Looking for a cozy yet unique dessert to warm up your evening? Introducing Japie se Gunsteling—a true South African favorite that’s in a league of its own. This baked orange sponge pudding doubles as a self-saucing treasure with a luscious citrus flavor. With its roots in South African culinary heritage, “Japie se gunsteling” carries a rich history and irresistible charm.
The story behind Kook en Geniet and Japie se Gunsteling
Japie se Gunsteling, or “Japie’s Favorite,” is a dessert deeply rooted in South African culinary tradition. This beloved dish is believed to be named after Japie de Villiers, the husband of SJA de Villiers, who authored the iconic cookbook Kook en Geniet. Known as Cook and Enjoy in English, this cookbook has been a cornerstone of South African kitchens for generations, featuring classic recipes like this self-saucing pudding. Over the years, the dessert has evolved with various interpretations, but it’s warm, citrusy flavours continue to hold a special place in the hearts of many, just as they did when first introduced.
Ingredients for Japie se Gunsteling South African pudding
To prepare this indulgent pudding orange recipe, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
- 3 eggs, separated
- 250 g caster sugar
- 375 ml full-cream milk
- 100 ml cake flour, sifted
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lime (can substitute a second lemon for a traditional lemon self-saucing pudding recipe)
- 300 ml fresh orange juice
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- Butter for greasing ramekins
This easy orange pudding recipe gives you the option to use individual ramekins or create a family-sized baked orange pudding in a larger dish, much like a comforting orange steamed pudding.
Method to make this easy self-sauce pudding
- Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 180°C (356°F) and grease your ramekins with butter. This ensures the batter doesn’t stick during baking, leading to that perfect crust on your pudding self-saucing top. - Prepare the yolks
Separate the eggs. Beat the yolks and caster sugar together until the mixture looks creamy and velvety, then stir in half the milk. - Add dry ingredients
Gradually add the cake flour and stir until the mixture is smooth. in the remaining milk to keep the batter light and free of clumps. - Add citrus ingredients
Slowly add the orange juice, stirring constantly as you pour. Next, squeeze the lemon juice (and lime juice for added zest, if using) through a sieve to remove pips. Add this along with the citrus zest for a bright, aromatic flavor. - Finish the mixture
Mix in the melted butter. Separately, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whites into the mixture with a wooden spoon to keep the batter airy—this step adds a soufflé feel to your pudding orange creation. - Prepare for baking
Pour the batter into the prepared ramekins, filling them about three-quarters full. Place the ramekins in a deep baking dish and pour hot water into the dish until it reaches halfway up the ramekins. This bain-marie method ensures the pudding stays moist during baking. - Bake to perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown. The bottom layer will transform into a delicious sauce, leaving you with the ultimate lemon sauce pudding self-saucing experience. - Serve and enjoy
Serve warm, with the citrusy sauce already settled at the bottom. This baked orange pudding requires no additional topping, but a dollop of cream never hurts if you’re feeling decadent.
Why Japie se Gunsteling deserves a place in your kitchen
Japie se Gunsteling is a delicious dessert featuring a light, fluffy sponge layer paired with a smooth, zesty citrus sauce—ideal for lovers of orange and lemon self-saucing puddings. Whether impressing guests or indulging in a nostalgic treat, this versatile dessert celebrates South African tradition and the joy of sharing food with loved ones.
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