Malva pudding

Malva pudding is a delightful South African dessert known for its sweet, spongy, and caramelized texture, achieved through its key ingredient: apricot jam. Typically served hot, it is paired with rich cream sauce, custard, or a scoop of ice cream, making it a comforting treat.

This dessert garnered attention in the United States after Oprah Winfrey's personal chef introduced it to the students at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in 2006.

The name "Malva" has several intriguing origin stories. Some suggest it’s due to its marshmallow-like texture, while others believe it’s named after the geranium leaves once used in the batter. Another theory posits that it could be named after a woman or linked to the use of Malvasia wine in the sauce.

An interesting variation on Malva pudding is the Jan Ellis Pudding. Notably, in 2019, this beloved dessert was featured as a technical challenge on the TV baking show, Junior Bake Off.

Whether you’re a fan of rich, comforting desserts or simply curious about South African cuisine, Malva pudding is definitely worth trying!