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The Best Malva Pudding Recipe

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4.3 from 56 reviews

Malva Pudding is a traditional South African dessert characterized by its soft, spongy texture and sweet apricot flavor, soaked in a luscious buttery syrup. This comforting pudding is baked to golden perfection and served warm, often accompanied by custard or cream, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Pudding

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons smooth apricot jam/apricot preserves
  • 2 teaspoons white vinegar
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
  • Pinch of salt

Syrup

  • 1½ cups sugar
  • ½ cup boiling water
  • 4 tablespoons golden syrup (can substitute maple syrup or honey)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 30cm (11-inch) baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  2. Make Butter Mixture: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt together the butter, sugar, apricot jam, and white vinegar until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk: Sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth batter.
  4. Add Eggs: Stir in the beaten eggs until fully incorporated, ensuring a uniform batter.
  5. Bake the Pudding: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the pudding is a rich dark brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Prepare the Syrup: While the pudding bakes, combine the sugar, boiling water, golden syrup, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes to thicken and meld the flavors.
  7. Soak the Pudding: As soon as the pudding comes out of the oven, pour the warm syrup evenly over it, allowing the pudding to absorb the sweet, buttery liquid.
  8. Rest and Serve: Allow the pudding to stand for 20 minutes to soak up the syrup fully. Serve warm with custard or cream for a decadent dessert experience.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
  • Using golden syrup in the syrup blend adds the traditional rich caramel flavor, but maple syrup or honey are excellent alternatives.
  • The vinegar in the batter reacts with the bicarbonate of soda to help the pudding rise and become fluffy.
  • This pudding is best served warm and can be paired with custard, cream, or vanilla ice cream.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/the-best-malva-pudding-recipe/