Traditional Cape Brandy Pudding

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!

Nutriscore Rating: 48/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 250 g dates, chopped
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 250 ml boiling water
• 125 g unsalted butter, softened
• 200 g caster sugar
• 2 pcs large eggs
• 250 g all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 125 g pecans, chopped
• 125 ml brandy
• 125 ml water
• 150 g caster sugar (for syrup)
• 50 g unsalted butter (for syrup)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 20 cm (8-inch) baking dish or deep cake pan.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and caster sugar together using a hand mixer until light and fluffy.

Step 4

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 5

Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a separate bowl.

Step 6

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the cooled date mixture. Mix gently until combined.

Step 7

Fold in the chopped pecans and pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9

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.

Step 10

Remove the syrup from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 11

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.

Step 12

Serve warm with custard, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1773.2 grams (1773.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5539

Total Fat 244.20g	313%
Saturated Fat 101.30g	506%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 754mg	251%
Sodium 3512mg	153%
Total Carbohydrate 753.00g	274%
Dietary Fiber 36.90g	132%
Total Sugars 521.90g
Protein 57.20g	114%

Vitamin D 105IU	523%
Calcium 388mg	30%
Iron 20mg	108%
Potassium 2719mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.4%

Protein: 4.2%

Carbs: 55.4%