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This deliciously nostalgic Apple Malva Pudding Tart is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug. Soft, syrupy, packed with apples and a touch of spice, it’s comfort food at its best. Whether you know it as “appeltert” or are discovering it for the first time, this dish deserves a spot in your dessert lineup.
This tart is a tribute to traditional South African flavours, but with a few modern tweaks to elevate it even further. It’s not your classic apple pie or malva pudding, but something uniquely in between. Moist, rich, and lightly sweet, it uses pantry staples like Ideal Milk and brown sugar to create that iconic old-school taste – just with better texture and balance.
Toasted milk powder and crunchy pecan pieces take this Apple Malva Pudding Tart to the next level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and syrupy with tender apple pieces
- South African classic with a modern touch
- Simple one-bowl batter using everyday ingredients
- Not overly sweet, with a comforting warm sauce
- Ideal for Sunday lunch or when guests pop in
Ingredients and Substitutions
Grab all your ingredients! View the recipe card below for a full list of all the ingredients and measurements.
- Tinned tart apples: Peeled and cored for convenience.
- Substitute: Bread flour can be used as a substitute, but cake flour is best for achieving lightness.
- Eggs: Binds and adds richness.
- Brown sugar: Warmer flavour than white sugar.
- Substitute: White sugar, but the final taste will be lighter.
- Vanilla essence: Adds aroma.
- Variation: Try almond essence or mixed spice for variation.
- Milk: Contributes to the sponge texture.
- Melted butter: For richness.
- Cake flour: The base of the batter.
- Substitute: All-purpose flour is fine.
- Baking powder: Helps it rise.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavour.
- Optional Add-ins
- Toasted milk powder: Adds a nutty depth.
- Chopped pecans: Crunch and flavour.
- For the Sauce
- Ideal Milk: Key to the flavour.
- Cream: Makes the sauce smooth.
- Brown sugar: Light sweetness – less than traditional syrupy puddings.
- Vanilla essence: Adds warmth.
Apple Malva Pudding Tart (Korslose Appeltert met sous)
Ingredients
Pudding batter
- 1 tin approx. 1 3/4 cups tart apples, drained
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp toasted milk powder optional but highly recommended
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans optional but highly recommended
Sauce
- 1 tin evaporated milk just under 1 1/2 cups
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
Instructions
- Beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla.
- Add milk and melted butter.
- Sift dry ingredients and fold/gently mix into the wet mix. Do not overmix.
- If using pecans, spread the pecans onto the base of your greased tart dish.
- Spoon into greased tart dish and press the apples into the batter until almost submerged entirely.
- Bake at 180℃ (160°C fan forced) for 30 minutes.
- Make the sauce by combining all the sauce ingredients into a small pot/saucepan and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Remove the tart from the oven once baked and poke holes all over with a fork.
- Once poked, immediately pour over the sauce.
- Tip: Slowly pour sauce over baked tart, letting it absorb before adding more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh apples instead of tinned?
Yes! Just peel, slice, and slightly pre-cook them until soft.
Is Ideal Milk the same as evaporated milk?
Yes, Ideal Milk is the South African version of unsweetened evaporated milk.
Can I freeze this apple malva pudding tart?
This apple malva pudding tart is best enjoyed fresh or within 2 days refrigerated.
What can I serve it with?
Vanilla ice cream, custard, or enjoy it plain and warm!
