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5.0 from 105 votes

South African Malva Pudding

Malva pudding truly is the ultimate baked dessert! A caramelised, spongy, toffee-pudding-like dream that’s drenched in a rich, velvety cream sauce. It's super easy to make, using just a handful of pantry staples you probably already have on hand.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Soaking time:
10 mins
Total Time
55 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 637 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: South African

Ingredients

For the pudding
  • 180 millilitre (¾ US cup) milk
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar like white wine or cider vinegar
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 150 grams (5.3oz) white sugar
  • 90 grams (3.2) butter, softened salted or unsalted
  • 100 grams (3.5oz) fine apricot jam
  • 120 grams (4.25oz) plain flour
  • 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
For the sauce
  • 120 millilitre (½ US cup) double cream or single/whipping cream
  • 120 millilitre (½ US cup) evaporated milk
  • 100 grams (3.5oz) butter salted or unsalted
  • 4 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Prepare a medium baking dish, roughly measuring 18cm x 24cm x 5cm (9" x 7" x 2"), by greasing the bottom and sides with a thin layer of butter or cooking spray.
Making the pudding
  1. Add the vinegar to the milk, stir and set aside.
  2. Add the eggs, white sugar, softened butter and apricot jam to a large bowl.
  3. Using an electric hand mixer, beat the mixture on high for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy, with no buttery lumps remaining.
  4. Add the milk and vinegar mixture and beat until well combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, sift together the plain flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt.
  6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat on the lowest speed until just combined. Don’t overmix.
  7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out perfectly clean. The edges should pull away slightly from the dish.
Make the sauce
  1. About 10 minutes before the pudding is done, add the cream, evaporated milk, butter, brown sugar, white sugar and vanilla to a saucepan.
  2. Heat the sauce over medium heat until the butter is melted and the sauce is warm. Be careful not to let it boil. Remove from the heat.
Assemble the pudding
  1. As soon as the pudding comes out of the oven, use a cake tester or the tip of a sharp knife to poke a few holes across the surface.
  2. Pour the hot cream sauce evenly over the pudding. Let it soak in for around 5-10 minutes before serving warm.
  3. Serve with a generous helping of custard, whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • Use softened butter and room-temperature eggs for the pudding. This ensures they blend seamlessly with other ingredients.
  • Ensure your baking dish is not overly large. Using a dish that's just the right size prevents the pudding from dipping excessively in the centre.
  • Slight dips are characteristic of Malva puddings, but too large a dish can exaggerate this effect.
  • To achieve a good texture, beat the sugar, butter, eggs and jam mixture for a minimum of 3 minutes until it becomes light and creamy.
  • Whipping in air during this step contributes to the pudding's fluffiness.
  • Pour the sauce over the pudding while both are still hot to ensure the sauce soaks in properly and creates that rich, indulgent texture throughout.

Nutrition Information

Calories 637kcal (32%) Carbohydrates 71g (24%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 37g (57%) Saturated Fat 23g (115%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 10g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 155mg (52%) Sodium 656mg (27%) Potassium 205mg (6%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 53g (106%) Vitamin A 1302IU (26%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 136mg (14%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 637

% Daily Value*

Calories 637kcal 32%
Carbohydrates 71g 24%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 37g 57%
Saturated Fat 23g 115%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 10g 50%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 155mg 52%
Sodium 656mg 27%
Potassium 205mg 4%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 53g 106%
Vitamin A 1302IU 26%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 136mg 14%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.