MALVA PUDDING

Malva Pudding is a beloved South African dessert that’s rich, spongy, and irresistibly sweet. Made with a combination of simple ingredients like apricot jam, butter, and milk, this pudding has a unique texture that’s both airy and dense at the same time. The warm, buttery sauce poured over the cake while it’s still hot allows the pudding to soak up the syrup, making it decadently moist and indulgent. Often served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, Malva Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Pudding:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup apricot jam (or peach jam)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking dish or an equivalent-sized ovenproof dish.
2. Make the Pudding Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, apricot jam, and egg, mixing until smooth. Stir in the milk, white vinegar, and vanilla extract. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
3. Bake the Pudding: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pudding is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Prepare the Sauce: While the pudding is baking, prepare the sauce by combining the heavy cream, milk, butter, sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
5. Soak the Pudding: Once the pudding is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm sauce over the hot pudding. Let it soak in and absorb the syrup for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring the pudding becomes beautifully moist.
6. Serve: Serve the Malva Pudding warm, with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness.

Malva Pudding is the perfect dessert to enjoy after a hearty meal, offering a comforting combination of sweetness, warmth, and richness. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite!