Malva Pudding: The Delightful South African Sticky Dessert

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240 ml) white sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) cake flour
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apricot jam
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) bicarbonate of soda
• 1 pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vinegar
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) butter, softened
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract Custard sauce: 2 cups (480 ml) milk
• 6 tablespoons (90 g) white sugar
• 3 egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons (45 g) cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease an ovenproof dish and set aside.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, mix together white sugar, cake flour, apricot jam, bicarbonate of soda, salt, vinegar, softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth batter. Pour the batter into the prepared dish.

3. 3

   Bake for 40-45 minutes until the pudding is golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

4. 4

   In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

5. 5

   Pour the custard sauce evenly over the slightly cooled Malva Pudding and return to the oven for 5 more minutes.

6. 6

   Remove from the oven, let it cool, and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.