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Traditional Malva Pudding Recipe – Soft, Sticky & Irresistibly Delicious

Make the best traditional Malva pudding recipe with a rich buttery sponge, sweet caramel sauce, and creamy homemade custard. An authentic South African dessert everyone will love.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 10
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: African
Calories: 540
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pudding
  • 190 g ¾ cup milk
  • 200 g 1 cup light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons smooth apricot jam
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 150 g 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
For the Buttery Sauce
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
  • 50 g butter
Optional Vanilla Custard
  • 1½ cups milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 170°C (338°F) using the fan setting if available. Grease a 1.5-liter baking dish generously with butter.
Step 2: Make the Warm Milk Mixture
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:
  2. Milk
  3. Brown sugar
  4. Salt
  5. Vanilla
  6. Oil
  7. Vinegar
  8. Apricot jam
  9. Butter
  10. Whisk gently until the butter melts completely. The mixture should be warm but not boiling. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Beat the Eggs
  1. Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, whisk the eggs until they're pale, thick, and fluffy. They should hold soft peaks.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
  1. Sift together the flour and baking soda to remove lumps and evenly distribute the leavening.
Step 5: Make the Batter
  1. Gradually whisk the warm milk mixture into the flour until smooth.
  2. Fold half of the whipped eggs into the batter to lighten it. Gently fold in the remaining eggs until no streaks remain, taking care not to deflate the mixture.
Step 6: Bake
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the surface.
  2. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare the Sauce
  1. While the pudding bakes, combine the water, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and butter in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the butter melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
  3. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 8: Make the Custard (Optional)
  1. Whisk together:
  2. Milk
  3. Cream
  4. Egg yolks
  5. Butter
  6. Sugar
  7. Vanilla
  8. Salt
  9. Cornstarch
  10. Cook over low heat, whisking constantly until thickened and just beginning to bubble.
  11. Remove from the heat.
Step 9: Soak the Pudding
  1. Once baked, immediately poke the pudding all over with a fork.
  2. Pour the warm sauce evenly across the hot pudding.
  3. Allow it to absorb for 10–15 minutes, occasionally spooning any pooled sauce back over the top until fully soaked.
Step 10: Serve
  1. Serve warm with generous spoonfuls of homemade vanilla custard or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Malva Pudding is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly unforgettable. With its light sponge, rich buttery sauce, and silky vanilla custard, every bite is warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. Whether you're introducing friends to South African cuisine or making it for a family dessert night, this recipe is one you'll come back to again and again.
Once you've made it once, don't be surprised if it becomes your go-to comfort dessert for every special occasion.