If you’ve never experienced the warm, caramelized charm of a classic South African dessert, you are in for a treat with this Malva Pudding with Creamy Amarula Sauce Recipe. Imagine a soft, spongy pudding soaked with a deliciously sweet apricot-based batter, topped with a luscious, silky sauce infused with the rich flavors of Amarula liqueur. This dessert is the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence, turning simple pantry ingredients into an unforgettable cozy finale to any meal. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this recipe is pure magic in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating this golden, moist pudding with a sauce that brings sophistication and indulgence. Each item plays an important role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that signature glossy finish that makes Malva pudding so iconic.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the pudding provides structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the pudding and helps develop a beautiful caramelized color.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Adds lightness by helping the pudding rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the pudding’s richness.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds moistness and a subtle richness throughout the batter.
- 1 tablespoon vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to give the pudding its tender texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the pudding with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and moist.
- 1/4 cup apricot jam: Key to the traditional sweet and fruity undertone that defines Malva pudding.
- 1/4 cup warm water: Used to thin the batter slightly for the perfect consistency.
- 1 tablespoon Amarula liqueur: Adds depth and a unique creamy hint to the pudding itself.
- For the Amarula sauce: 1/2 cup Amarula liqueur, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons butter – the luxurious sauce to pour generously over the pudding.
How to Make Malva Pudding with Creamy Amarula Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or individual ramekins thoroughly – this helps the pudding come out easily and keeps the edges perfectly golden and moist.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures your pudding has a smooth, consistent texture and even sweetness.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy for maximum airiness. Then add the melted butter, vinegar, vanilla extract, milk, and apricot jam. Stir everything until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This blend gives your pudding its signature rich flavor and tender crumb.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. The batter will be slightly runny—that’s exactly what you want for a pudding that soaks up all the saucy goodness later.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer the batter into your prepared baking dish and bake for about 30-35 minutes. The pudding should turn a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. This part fills your kitchen with the most comforting, buttery aroma that’s almost impossible to resist.
Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Amarula Sauce
While the pudding bakes, it’s time to make the show-stealing sauce. In a saucepan, combine the Amarula liqueur, heavy cream, sugar, and butter over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar melts and the sauce thickens slightly—around 5 to 7 minutes. This sauce is velvety, intoxicatingly fragrant, and ready to drench your warm pudding.
Step 7: Combine and Soak
Once the pudding is out of the oven, pour the warm Amarula sauce over it immediately so it soaks in deeply, creating layers of moist, flavorful goodness. Let it sit for 10 minutes—trust me, it just gets better with that time.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
After the pudding has absorbed the sauce, it’s ready to serve warm. Don’t be shy about offering extra Amarula sauce on the side because every spoonful is worth savoring!
How to Serve Malva Pudding with Creamy Amarula Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate this dessert, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or add a few fresh berries for a pop of color and brightness. A dollop of whipped cream can also be a heavenly addition, or for a crunchy contrast, try chopped nuts like toasted almonds or pecans.
Side Dishes
This pudding pairs perfectly with a light cup of tea or a robust coffee. For dinner party flair, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the richness and complement the Amarula’s creamy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in pretty ramekins topped with edible flowers or a drizzle of chocolate. You can also turn it into a layered trifle with crumbled pudding, whipped cream, and fruit – a scrumptious twist on the classic. The Malva Pudding with Creamy Amarula Sauce Recipe invites creativity, so have fun with presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pudding is just as wonderful the next day. Store it covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an easy and satisfying treat any time.
Freezing
You can freeze the pudding without the sauce wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding freshly made Amarula sauce for that perfect finish.
Reheating
Reheat portions gently in the microwave or oven until warm but not dry. Pour over warmed Amarula sauce again to refresh its moist, dreamy texture. This way, each serving tastes just like it’s freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I make the pudding without Amarula liqueur?
Absolutely! While Amarula adds a special creaminess and flavor, you can substitute it with cream or milk for the pudding and sauce. The result will still be delicious, just a bit less boozy.
Is Malva pudding gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, although the texture may differ slightly.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the Amarula sauce a day ahead and store it chilled. Rewarm gently before pouring over the pudding for best results.
What is Malva pudding traditionally served with?
It’s traditionally enjoyed warm with cream, custard, or ice cream. This creamy Amarula sauce is a modern and indulgent twist that pairs beautifully with the classic dessert.
Is this dessert suitable for kids?
This specific recipe includes Amarula liqueur, which contains alcohol, so it’s best for adults. You can omit the liqueur or use child-friendly alternatives for a kid-appropriate version.
Final Thoughts
This Malva Pudding with Creamy Amarula Sauce Recipe is a treasure worth adding to your dessert repertoire. It wraps you in a warm hug of flavors that feel both nostalgic and exciting. Whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet night in, this pudding delivers comfort and joy in every spoonful. Give yourself the treat of making it—you won’t regret one single bite!
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Malva Pudding with Creamy Amarula Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: South African
Description
Malva Pudding is a classic South African dessert known for its moist, spongy texture and sweet apricot flavor. This version is enhanced with a creamy Amarula sauce, adding a rich, velvety finish that perfectly complements the warm pudding. Ideal for a comforting treat, this baked dessert is easy to make and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Pudding
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup apricot jam
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon Amarula liqueur
Amarula Sauce
- 1/2 cup Amarula liqueur
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or individual ramekins to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy then add melted butter, vinegar, vanilla extract, milk, and apricot jam. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
- Combine wet and dry: Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. The batter will be slightly runny, which is expected.
- Bake the pudding: Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pudding turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make Amarula sauce: While the pudding bakes, combine Amarula liqueur, heavy cream, sugar, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Soak pudding with sauce: After baking, immediately pour the warm Amarula sauce over the hot pudding, allowing it to soak in thoroughly.
- Rest and serve: Let the pudding sit for 10 minutes to fully absorb the sauce. Serve warm with additional Amarula sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the pudding is served warm to enjoy the full richness of the Amarula sauce.
- Substitute apricot jam with peach or apricot preserves if preferred.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute Amarula liqueur with a combination of heavy cream and vanilla extract.
- This dessert pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Storage: Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.
