Description
A luscious dessert mashup combining the sweet, caramelized flavor of traditional South African malva pudding with the smooth, creamy texture of cheesecake. It’s indulgent, unique, and perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- For the Malva Topping:
- 1/2 cup apricot jam
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 large egg
- For the Sauce (Optional but traditional):
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the crust: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Combine crushed biscuits, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
- Prepare the cheesecake layer: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and sour cream. Pour over the crust and bake for 35–40 minutes until just set. Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Prepare the malva topping: In a saucepan, melt the jam, brown sugar, cream, butter, and milk over medium heat. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Whisk in the baking soda, then mix in the flour and egg until smooth.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Gently spoon the malva batter over the chilled cheesecake layer and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and set. Let cool slightly.
- Optional sauce: In a small saucepan, heat cream, butter, and brown sugar until melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla and pour over warm slices of the cheesecake before serving.
Notes
- This cheesecake is best made a day in advance to allow flavors to fully develop.
- Refrigerate leftovers and gently reheat individual slices if serving with warm sauce.
- You can substitute apricot jam with peach or plum jam if preferred.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: South African-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 115mg