Delicious Malva Pudding Paradise
Few desserts strike the perfect balance between light and rich quite like Malva Pudding. This iconic South African treat is a spongey, apricot-sweetened cake baked to golden perfection and soaked in a warm, buttery vanilla cream sauce. The result? A tender, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that’s perfect for cozy gatherings, holidays, or whenever you’re craving something truly indulgent.
Why I Love This Recipe
This pudding is pure comfort. The baked sponge is simple yet luxurious, with a hint of fruitiness from apricot jam and that deeply nostalgic sweetness we all crave. But it’s the sauce that seals the deal: a warm, buttery vanilla cream poured over the fresh-from-the-oven pudding, soaking into every bite.
It’s a dreamy cousin to desserts like banana pudding, with the indulgence of brownie bombs and the creamy richness of Oreo cream pie—all wrapped into one unforgettable bite.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Pudding:
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup apricot jam
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup cake flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter, melted
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🍑 Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Apricot jam: This adds a soft fruity tang—substitute with peach or orange marmalade if needed.
- Cake flour: Gives the pudding a tender texture. All-purpose flour works in a pinch, but sift it first.
- Cream: Use heavy cream for maximum richness in the sauce.
- Want extra depth? Add 1 tablespoon of brandy or dark rum to the sauce.
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Make the Batter
In a large bowl, beat sugar and eggs until pale and fluffy.
Mix in apricot jam until smooth.
In a separate bowl, combine milk and baking soda, then slowly mix into the jam mixture.
Add flour, salt, and melted butter, folding just until combined.
3. Bake
Pour the batter into the greased dish and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Make the Sauce
While the pudding bakes, combine cream, sugar, water, butter, and vanilla in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Soak the Pudding
As soon as the pudding comes out of the oven, poke it gently with a fork and pour the hot sauce evenly over the top.
Let it sit and soak for at least 15 minutes before serving.
💡 Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the batter—fold until just combined for a tender crumb.
- Pour the sauce while the pudding is hot to ensure full absorption.
- Let it rest after soaking—it gets better as it sits.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard.
🍽 Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Malva pudding is best served warm, and it pairs beautifully with:
- Big Family Banana Pudding – for a creamy pudding duo
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs – rich and decadent
- No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie – a cool, creamy contrast
- Grasshopper Pie – minty and light
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins – for a cozy fall pairing
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm and soft.
- Freeze (unsoaked): Bake and cool the pudding, then freeze. Thaw and soak with fresh sauce when ready to serve.
🥄 More Recipes You’ll Love
- Banana Pudding – Southern comfort in a bowl
- Oreo Cream Pie – rich and simple
- Grasshopper Pie – cool and refreshing
- Brownie Bombs – indulgent perfection
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins – spiced and seasonal
Final Thoughts
Malva Pudding is the kind of dessert that makes you slow down and savor. Warm, buttery, and soaked in a sweet vanilla cream sauce—it’s easy to see why this South African classic has captured hearts around the world.
Try it once and you’ll be hooked. Snap a photo, tag us @ChefManiac, and share the love. Then browse more cozy bakes and unforgettable treats at ChefManiac.com.
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