If you have a soft spot for rich, comforting desserts, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this one. The Best Chocolate Malva Pudding Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic South African malva pudding, drenched in a luscious chocolate sauce that soaks deep into the spongy cake. Each bite offers a perfectly balanced combination of sweet, buttery warmth and intense cocoa flavor, making it a go-to recipe whenever you need a cozy, indulgent treat to brighten up any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about The Best Chocolate Malva Pudding Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating that moist, flavorful texture and the rich chocolate depth this dessert is famous for. From pantry staples like flour and sugar to that special touch of apricot jam, every element adds a layer of deliciousness that you’ll love.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the pudding its light and airy texture.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds the deep chocolate essence right into the batter.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps create a tender crumb by letting the pudding rise beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the chocolate notes.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the pudding to just the right level of indulgence.
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam: The secret ingredient that brings a subtle fruity tartness and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor complexity with a warm aroma.
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to give the pudding a soft, delicate crumb.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Ensures the batter stays moist and silky.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and a buttery smooth finish to the cake.
- For the chocolate sauce: 3/4 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract—combine these to create the decadent sauce that takes the pudding over the top.
How to Make The Best Chocolate Malva Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8×8-inch baking dish to make sure your pudding won’t stick. Then, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This helps blend everything evenly and keeps any lumps at bay for a smooth batter.
Step 2: Whip Up the Wet Mixture
In a larger bowl, beat the egg and granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy—that’s where the magic begins as it incorporates air for a light texture. Next, add in the apricot jam, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and whole milk. Mixing these together brings a lovely tangy-sweet balance that’s vital for the pudding’s unique flavor profile.
Step 3: Combine and Add Butter
Gently stir in the melted butter, making sure it’s not too hot to avoid curdling. Then gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined; the batter will be thick and rich with a beautiful chocolatey color. Be careful not to overmix to keep the pudding tender.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your greased dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly as the pudding bakes—an inviting hint of the delicious dessert to come.
Step 5: Make the Decadent Chocolate Sauce
While the pudding is baking, prepare the chocolate sauce by combining heavy cream, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Warm it over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the sauce turns silky smooth. Avoid boiling to keep the sauce creamy and luscious.
Step 6: Pour the Sauce and Let It Soak
The moment the pudding comes out of the oven, pour the warm chocolate sauce evenly over the top. The pudding will soak up the sauce, becoming irresistibly moist and sticky. Allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to let every bit of flavor meld into one dreamy dessert.
How to Serve The Best Chocolate Malva Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
This pudding is stunning on its own, but adding a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes it to a whole new level. A sprinkle of grated dark chocolate or a few fresh berries can add a touch of elegance and a fresh counterpoint to the rich chocolate flavor.
Side Dishes
While The Best Chocolate Malva Pudding Recipe is a complete treat as a dessert, pairing it with a light espresso or a cup of chai tea can make your experience even more special. A simple fruit salad on the side can add brightness and a little balance if you’re enjoying this as part of a larger meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve the pudding in individual ramekins topped with the warm sauce poured just before serving. Or try layering pieces of the pudding with whipped cream and chocolate shavings in a clear glass for a visually stunning trifle-style dessert that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pudding actually tastes amazing the next day as the chocolate sauce continues to infuse into the cake overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze The Best Chocolate Malva Pudding Recipe either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your pudding back to its warm, gooey glory, microwave individual servings with a splash of cream for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until heated through. Alternatively, reheat gently in a warm oven covered with foil to prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of jam instead of apricot?
Absolutely! While apricot jam gives this pudding its classic tangy sweetness, you can experiment with peach or orange marmalade for a slightly different but equally delicious twist.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, The Best Chocolate Malva Pudding Recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly. It uses no meat or gelatin and relies on common vegetarian ingredients that make it both rich and satisfying.
Can I make this pudding gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder so the texture stays moist and spongy.
What’s the best way to serve this pudding on a hot day?
For warmer days, serve The Best Chocolate Malva Pudding Recipe slightly cooled with a scoop of ice cream or chilled whipped cream for a refreshing contrast to its rich chocolate flavor.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chocolate sauce a day ahead and gently rewarm it when the pudding is ready. Just keep the sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about The Best Chocolate Malva Pudding Recipe that makes it a comforting hug on a plate. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just because you deserve a little indulgence, this dessert delivers crowd-pleasing flavors and textures that never fail to impress. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes your new favorite go-to for chocolatey joy.
Print
The Best Chocolate Malva Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: South African
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This decadent Chocolate Malva Pudding is a rich South African dessert featuring a moist, sticky chocolate cake infused with apricot jam and topped with a luscious warm chocolate sauce. Perfect for chocolate lovers looking for a comforting, indulgent treat served best with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
For the pudding:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the chocolate sauce:
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and cocoa for a smooth batter.
- Beat egg and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the egg and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy, which adds lightness to the pudding.
- Add wet flavorings: Stir in apricot jam, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and whole milk into the egg and sugar mixture, mixing well to combine the flavors.
- Incorporate melted butter: Gently stir the melted unsalted butter into the wet mixture for richness and moisture in your pudding.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender texture.
- Pour batter into dish: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly for consistent cooking.
- Bake the pudding: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the pudding is cooked through.
- Prepare chocolate sauce: While baking, combine heavy cream, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth; avoid boiling to preserve creaminess.
- Pour sauce over pudding: Once the pudding is removed from the oven, immediately pour the warm chocolate sauce evenly over the hot cake to let it soak in deeply.
- Let it soak: Allow the pudding to absorb the sauce for at least 10 minutes before serving to maximize richness and flavor.
- Serve: Best served warm, accompanied by vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
Notes
- For extra indulgence, add chocolate chips to the batter before baking for pockets of melted chocolate throughout.
- This dessert is best served warm but can be reheated gently in the microwave with a splash of cream to restore moisture.
