This South African Malva Pudding is incredibly soft, rich, and soaked in a warm buttery sauce, the kind of dessert that disappears within minutes. Known for its signature caramelised sweetness and spongy texture, this traditional South African dessert is a true favourite for family gatherings and special occasions.
Served warm with silky custard, fresh cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, malva pudding with custard is especially popular for its indulgent finish. This is an easy malva pudding recipe that can be made ahead, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining.
Why You Will Love This South African Malva Pudding
This rich, make-ahead dessert delivers everything you want in a classic pudding, deeply satisfying flavour, a beautifully soft texture, and a simple method that never fails. It’s a reliable, freezer-friendly dessert that’s ideal for both family meals and larger gatherings. This malva pudding is guaranteed to become a firm favourite.
South African Malva Pudding
Ingredients
Ingredients for Sponge:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup / 200g / 7.05 oz sugar
- 2 cups / 250g / 8.82 oz flour
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 tablespoons smooth apricot jam
- 2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 cups / 480ml milk
Ingredients for Sauce:
- 1½ cups / 300g / 10.58 oz sugar
- 1½ cups / 360ml milk
- ¾ cup / 180ml boiling water
- 225 g / 8 oz butter
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla essence
Instructions
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease a large ovenproof baking dish generously.
- Using a Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer with a coated flat beater attachment or any handheld mixer, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the flour, vinegar, apricot jam, bicarbonate of soda, and baking powder to the egg-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Pour in the milk and continue mixing until you achieve a smooth batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- While the sponge is baking, prepare the sauce by combining all sauce ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring continuously until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat.
- Once the sponge is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Slowly pour the hot sauce over, covering every part to avoid dry spots. Allow the sponge to soak up the sauce.
- Serve your Malva Pudding warm, accompanied by Ultra Mel custard, fresh cream, or vanilla ice cream.
Recommended Ingredients & Bakeware for Malva Pudding
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Recommended Bakeware
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Description: Essential for creating the light, airy texture in this soft and spongy malva pudding. |
Description: One of those jams you can always rely on, full of real fruit flavour and consistently good quality. |
Description: Perfect for baking and serving malva pudding with beautiful presentation. |
Essential for creating the light, airy texture in this soft and spongy malva pudding.
One of those jams you can always rely on, full of real fruit flavour and consistently good quality.
Perfect for baking and serving malva pudding with beautiful presentation.
Frequently asked Questions about this South African Malva Pudding
Malva pudding is a traditional South African dessert made with apricot jam, resulting in a soft, spongy texture soaked in a rich buttery sauce.
Malva Pudding has a soft sponge texture with a rich caramel-like flavour and a buttery sweet sauce.
Malva Pudding is traditionally served warm with custard, cream or ice cream.
Yes! Malva pudding can be made a day ahead. Simply store it in the fridge, then gently reheat in the oven before serving.
Absolutely. Let the pudding cool completely, wrap it well, and freeze. Defrost overnight in the fridge and warm it up before serving.
The top should be a deep golden brown and spring back slightly when pressed. A skewer inserted into the centre should come out clean (before the sauce is poured on).
If you are outside South Africa, you can often find authentic South African ingredients on Amazon, including custard powder, apricot jam, Mrs Balls Chutney, Ouma Rusks and other pantry favourites often used in traditional South African baking and desserts. If you are based in Europe, I recommend Die Spens Netherlands, a proudly South African family-run shop in The Netherlands offering a wide range of authentic South African groceries, baking ingredients, sweets, spices, and pantry staples.
Planning to Try This South African Malva Pudding? Save It to Pinterest
Love comforting homemade treats? Pin this Malva Pudding and Peppermint Crisp Pudding duo, two timeless favourites everyone will ask you to make again!
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Fresh Salads for a South African Braai
South African Three Bean Salad – A quick, colourful three bean salad tossed in a sweet-tangy dressing.
Potato Salad – A delicious warm potato salad made with mustard, onion, and chicken stock.
Crunchy Cabbage Salad – A crisp cabbage salad with toasted noodles and nuts, ideal for a braai or relaxed summer lunch.