Banana Malva Pudding Recipe
If you’re in search of a showstopping dessert that wraps you in comfort and nostalgia, Banana Malva Pudding is about to become your new favorite treat. This classic South African dessert melds rich banana flavor with a tender, caramelized sponge and a dreamy pour-over sauce that soaks in for a melt-in-your-mouth finish. Every bite is warm, gooey, and just sweet enough, making it perfect for cozy gatherings or simply treating yourself on a quiet evening.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Banana Malva Pudding begins with just a handful of everyday ingredients, but don’t be fooled—each one plays a special role in building the lush texture and bold flavors this dessert is known for. From ripe bananas to a silky butter-rich sauce, everything here matters, so let’s peek at what you’ll need.
- Mashed ripe bananas (1 cup, about 2 large): Super ripe bananas give natural sweetness and that irresistible aroma—make sure they’re speckled and soft!
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): The essential ingredient for creating caramel notes and balancing the fruitiness.
- Large eggs (2): They provide structure, moistness, and that fluffy rise in the final bake.
- Apricot jam (1 tablespoon): A touch of tartness for brightness—feel free to swap for peach or banana jam if that’s what you have.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1 tablespoon): For richness and a melt-in-the-mouth crumb.
- White vinegar (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle tang that keeps flavors lively and helps the baking soda work its magic.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The sturdy base that keeps the pudding soft but sliceable.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Vital for that lovely rise and a tender crumb.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to sharpen all the other flavors.
- Whole milk (½ cup): Lends smoothness and ensures the batter is perfectly moist.
- For the sauce:
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Creates that lush, decadent pour-over sauce.
- Whole milk (½ cup): Keeps the sauce pourable and balances the richness.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the sauce and contributes to its caramel flavor.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup): Makes every drop of sauce golden, glossy, and irresistible.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): The fragrant finishing touch!
How to Make Banana Malva Pudding
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Before we get mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), creating that perfect environment for even baking. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish—don’t skip this, or you’ll risk your beautiful pudding sticking when it’s time to serve!
Step 2: Mix the Banana Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed bananas, sugar, eggs, apricot jam, melted butter, and vinegar. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and glossy—this fragrant mixture is the heart and soul of Banana Malva Pudding, so take a moment to enjoy that aroma.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, quickly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these before adding ensures your leavening is evenly distributed, preventing any uneven rise or salty bites.
Step 4: Create the Batter
Add your dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the whole milk. This simple step brings the batter together smoothly—don’t overmix, just stir until no streaks of flour remain. The batter should be thick but glossy.
Step 5: Bake the Pudding
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Slide it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until it turns a deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top may look a little caramelized and puffed up—just what we want!
Step 6: Make the Sauce
While your pudding bakes, start on the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cream, milk, sugar, and butter. Stir gently until the sugar has dissolved and the butter is melted, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. The result is a luscious, creamy sauce that soaks into every bite of Banana Malva Pudding.
Step 7: Soak and Rest
As soon as the pudding leaves the oven, grab a skewer or toothpick and poke small holes all over the surface. Pour the warm sauce evenly over the hot pudding—it’ll sizzle and sink right in, making the dessert extra moist and flavorful. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes before serving so the sauce has time to work its magic.
How to Serve Banana Malva Pudding
Garnishes
A classic touch is a generous dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of silky vanilla ice cream, or a ribbon of custard right on top. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few toasted nuts if you’re feeling fancy—these extra details make the Banana Malva Pudding even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Since this pudding is rich and sweet, pair it with something light on the side. Fresh berries or a simple citrus salad act as bright, tangy companions, beautifully balancing the warmth and sweetness of your dessert. Or, serve it with herbal tea for a comforting finish.
Creative Ways to Present
To take your Banana Malva Pudding presentation up a notch, try serving it in individual ramekins for dinner parties, or cut into cubes and layered with whipped cream for a playful trifle. Garnish with caramelized banana slices or a drizzle of toffee sauce for an extra wow factor—your guests will be talking about it long after dessert is done.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Banana Malva Pudding, lucky you! Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—the flavor actually deepens as it sits, soaking up every bit of sauce.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Banana Malva Pudding. Let it cool completely, then either freeze the whole pudding (well-wrapped in plastic and foil) or portion it into individual containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your Banana Malva Pudding back to its glorious, saucy best, gently reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil to prevent drying, until warmed through. Individual servings can be microwaved for 20–30 seconds. Add an extra drizzle of cream or sauce if you like!
FAQs
Can I use other types of jam in Banana Malva Pudding?
Absolutely! While apricot jam is traditional and adds a subtle tang, feel free to try peach or even banana jam for a twist. Each brings its own special note to the pudding, so experiment to suit your taste.
What makes Banana Malva Pudding different from regular banana pudding?
Banana Malva Pudding is unique for its super-moist sponge cake texture and luscious pour-over sauce, compared to the creamy, custard-based banana puddings you might know. It’s a cross between a pudding and a cake, truly the best of both worlds!
Can I make this Banana Malva Pudding gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a good gluten-free baking blend—just make sure it’s one designed as a cup-for-cup or 1-to-1 substitute. The pudding will still be fabulously soft and flavorful.
Is there a way to make it less sweet?
If you prefer your desserts a little less sweet, try reducing the sugar in both the batter and the sauce by about 20 percent. The bananas themselves add plenty of natural sweetness, so the dish will still taste delightful.
Can I add spices to the Banana Malva Pudding batter?
Definitely! A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground ginger stirred into the batter will add cozy depth and complement the banana beautifully. Don’t be afraid to play around to find your own signature flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that delivers pure comfort with every spoonful, this Banana Malva Pudding truly hits the spot. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying a little solo celebration, there’s something about this pudding that turns any day into something special. Give it a try, and let it become a cherished staple in your kitchen too!
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Banana Malva Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting sweetness of this South African classic dessert, Banana Malva Pudding. A moist and decadent sponge cake with a hint of banana flavor, drenched in a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Main Cake:
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large), 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon apricot jam, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted), 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ cup whole milk
Sauce:
½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup whole milk, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, eggs, apricot jam, melted butter, and vinegar.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the wet mixture alternating with milk.
- Bake: Pour batter into the dish and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden.
- Make the sauce: In a saucepan, heat cream, milk, sugar, and butter. Stir in vanilla.
- Finish: Once baked, poke holes in pudding, pour sauce over, and let it sit before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream, custard, or vanilla ice cream.
- You can use peach or banana jam as a substitute for apricot jam.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: South African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
