Christmas 2023: South African Brandy Pudding, also known as tipsy tart, is a delicious and rich dessert that’s perfect for special occasions, like Christmas.
While traditional Christmas cakes are filled with a fruit mix that consists of raisins, cherries and nuts, South Africa offers a great alternative if you are not a fruit cake fan. This simple brandy pudding offers the deliciousness of traditional South African Christmas pudding without the marzipan icing and fruit mix.
Ingredients:
For the pudding:
- 1 cup dried pitted dates, chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the brandy sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup brandy
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Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (approximately 9×9 inches).
- In a bowl, combine the chopped dates and baking soda. Pour the boiling water over the dates and let them sit for about 15 minutes until softened.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the softened date mixture, including any liquid.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the pudding is baking, prepare the brandy sauce. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, butter, brown sugar, and brandy. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Once the pudding is done baking, remove it from the oven and poke holes all over the top with a skewer or fork.
- Pour about half of the warm brandy sauce over the hot pudding, allowing it to soak in.
Serve the remaining brandy sauce with the pudding when serving.
Enjoy your South African Brandy Pudding!
Note: This dessert is often served warm, and you can pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you like.
