If you’re a SAFFA longing for a taste of home, this Malva Pudding Trifle is the perfect way to bring a slice of South Africa to your table. Combining the rich flavours of malva pudding, a classic South African recipe, with the festive charm of a traditional trifle, this dessert is a showstopper for any occasion. With layers of custard, caramel, and fruit, it’s a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is indulgent.
South African Trifle meets Malva Pudding
No South African Christmas lunch is truly complete without a decadent pudding, and you can almost always expect to find one or two delightful options on the table. While a traditional trifle is a common sight, it’s the malva pudding that often steals the show, bringing with it a sense of nostalgia and comfort. This malva pudding trifle recipe offers the best of both worlds, blending the familiar, festive layers of a trifle with the warm, spongy goodness of a malva.
Malva pudding trifle recipe
Ingredients
For the Malva pudding:
- 1 cup (250 ml) sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp apricot jam
- 1 cup (250 ml) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1 cup (250 ml) milk
For the Malva pudding sauce:
- 1 cup (250 ml) cream
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) sugar
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) butter
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) hot water
For the Trifle Layers:
- 2 cups custard (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 can caramel treat (dulce de leche)
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 cup fresh cherries (pitted)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
Method
1. Prepare the Malva pudding:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish.
- Beat the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Mix in the apricot jam.
- Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt together. Gradually add this to the egg mixture.
- Combine the melted butter, vinegar, and milk, then stir into the batter until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer comes out clean.
2. Make the Malva pudding sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine cream, sugar, butter, and hot water. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the warm sauce over the hot pudding, allowing it to soak in completely.
3. Assemble the Trifle:
- Cut the malva pudding into cubes and layer them at the bottom of a large trifle dish.
- Add a layer of custard, followed by dollops of caramel treat.
- Scatter fresh raspberries and cherries over the caramel layer.
- Repeat the layers until the dish is full, finishing with custard on top.
4. Decorate:
- Sprinkle white chocolate chips and chopped pistachios over the top for a festive touch.
5. Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
To create the perfect trifle, use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor, such as fresh fruit and premium custard. Ensure the layers are evenly distributed for a visually appealing presentation. For added texture, lightly toast nuts before sprinkling them on top. Finally, prepare the trifle a few hours in advance to allow the flavours to fully develop and combine harmoniously.
Finish your Christmas feast with this Malva pudding trifle
This delightful dessert not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also serves as a centerpiece that will impress your guests. The vibrant colors of the layered fruit, creamy custard, and soft sponge cake create a festive appeal that perfectly complements the holiday atmosphere. You can also personalise the trifle by incorporating flavors that reflect your family’s traditions, such as a dash of cinnamon, a drizzle of caramel, or even a splash of sherry for a classic twist. Serve chilled, and watch as the Malva pudding trifle becomes the highlight of your Christmas celebration.
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