Malva pudding

Malva Pudding is a traditional South African dessert with a soft, sponge-like texture. It gets its signature flavor from apricot jam and is baked before being soaked in a warm butter, cream, and sugar sauce, making it incredibly moist and rich.

• Ingredients

  For the pudding:

  • 1 cup (200 g) sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tbsp apricot jam

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tbsp melted butter

  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • Pinch of salt

  • 1 tsp white vinegar

  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk

  For the sauce:

  • 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream

  • ½ cup (125 ml) milk

  • ½ cup (100 g) sugar

  • ½ cup (115 g) butter

  Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 20 cm (8-inch) square baking dish.

  2. Beat the sugar and eggs until pale and fluffy.

  3. Mix in the apricot jam, vanilla, and melted butter.

  4. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

  5. Fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir in the vinegar last.

  6. Pour into the prepared dish and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

  7. While the pudding bakes, combine the cream, milk, sugar, and butter in a saucepan. Heat gently until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves—do not boil vigorously.

  8. As soon as the pudding comes out of the oven, poke holes all over it with a skewer or fork and slowly pour the hot sauce over the pudding. Let it soak for 15–20 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Serve warm with:

• Hot vanilla custard

• Vanilla ice cream

• Fresh whipped cream