If you’re a South African expat longing for a taste of home, there’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of malva pudding to transport you back. This iconic South African dessert combines the rich sweetness of traditional malva pudding with a festive twist of eggnog, perfect for holiday gatherings or a cosy treat on a chilly evening.

What is Malva pudding?

Malva pudding is a beloved South African dessert, known for its moist texture and sweet, caramelised syrup. Traditionally enjoyed warm with custard or cream, it is comfort food and a staple at family gatherings, even appearing on fine dining menus to honour its cultural importance.

The desert has Dutch roots, brought to South Africa by settlers in the mid-1600s. It offered a familiar taste to Europeans in Africa’s warm, dry climate when baking wasn’t common among indigenous populations. The region’s abundance of apricots added to its appeal.

While the pudding still exists in some forms in the Netherlands, it is now a key part of South African culinary heritage.

The Eggnog twist

Traditionally, malva pudding is served with a cream sauce prepared as it finishes baking. Once the pudding is out of the oven, small holes are pierced on the surface, and the warm cream sauce is poured over it. As the sauce cools, it seeps into the pudding. In this recipe, the cream sauce will have an eggnog style, using nutmeg and cinnamon for a rich, festive flavour. This sauce blends seamlessly with the dish, adding a warm, creamy texture that enhances the overall taste.

Ingredients for Eggnog Malva pudding

Here’s what you’ll need:

Malva

• 4 eggs
• 500ml sugar
• 30ml apricot jam
• 10ml baking soda
• 10ml vinegar
• 750ml flour
• 60ml melted margarine
• 250ml milk

Eggnog

• 2 egg yolks
• 200g caster sugar
• 100g butter
• 100ml milk
• 250ml cream
• 50ml dark rum
• 25ml brandy
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg

Serving

• Whipped cream, ice cream, or custard

Step-by-step South African Eggnog dessert recipe

Preparing the Malva dessert

1. Set the oven to 180°C to preheat.
2. Whisk the eggs and sugar until they become light and airy.
3. Mix in the apricot jam thoroughly. Then, incorporate the other ingredients and continue to mix for 3 minutes.
4. Transfer the mixture into a 2-3L oven-safe dish and bake at 180°C for 20-30 minutes or until cooked through. Take it out of the oven.

Making the Eggnog sauce

1. Blend the egg yolks with sugar until combined.
2. Heat butter, milk, and cream in a pot until boiling, then take off the heat.
3. Gradually whisk half a cup of the heated mixture into the sugar and egg yolk blend.
4. Combine the sugar mixture with the remaining pot contents, whisking thoroughly.
5. Stir in the rum, brandy, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
6. Immediately drizzle over the pudding.
7. Accompany with whipped cream, ice cream, or custard.

Serve your south African eggnog pudding warm, accompanied by custard or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent experience. The combination of the soft, spongy pudding with the rich, creamy sauce is sure to bring back fond memories of South African gatherings and festive celebrations.

Why this Malva dessert is Ideal for expats longing for a taste of home

This eggnog dessert recipe bridges the gap between nostalgia and new traditions. For South African expats, it’s a way to bring the warmth of tradition into your new home, blending the classic malva pudding with the holiday charm of eggnog. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a taste of home, this dessert offers the perfect blend of familiarity and festivity.

Whether you’re an expat yearning for the flavours of home or new to the delights of malva pudding, this eggnog-infused variant promises to be a delightful addition to your dessert repertoire. Enjoy every bite and celebrate the rich culinary heritage of South Africa with each spoonful.

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