If you are looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Malva Pudding with Creamy Amarula Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. This classic South African treat delights with its spongy, apricot-infused pudding soaked in an irresistibly rich, velvety Amarula sauce that’s creamy, sweet, and just boozy enough to keep things interesting. Every bite is a perfect balance of comforting sweetness and indulgent creaminess, making it an absolute must-make for cold evenings, celebrations, or any moment you want something special yet simple to whip up.

Malva Pudding with Creamy Amarula Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All of these ingredients are straightforward pantry staples or easy to find, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and that gorgeous golden color. From the tangy apricot jam to the luscious Amarula liqueur, everything works together harmoniously to bring this dessert to life.

1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the pudding, lending it that tender crumb.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens the pudding and helps achieve a nice caramelized top.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to give the pudding its light, airy texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
2 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds moistness and a lovely buttery flavor.
1 tablespoon vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for lift, also cuts through the sweetness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth.
1/2 cup milk: Hydrates the batter and keeps it tender.
1/4 cup apricot jam: Adds fruity sweetness and a distinct South African staple taste.
1/4 cup warm water: Helps blend the jam smoothly into the batter.
1 tablespoon Amarula liqueur: Infuses the pudding with subtle creaminess and a hint of exotic sweetness.
For the Amarula sauce: This luscious sauce is a star — made with Amarula liqueur, heavy cream, sugar, and butter.
1/2 cup Amarula liqueur: The soul of the sauce, delivering that signature flavor.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich and velvety smooth.
1/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the sauce perfectly without overpowering.
2 tablespoons butter: Finishes the sauce with a silky richness and shine.

How to Make Malva Pudding with Creamy Amarula Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your favorite 9×9-inch baking dish or individual ramekins, then give them a good greasing. This step ensures your pudding will bake up beautifully and come out without sticking, ready to soak in all that glorious sauce later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first is key for even distribution, so your pudding rises perfectly and gets that tender crumb we all love.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy to incorporate some air. Then add melted butter, vinegar, vanilla extract, milk, and apricot jam. Stir this mixture until smooth—this is where the magic really starts, as the jam adds moisture and subtle fruity depth that sets this pudding apart.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones, mixing until just combined. The batter will be a bit runny—that’s perfect because it allows the pudding to become delightfully moist and soft after baking.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish and slide it into the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. That sweet smell wafting through the kitchen is your first delicious sign of success!

Step 6: Make the Irresistible Amarula Sauce

While the pudding bakes, it’s time to create the sauce that takes this dessert over the top. In a saucepan, combine Amarula liqueur, heavy cream, sugar, and butter over medium heat. Stir continuously as the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly—about 5-7 minutes. The velvety sauce practically melts your worries away.

Step 7: Soak the Pudding with Amarula Goodness

Once out of the oven, immediately pour the warm Amarula sauce over the hot pudding. The pudding soaks it up like a dream, becoming moist and infused with that rich, creamy flavor that makes this recipe unforgettable.

Step 8: Let It Rest Before Serving

Give your pudding about 10 minutes to rest and deeply absorb the sauce. This little pause allows every bite to be bursting with warm, creamy Amarula flavor.

How to Serve Malva Pudding with Creamy Amarula Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Keep it simple yet elegant. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream works wonders by cooling the warm pudding and adding layers of texture. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of toasted nuts add a lovely contrasting crunch and pop of color.

Side Dishes

This dessert is rich enough to shine as a showstopper all on its own. However, if you want to balance the meal, serve it alongside something light and fruity like a fresh mixed berry salad or a citrus sorbet to add brightness and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in glass jars or clear ramekins so guests can admire all the saucy layers. Drizzle extra Amarula sauce artistically over the top and dust lightly with cinnamon for a cozy, inviting look that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover pudding covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the Amarula sauce separate or poured over the pudding—just be sure to cover to maintain moisture and flavor.

Freezing

This pudding freezes well if you want to plan ahead. Place individual portions or the entire pudding in an airtight container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat your Malva Pudding with Creamy Amarula Sauce Recipe in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or in a low oven until warmed through. Add a splash of cream or a little more Amarula sauce to keep it moist and luscious if needed.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe alcohol-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the Amarula liqueur with an equal amount of cream or milk infused with a little vanilla extract for a similar creamy sweetness minus the alcohol.

What is Malva pudding traditionally served with?

Traditionally, Malva pudding is served warm with cream, custard, or ice cream. The Amarula sauce is a delicious South African twist that complements the pudding beautifully.

Can I use another jam besides apricot?

Yes, apricot jam is classic, but you can experiment with peach or orange marmalade for different fruity notes. Just make sure it’s a smooth jam to keep the batter consistent.

Is it possible to make this pudding gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be mindful that the texture might differ slightly, but the cake should still be delicious!

Why does the recipe call for vinegar?

The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to help the pudding rise and become tender. It also enhances the flavor by balancing the sweetness wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

This Malva Pudding with Creamy Amarula Sauce Recipe is one of those soul-warming desserts that you just want to keep making again and again. Its perfect balance of fluffy sponge and decadent, creamy sauce is guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe even some happy dessert dances. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and savor every luscious bite—you absolutely deserve it!