Malva Pudding: The Classic South African Dessert Everyone Loves

Few desserts capture the essence of South African comfort food quite like Malva pudding. This warm, spongy pudding has been a staple at family gatherings, Sunday lunches, and festive dinners for generations. Its rich, golden texture and sweet caramelised sauce make it irresistible, especially when served hot with custard, ice cream, or fresh cream. The secret behind Malva pudding’s popularity lies in its simplicity. Made with everyday ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, milk and apricot jam, it transforms into a melt-in-your-mouth delight once drenched in a buttery cream sauce. The result is a dessert that’s perfectly sweet, slightly sticky, and full of nostalgia.

Originally inspired by Cape Dutch cooking, Malva pudding has evolved into a national treasure, loved by everyone from young kids to grandparents. It’s the kind of pudding that turns an ordinary meal into something special. Whether you’re cooking for guests or craving something homely, this easy Malva pudding recipe guarantees comfort in every spoonful. It’s a reminder of South Africa’s warmth, generosity and the joy of sharing food that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients for Malva pudding

For the pudding:

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon apricot jam
• 1 cup cake flour
• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vinegar (white or apple cider)
• 1 cup milk

For the sauce:

• 1 cup fresh cream
• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup hot water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Directions to Make Malva Pudding

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease an ovenproof dish.
2. Beat the sugar, eggs, and apricot jam together until light and fluffy.
3. Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda, and salt together.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, vinegar, and milk.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture alternately with the milk mixture. Mix until smooth.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
7. While the pudding bakes, prepare the sauce. Combine the cream, butter, sugar, water and vanilla in a saucepan. Heat gently until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
8. Once the pudding is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot sauce over it.
9. Let it soak for 10 minutes before serving.

How to Prepare Malva Pudding

The key to perfect Malva pudding lies in timing and texture. Always pour the hot sauce over the hot pudding straight from the oven, as this helps it absorb the liquid and stay moist. If you like your pudding extra rich, poke small holes in it before adding the sauce so it seeps in evenly. Use apricot jam for authentic flavour and a soft golden colour. Don’t overmix the batter; just stir until combined. This ensures a light, tender crumb. For a modern twist, try adding a hint of brandy, orange zest or even Amarula to the sauce.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 40 minutes
• Total time: 55 minutes

Servings

Serves 6–8 people

FAQs

Can I make Malva pudding ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake it earlier, refrigerate and reheat gently before serving. Add extra sauce if needed.

Can I freeze Malva pudding?

Yes. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm in the oven before serving.

What can I serve with Malva pudding?

It pairs beautifully with vanilla custard, whipped cream, or ice cream.

Why do we use vinegar in Malva pudding?

Vinegar reacts with the bicarbonate of soda to create air bubbles, making the pudding light and fluffy.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Substitute the butter with margarine and the milk and cream with coconut cream or almond milk.

Conclusion

This classic South African Malva pudding is more than just dessert; it’s a celebration of tradition, warmth, and togetherness. Every bite offers the perfect balance of sweetness, texture and nostalgia. The spongy pudding soaks up the rich buttery sauce, creating a dessert that’s hard to resist. It’s simple to make, economical, and comforting – everything a great South African dish should be. Whether it’s a Sunday lunch, Christmas dinner or just a treat for a chilly evening, Malva pudding never disappoints. Serve it warm, share it generously, and enjoy that unmistakable sense of home that comes with every mouthful. In South Africa, no meal is truly complete without a sweet ending, and nothing ends a meal quite like a perfect Malva pudding.