Immerse yourself in the delightful decadence of Cape Brandy Pudding, a classic South African dessert that perfectly balances warmth, sweetness, and a rich kick of brandy. This moist, date-filled pudding, complemented by the crunch of chopped walnuts, is baked to perfection and drenched in a buttery brandy sauce that soaks into every bite. With its luxurious aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this dessert is a show-stopping finale for holiday dinners or cozy gatherings. Ready in just over an hour, this indulgent treat pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Discover how this timeless, alcohol-infused favorite can elevate your dessert table to new heights.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish (about 20x20 cm or 8x8 inches) with butter.
Chop the pitted dates into small pieces. Place them in a bowl, sprinkle with baking soda, and pour the boiling water over them. Let sit for 10 minutes to soften the dates.
Cream the butter and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Stir in the softened dates (including the water) and chopped walnuts. Mix well to ensure an even distribution.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the pudding is baking, prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and water, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the brandy.
As soon as the pudding comes out of the oven, use a skewer to poke holes all over its surface. Pour the warm brandy sauce evenly over the pudding, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
Allow the pudding to absorb the sauce for about 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert.
Calories |
5031 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 210.2 g | 269% | |
| Saturated Fat | 87.9 g | 440% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 734 mg | 245% | |
| Sodium | 4002 mg | 174% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 706.4 g | 257% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.9 g | 103% | |
| Total Sugars | 520.8 g | ||
| Protein | 55.7 g | 111% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.5 mcg | 18% | |
| Calcium | 345 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 16.2 mg | 90% | |
| Potassium | 2548 mg | 54% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.