Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Traditional Cape Brandy Pudding, a classic South African dessert perfect for special occasions or cozy evenings. Made with sweet, tender dates and crunchy chopped pecans, this pudding is baked to perfection and drenched in a luscious brandy-infused syrup that soaks into every bite, making it irresistibly moist and flavorful. The warm, buttery syrup, enhanced with a hint of vanilla, adds a decadent touch to this already exceptional dessert. Serve it warm with custard, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat. With simple ingredients and a straightforward preparation, this dessert celebrates the nostalgia of traditional recipes while delighting modern palates. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a comforting end to a family meal!
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 20 cm (8-inch) baking dish or deep cake pan.
Place the chopped dates in a bowl, sprinkle with baking soda, and pour over the boiling water. Stir gently and set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and caster sugar together using a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a separate bowl.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the cooled date mixture. Mix gently until combined.
Fold in the chopped pecans and pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the pudding bakes, prepare the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the brandy, water, caster sugar, and butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer.
Remove the syrup from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
When the pudding is ready, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm syrup over it, ensuring it soaks evenly. Allow it to cool slightly so the syrup is fully absorbed.
Serve warm with custard, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert.
Calories |
5539 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 244.2 g | 313% | |
| Saturated Fat | 101.3 g | 506% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 754 mg | 251% | |
| Sodium | 3512 mg | 153% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 753.0 g | 274% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 36.9 g | 132% | |
| Total Sugars | 521.9 g | ||
| Protein | 57.2 g | 114% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.6 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 388 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 19.5 mg | 108% | |
| Potassium | 2719 mg | 58% | |
*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.