Malva Pudding With Amarula Sauce

If you’ve ever tasted a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside, you’ll know exactly what Malva Pudding is all about. It’s one of those treats that hits all the right notes — sweet, rich, and utterly comforting.

I’ll never forget the first time I made this South African classic. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was feeling a bit nostalgic. I had stumbled across the recipe and instantly remembered my grandmother’s love for experimenting with new recipes.

With its spongy, moist texture and decadent Amarula sauce, this dessert was a perfect way to bring back those cozy memories of the kitchen, where smells of sweet and buttery treats always seemed to linger.

This Malva pudding recipe, with a twist of Amarula sauce, isn’t just a dessert. It’s a celebration of warmth and indulgence, a must-try for anyone who enjoys comfort food with a touch of luxury. Let’s dive into this simple, yet impressive recipe — one that brings the spirit of South Africa right into your own home!

Short Description

Malva Pudding is a rich, moist sponge cake with a hint of apricot jam and vinegar, creating a unique depth of flavor. Topped with a luscious Amarula sauce made from cream and Amarula liqueur (or Amarula-flavored coffee creamer for a non-alcoholic twist), this dessert is perfect for a comforting treat or a special occasion.

Key Ingredients

For the Pudding:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp smooth apricot jam
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Amarula Sauce:

• 1/4 cup cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup Amarula liqueur (or Amarula-flavored coffee creamer for non-alcoholic version)

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking dish (preferably 8×8 inches or a medium-sized baking dish)
• Stand or hand mixer (optional)
• Spatula

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour your baking dish to prevent the pudding from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Pudding Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and sugar. Add the egg, apricot jam, vinegar, milk, and melted butter.  Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to blend everything together until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Bake the Pudding
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the pudding is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. As it bakes, you’ll notice the kitchen start to fill with a comforting, sweet aroma.

Step 4: Make the Amarula Sauce
While the pudding is baking, make the Amarula sauce. In a saucepan, combine the cream, sugar, boiling water, melted butter, and Amarula (or the coffee creamer for a non-alcoholic version).

Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Let it come to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Pour the Sauce Over the Pudding
Once the pudding is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot Amarula sauce over it. Let the pudding sit for a few minutes so it can absorb all that delicious sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Malva pudding warm with a drizzle of the remaining Amarula sauce over the top. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream would complement it perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– Simple ingredients and easy steps

– Perfect warm dessert for any occasion

– Great for make-ahead and reheating

– Always a crowd favorite

– Easy to customize for dietary needs

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Pudding is too dense: If the batter is too thick, try adding a little more milk. The consistency should be runny, not thick like cake batter.

Overbaking the pudding: Keep an eye on the pudding to avoid overbaking. Once the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean, it’s ready to come out of the oven.

Too much sauce or not enough: If you want your pudding extra moist, feel free to double the Amarula sauce. But if you like a less-soaked version, just pour half of it over the pudding.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serving Style: Serve as a comforting dessert for a casual family dinner, or impress guests with a plated dessert for special occasions.

Pairing Ideas: Pair with a cup of strong coffee or dessert wine. You could even serve it alongside a fruit salad to balance out the richness of the pudding.

Extra Touch: If you want to add a little extra indulgence, top with vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store leftover Malva pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pudding will continue to soak in the Amarula sauce, making it even more flavorful.

Reheating: To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. For a larger portion, cover and heat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe without the Amarula liqueur?
Yes! Use Amarula-flavored coffee creamer for a non-alcoholic option. It will still give you that deliciously rich flavor without the alcohol.

2. Can I substitute apricot jam?
You can substitute the apricot jam with peach jam or even marmalade if you prefer a citrusy flavor.

3. How can I make the pudding less sweet?
If you want to cut down on sweetness, reduce the sugar in both the pudding and the sauce by 1/4 cup each.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, Malva pudding can be made a day ahead. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.

5. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
You can try using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure to check that the baking soda and apricot jam are also gluten-free.

Tips & Tricks

– Use room-temperature ingredients for the best texture in your pudding.

– If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the amount of boiling water to make it more syrupy.

– Experiment with different jams like strawberry or raspberry to add your own unique twist to the pudding.

Recipe Variations

Nutty Twist: Add a handful of chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, into the batter for added texture and flavor.

Coconut Malva Pudding: Stir in some shredded coconut for a tropical twist on this classic dessert.

Berry Malva Pudding: Replace the apricot jam with a mix of strawberry or raspberry jam, for a fruity and tangy variation.

Final Thoughts

Making Malva pudding with Amarula sauce has been one of the most rewarding baking experiences I’ve had. The pudding itself is rich and comforting, and the sauce adds a luxurious, smooth finish that makes each bite feel like a treat. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating something special or simply want to indulge in a little bit of sweetness.

What I love most is how easy it is to prepare and how forgiving the recipe is – it’s hard to mess it up! If you’re in the mood for something decadent, yet simple to make, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).