Malva Pudding

Oh wow, the first time I had Malva Pudding, I was blown away! It was warm and sweet. I just had to take another bite.

The sponge is soft and so spongy, and the sauce is oh-so-rich. It feels like a big, cozy hug in a dessert. Honestly, it made me smile right away.

I love how each spoonful is sweet but not too heavy. It’s perfect with a little cream on top. I just kept thinking, “I need more of this!”

So, I decided to make Malva Pudding at home. And let me tell you, it was totally worth it. Let’s enjoy it together!

Why You’ll Love This Malva Pudding Recipe

• Reader Favorite: It’s no wonder that Malva pudding is a “crowd favorite.” One reader raves, “I couldn’t stop eating it. A little slice turns into half a pan!”
• Irresistibly Moist: The secret to the perfect Malva pudding lies in its moist texture, created by the use of milk, butter, and golden syrup.
• Caramel and Creamy: The rich sauce poured over the top takes this dessert to a whole new level.
• Easy to Make: The ingredients are simple, and the process is easy—perfect for beginner bakers and experienced ones alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From Sunday dinners to holiday parties, this dessert works for everything, and it’s always a hit!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the ingredients and method, let’s quickly check what tools you’ll need:

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a large bowl for the batter and a separate bowl for the sauce.
• Hand Mixer (optional): If you don’t have a stand mixer, an electric hand mixer will save you time and effort in getting a smooth batter.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to getting this recipe just right.
• Baking Dish: A medium-sized baking dish or ovenproof pan works perfectly. A 9×9-inch square dish or similar size works great.
• Saucepan: For preparing the sauce, a small saucepan will do.
• Whisk: A whisk will be helpful for combining the sauce ingredients.

Malva Pudding

For the Pudding:

Here’s what you’ll need to create this rich, spongy dessert:

• 250 g self-raising flour: This provides the structure and fluffiness of the pudding.
• 150 g brown or dark sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes to the dessert.
• 30 g butter: For richness and flavor.
• 1 large egg: To bind everything together.
• 1 pinch of salt: Enhances the flavor of the pudding.
• 10 g bicarb of soda: Helps the pudding rise and gives it a light, airy texture.
• 250 ml whole milk: Adds moisture to the pudding.
• 5 ml vanilla essence: For a warm, aromatic fragrance.
• 30 g golden syrup: A key ingredient that gives Malva pudding its signature flavor and moisture.

For the Sauce:

• 250 ml double cream: The base of the sauce, providing smoothness and richness.
• 100 g butter: Adds extra creaminess and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• 100 g caster sugar: Balances the cream and butter with sweetness.

Variations of Malva Pudding

While the traditional Malva pudding recipe is a delicious classic, you can always play with it to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations:

• Add Coconut: For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut to the pudding batter for an additional layer of flavor and texture.
• Infuse with Spices: You can add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming, spiced version of Malva pudding.
• Make it Alcoholic: Add a splash of rum or sherry to the batter for an adult twist that will enhance the richness.
• Top with Fruit: Serve your pudding with a dollop of fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgence.
• Use Honey: Swap out the golden syrup for honey to bring in a more floral sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Malva Pudding

Now that you have your ingredients and variations ready, let’s dive into the method. I’ll guide you through each step so that you can bake the perfect Malva pudding.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, and set it aside. This will ensure the pudding comes out easily after baking.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, and egg. Beat these ingredients together until they are light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or a whisk to do this. The sugar will help to dissolve into the butter, creating a smooth, creamy base.

Next, add the golden syrup and vanilla essence to the mixture and whisk them in. This will infuse the pudding with a rich flavor that makes Malva pudding so unique.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, bicarb of soda, and salt. Sifting is important because it removes any lumps and ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Start by adding a small portion of the flour mixture and then a bit of milk. Continue until all of the flour and milk are incorporated. Be sure to mix gently, scraping the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.

4. Bake the Pudding

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake the pudding in your preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes or until it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

While the pudding is baking, it’s time to prepare the rich cream sauce.

5. Prepare the Cream Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine the double cream, butter, and caster sugar. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Allow the butter to melt completely and the sugar to dissolve. Once everything is well combined, bring it to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.

Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside until the pudding is done.

6. Pour the Sauce Over the Hot Pudding

When your Malva pudding comes out of the oven, immediately pour the hot cream sauce over the top of the warm pudding. The pudding will absorb the sauce, making it even more moist and flavorful.

Allow the pudding to sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the sauce and cool slightly before serving. This resting period is important because it gives the flavors time to meld together.

Serving Malva Pudding

Malva pudding is best served warm, and there are several ways you can serve it:

• With a Dollop of Cream: Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
• With Fruit: Fresh berries or sliced bananas can be a delightful addition to complement the sweetness of the pudding.
• Drizzled with Extra Sauce: Pour any leftover cream sauce over the top to make it even more decadent.

This pudding is a fantastic dessert on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.

Storing Malva Pudding

• In the Fridge: You can store leftover Malva pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving to restore its moist texture.
• Freezing: Malva pudding can be frozen if you want to make it in advance. Wrap the cooled pudding tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in the oven.

Nutrition Information

While Malva pudding is undoubtedly a rich dessert, here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition content per serving:

Nutrient	Amount (Per Serving)
Calories	350-400
Total Fat	20-25g
Saturated Fat	12-15g
Carbohydrates	45-50g
Sugars	30g
Protein	3g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	150-200mg

Please note that these values can vary depending on the size of the servings and any ingredient substitutions.

Conclusion

Malva pudding is a comforting, decadent dessert that brings people together. Its rich, caramel flavor, spongy texture, and luxurious cream sauce make it a showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple and easy to follow, and it’s sure to impress your guests. Give it a try, and you’ll understand why it’s a beloved dessert in South Africa and beyond!

Malva Pudding FAQs

Can I make Malva pudding ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the pudding a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it and pour the cream sauce over before serving.

Can I make the cream sauce in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cream sauce ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I substitute golden syrup?

If you don’t have golden syrup, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Is Malva pudding gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free due to the use of self-raising flour. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free version.