Cremora and Coffee Malva Puddings – A Decadent Twist on a South African Classic

If you’re a dessert lover with a soft spot for nostalgic comfort food, then this Cremora and Coffee Malva Pudding is the perfect treat for you. It’s sweet, saucy, and infused with the deep richness of coffee, elevated by the creamy decadence of NESTLÉ Cremora. Baked into individual portions using a muffin tin, these mini puddings are just the right size for entertaining or indulging solo. Whether you’re hosting guests, treating your family, or simply in the mood for a soul-warming dessert, this recipe brings sophistication and heart to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a modern spin on the beloved South African malva pudding—a dense, caramelized sponge soaked in sauce. By incorporating instant coffee and Cremora, you not only deepen the flavor profile but also elevate the texture to be creamier and more luxurious. And the fact that they’re baked as muffins makes them perfect for dinner parties, lunchboxes, or freezer-friendly desserts.

Ideal for coffee lovers, home bakers looking for something a little different, or fans of South African desserts wanting a twist, this recipe ticks all the boxes for rich flavor, quick prep, and indulgent satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into making these irresistible puddings:

For the Malva Puddings:

• ½ tbsp margarine

• 1½ tbsp apricot jam

• ⅓ cup dark brown sugar

• 3 tbsp instant coffee granules

• 1 large egg

• ½ tsp white vinegar

• 3 tbsp NESTLÉ Cremora Original (divided)

• 1¼ cups cake flour

• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

For the Coffee Sauce:

• 1 cup boiling water

• 1 tsp cornflour

• 1 tbsp instant coffee granules

• 1 tbsp sugar

For the Custard:

• 1 tbsp custard powder

• 1 cup boiling water

• 1 tbsp NESTLÉ Cremora Original

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make these mini malva puddings, you’ll need:

• 12-hole muffin tin

• Mixing bowls (medium and small)

• Electric hand mixer or whisk

• Microwave-safe bowls

• Sieve

• Measuring spoons and cups

• Toothpick or skewer

• Microwave

• Oven preheated to 190°C (374°F)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Mix

Start by preheating your oven to 190°C and greasing a standard 12-hole muffin tin. In a mixing bowl, combine margarine, apricot jam, ¼ cup of the brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules. Whisk together for about 3–4 minutes using an electric hand mixer until well blended.

Add in the egg, white vinegar, and ¾ cup of water. Whisk again for 1 minute until the mixture is smooth.

Step 2: Sift and Fold

Sieve the cake flour, bicarbonate of soda, and 2 tablespoons of Cremora directly into the wet ingredients. Gently fold until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to maintain a tender texture.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Evenly divide the batter among the muffin tin holes. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While these are baking, move on to the sauce and custard prep.

Coffee Sauce & Custard: The Flavour Boosters

Coffee Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup boiling water, cornflour, the remaining tablespoon of coffee granules, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Microwave the mixture for 1–2 minutes, whisking every 20 seconds until it thickens. Set aside.

Custard

In another bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of custard powder with 1 cup boiling water and 1 tablespoon of Cremora. Microwave for 30–45 seconds, stirring every 20 seconds, until thick and creamy.

The Final Touch: Soaking and Serving

As soon as the puddings come out of the oven, use a toothpick to poke a few holes in each one. Pour the warm coffee sauce over them while still in the muffin tin. Let the sauce soak in for about 5 minutes.

Serve warm, drizzled generously with the creamy custard. These little delights are rich, comforting, and guaranteed to please.

Tips and Tricks

• Don’t skip the vinegar. It reacts with the bicarbonate of soda to create the perfect rise.

• No Cremora? Substitute with powdered milk or full cream milk for a similar creamy effect.

• Use espresso powder for a more intense coffee flavor.

• Want extra richness? Add a splash of Amarula to the custard or coffee sauce for an adult-friendly version.

• Swap apricot jam with marmalade or even fig jam for a unique flavor twist.

• Serving tip: These pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re skipping the custard.

Storing and Reheating

These puddings store incredibly well!

To Store:

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Wrap each pudding individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To Reheat:

• Microwave each pudding for 30–40 seconds or warm in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5–7 minutes. Add a splash of extra sauce or custard before reheating to keep them moist.

What to Serve with Cremora and Coffee Malva Puddings

• Drinks: A rich cappuccino, espresso, or chai latte works beautifully with the malty, toasty notes in the pudding.

• Dessert Board: Serve these mini puddings with shortbread biscuits, chocolate truffles, or fresh berries for a full dessert spread.

• Main Meal Pairing: After a traditional Sunday roast or spicy Cape Malay curry, these puddings offer a familiar yet elevated sweet ending.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these puddings ahead of time?

Absolutely. These are excellent made a day in advance. Simply reheat and serve with fresh custard.

Is Cremora necessary?

Cremora adds a distinctive creaminess and enhances the coffee flavor, but if unavailable, powdered milk or full cream milk will work as substitutes.

Can I make this as one large pudding?

Yes. Use a medium-sized baking dish and extend the baking time to 25–30 minutes. Soak with coffee sauce and serve warm with custard.

Are these suitable for kids?

Definitely! The coffee flavor is mild, and you can reduce the amount of instant coffee if needed.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, by using a gluten-free cake flour blend and ensuring your baking powder is gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

These Cremora and Coffee Malva Puddings are everything you love about the original dessert, but with a bolder, more luxurious twist. Creamy, moist, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, they’re perfect for everyday indulgence or festive celebrations. You’ll find yourself making them again and again—especially when comfort and flavor are calling.

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Happy baking—and enjoy every bite!