cream, butter, and water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.

• Once the pudding is baked, remove it from the oven and pour the hot sauce over it immediately.

• Let the pudding soak up the sauce for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Additional Info About South African Malva Pudding

Here is some additional information that you may have to know about South African Malva Pudding.

Health Benefits

• Provides energy from carbohydrates.
• Contains protein from eggs and milk.
• Rich in calcium and vitamins from dairy products.

Notes

• Serve warm for the best taste.
• Apricot jam can be substituted with other fruit jams if preferred.

Nutrition (Per serving)

• Calories: 350kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 1g

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• baking dish
• Saucepan

Serving Suggestions

Malva pudding is a delicious South African dessert that is perfect for special occasions. To elevate your Malva pudding experience, consider these serving suggestions:

1. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a warm caramel sauce over the pudding to enhance its sweet, rich flavor.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The cold, creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the warm, spongy pudding.
3. Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy contrast.
4. Fresh Berries: Garnish with fresh berries for a burst of freshness and a pop of color.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating

To keep Malva Pudding fresh, wrap it well and store it at room temperature for one day. For longer storage, you can store the cake in the fridge for up to three days. Ensure you place it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and flavor. Leftovers should be refrigerated in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Malva Pudding freezes exceptionally well. After it has cooled, wrap the baked pudding with foil and freeze it for up to three months. When ready to serve, allow it to thaw and reheat until hot. This process ensures the pudding remains super moist. For an extra treat, pour syrup over the frozen pudding to enhance its flavor.

To enjoy your Malva Pudding at its best, reheat it by warming it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until thoroughly heated. Alternatively, you can use the microwave for a few seconds on low heat. When serving, poke holes in the pudding and pour the sauce over it, letting it sit for 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors. Some prefer their pudding chilled, but it’s delicious either way.

Can i make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare South African Malva Pudding in advance by baking the cake a day ahead and storing it in the fridge. The sauce can be made separately and added before serving. Freeze the whole cake or slices by wrapping them and placing them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

When ready to serve, thaw the pudding in the fridge the day before. For the best flavor and texture, pour the sauce over the cake and let it sit for 30 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

To make your South African Malva Pudding extra special, pour the sauce over the hot pudding immediately to allow full absorption, making it even more delicious. For a unique presentation, bake individual cakes using ramekins for perfectly portioned servings.

If using ramekins, adjust the baking time and check for doneness after 20 minutes. Add a tablespoon of orange juice to the sauce for a citrus flavor, or mix chopped, poached pears into the batter for a fruity twist.

Generously grease your cake pan to prevent sticking, and pour the butter sauce slowly and evenly over the cake. Enhance the presentation with fresh berries, mint leaves, chocolate drizzle, or powdered sugar.

Recipe Variations

South African Malva Pudding is a rich dessert with endless creative possibilities. Using an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend makes it accessible to everyone. You can experiment with extracts like vanilla, almond, or hazelnut, and even add warm spices like cinnamon for a twist.

Enhance the dessert by swapping the typical orange zest for lemon or lime, or use different jams for a personalized flavor. These adjustments make the pudding delicious and uniquely yours.

What is malva pudding made of?

South African Malva Pudding is a delightful dessert with a spongy texture and rich flavor, served hot. Key ingredients are flour, sugar, milk, and apricot jam for sweetness. Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can replace balsamic vinegar for tanginess, resulting in a moist, flavorful pudding loved in many South African homes.

Why is Malva Pudding Important in South Africa?

Cape Town's beloved Malva Pudding is a sweet delight, perfect after a braai or potjiekos, and adds a celebratory touch to any occasion in South Africa, making it more than just a dessert.

What does malva taste like?

Malva pudding is a delicious cake-like dessert with a caramelized layer. It's moist and soft, bursting with apricot flavor. This unique treat is beloved for its irresistible charm and rich taste.

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