Your tastebuds will love you – Treat yourself with Classic Malva Pudding

Few desserts bring back memories of home quite like Malva Pudding. Golden, sweet, and irresistibly soft, this traditional South African favourite has earned its place on family tables and restaurant menus alike. Served warm with a rich, creamy sauce, it’s comfort food at its best — a dessert that speaks of togetherness, heritage, and the simple joy of sharing something made with love.

Malva Pudding has its roots in Cape Dutch cooking and has been enjoyed across generations. The magic lies in its light, spongy texture and the caramelised flavour created by apricot jam and a warm buttery sauce poured over it straight from the oven. The pudding soaks up the sauce beautifully, turning each bite into a blend of sweetness and warmth that melts in your mouth. Traditionally served with custard, cream, or ice cream, it’s perfect for cosy evenings or special occasions.

While the original recipe is delightfully indulgent, at The Healthy Springbok we love creating a slightly lighter version — reducing sugar, using whole ingredients, and keeping every bit of that nostalgic taste intact. Because comfort food doesn’t have to be unhealthy — it just needs to be made with care.

Whether you’re preparing it for Sunday lunch, a festive gathering, or simply to treat yourself, Malva Pudding never disappoints. Its aroma fills the kitchen, the sauce bubbles invitingly, and every slice feels like a warm hug.

So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let this classic South African dessert remind you of home, love, and the sweet simplicity of life’s best moments.

Malva Pudding

Warm sticky dessert with creamy sauce

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: South African

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pudding

• 1 cup 200g white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon smooth apricot jam
• 1 ¼ cups 150g all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon butter melted
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1 cup 250ml milk

Sauce

• 1 cup 250ml fresh cream
• ½ cup 125ml butter
• ½ cup 100g brown sugar
• ½ cup 125ml hot water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Equipment

• 2 Medium-sized mixing bowl
• Medium-sized baking dish (about 20 x 20 cm / 8 x 8 inch)
• Seave
• Electric hand mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Medium saucepan (for sauce)
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Cooling rack

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Grease a medium-sized baking dish.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat sugar, eggs, and jam until light and fluffy.
4. Sift in flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix gently.
5. Add melted butter, vinegar, and milk. Stir until smooth.
6. Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 40–45 minutes or until golden brown.
7. For the sauce: melt all ingredients together in a saucepan over medium heat. Do not boil.
8. Pour hot sauce over the pudding as soon as it comes out of the oven. Allow to soak for 10–15 minutes before serving.
9. Serve warm

Notes

Serve warm with custard, pouring cream, ice cream, or whipped cream.

Tip:  If you want to reduce sweetness, reduce pudding sugar by 50 grams.

Depending on your sweet tooth, it can be very sweet with ice cream, so reach for the cream instead so you can savour every decadent taste.

Nutrition (per serving):
 Calories: 380 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 15g | Carbs: 58g | Fibre: 1g