If you have a soft spot for rich, comforting desserts that feel like a warm hug, then you are in for a treat with the Malva Pudding with Creamy Amarula Sauce Recipe. This classic South African pudding is luxuriously soft and moist, soaked with a luscious Amarula-infused cream sauce that is simply irresistible. Sweet apricot jam adds a subtle fruity tang that perfectly balances the tender cake, creating a delightful symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, this dessert promises pure joy with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients, yet each one plays a crucial role in bringing the Malva pudding to life. The balance of sweet, tart, and creamy elements is what makes this dessert so unforgettable.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the soft, tender structure of the pudding.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the pudding and helps create a beautifully caramelized crust.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, making the cake delightfully fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together smoothly.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Gives moisture and a luscious buttery undertone.
- 1 tablespoon vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for perfect rise and tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the pudding with a warm, inviting aroma.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds creaminess and moisture to the batter.
- 1/4 cup apricot jam: Offers a subtle fruity sweetness and moist texture.
- 1/4 cup warm water: Helps dissolve ingredients and keeps the batter smooth.
- 1 tablespoon Amarula liqueur: Gives the pudding its signature South African flair and depth of flavor.
- For the Amarula sauce:
- 1/2 cup Amarula liqueur: The star ingredient in the sauce, adding creamy sophistication.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce that beautifully coats the pudding.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Balances the cream and Amarula for a perfect sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Finishes the sauce with a silky texture and shine.
How to Make Malva Pudding with Creamy Amarula Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish or individual ramekins. This essential first step ensures your pudding won’t stick and will come out beautifully golden and perfectly textured.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. This combination sets the foundation for a light and tender pudding that will soak up the Amarula sauce wonderfully.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat your eggs until frothy, then stir in the melted butter, vinegar, vanilla extract, milk, and apricot jam. This flavorful blend adds richness and a lovely fruity note to the pudding, elevating every bite.
Step 4: Bring Batter Together
Gently combine the dry and wet ingredients, mixing just until smooth. The batter will be slightly runny — that’s exactly what you want for a pudding that will turn out irresistible and moist.
Step 5: Bake Your Pudding
Pour the batter into your greased baking dish and pop it in the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the pudding is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma at this stage will have your kitchen feeling like a hug.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Amarula Sauce
While the pudding bakes, combine Amarula liqueur, heavy cream, sugar, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously as the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly — this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. The sauce’s creamy, boozy aroma will perfectly complement the sweet pudding.
Step 7: Soak the Pudding in Amarula Sauce
As soon as you remove the pudding from the oven, pour the warm Amarula sauce evenly over the surface. The pudding will soak it up like a sponge, creating that signature malva pudding experience with every bite rich in creamy sweetness.
Step 8: Let It Rest
Allow your Malva Pudding with Creamy Amarula Sauce Recipe to sit for about 10 minutes so the sauce can soak in deeper. Serve it warm, with extra sauce on the side to drizzle as you please — pure indulgence awaits!
How to Serve Malva Pudding with Creamy Amarula Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates this pudding to a decadent dessert status. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of toasted almonds add a lovely crunch and pop of color, making your presentation as irresistible as the flavors.
Side Dishes
While rich and satisfying on its own, pairing this pudding with a light fruit salad or a cup of hot coffee rounds out the experience beautifully. The refreshing fruit cuts through the sweetness, balancing the creamy Amarula sauce for a perfectly harmonious dessert course.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve individual portions of the pudding in charming ramekins or small mason jars. A delicate drizzle of Amarula sauce and a sprig of fresh mint on top brings elegance and a personalized touch to this time-honored favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Malva Pudding with Creamy Amarula Sauce Recipe covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pudding actually tastes even better after a day as the flavors continue to meld beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the pudding, but it’s best to keep the Amarula sauce separate until you’re ready to serve. Freeze the pudding in airtight containers for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm the pudding gently in the microwave or oven until heated through, then pour over freshly made or reheated Amarula sauce. This way you get that perfect creamy consistency and warmth that makes this dessert so comforting.
FAQs
Can I use a different liqueur instead of Amarula?
Absolutely! While Amarula gives the pudding its distinct character, you can substitute with other cream liqueurs like Baileys or even a flavored brandy for a unique twist on this recipe.
Is apricot jam essential in this recipe?
Apricot jam adds a subtle fruity sweetness and moisture that are traditional in Malva pudding, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can try peach or apricot preserves as alternatives for similar results.
Can this pudding be made gluten-free?
Yes, swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend is possible. Just be mindful the texture may vary slightly but the taste will still be delicious with the creamy Amarula sauce on top.
How do I make sure the pudding stays moist?
The key is not to overmix the batter and to add the Amarula sauce immediately after baking so it soaks into the pudding gently. The combination keeps every bite soft and rich.
Can I prepare the Amarula sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. You can make the sauce up to a day in advance and gently reheat it before pouring over the pudding — just be careful not to boil the sauce once reheated to keep its velvety texture intact.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough giving this Malva Pudding with Creamy Amarula Sauce Recipe a try—it’s one of those desserts that feels like a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re new to South African cuisine or a longtime fan, this pudding enveloped in luscious Amarula sauce will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and enjoy making something truly special to share with loved ones!
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Malva Pudding with Creamy Amarula Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: South African
Description
Malva Pudding is a traditional South African dessert known for its spongy texture and sweet apricot flavor, complemented by a rich and creamy Amarula liqueur sauce. This comforting baked pudding is perfect for serving warm, offering a delightful balance of fruity sweetness and luscious creaminess, ideal for special occasions or cozy gatherings.
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). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or individual ramekins to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Add the melted butter, vinegar, vanilla extract, milk, and apricot jam, stirring well until smooth.
- Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The batter will be slightly runny, which is expected.
- Bake the Pudding: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. The pudding is done when it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Amarula Sauce: While the pudding bakes, place Amarula liqueur, heavy cream, sugar, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Combine Pudding and Sauce: Once baked, remove the pudding from the oven and immediately pour the warm Amarula sauce over the hot pudding, allowing it to soak in and enhance the flavor and moisture.
- Rest and Serve: Let the pudding rest for 10 minutes to fully absorb the sauce. Serve warm with additional Amarula sauce on the side if desired for extra creaminess.
Notes
- The slightly runny batter is typical for Malva pudding and results in its characteristic spongy texture.
- If Amarula liqueur is unavailable, you can substitute with a similar creamy fruit liqueur or omit for a non-alcoholic version.
- Letting the pudding soak in the sauce enhances moisture and flavor; do not skip this step.
- Use fresh apricot jam for best authentic flavor; alternatives like peach or orange marmalade can work in a pinch.
- Serve the pudding warm for optimal taste and texture.
