Cape Brandy Delight Pudding
Indulge in the rich flavors of South Africa with this traditional Cape Brandy Delight Pudding. Originating from the picturesque Western Cape, this dessert blends the natural sweetness of dates with the warmth of brandy, resulting in a comforting dish perfect for those chilly winter evenings. Each bite melts in your mouth, revealing the delightful crunch of walnuts and a luscious, syrupy glaze that elevates the entire experience. Ideal for gatherings and special occasions, this pudding is sure to become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
375
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
dates, stoned and chopped
1/2 lb (pitted and chopped into small pieces)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (for activating with the boiling water)
boiling water
1 cup (to soak the dates)
butter
4 ounces (softened)
caster sugar
7 ounces (for creaming)
eggs
2 (beaten)
cake flour or all-purpose flour
1/2 lb (sifted)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (sifted with the flour)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (for flavor)
chopped walnuts
1 cup (for added texture)
sugar
1 cup (for the syrup)
butter
2 tablespoons (for the syrup)
water
3/4 cup (for the syrup)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (for flavoring the syrup)
salt
1 pinch (for flavoring the syrup)
brandy
1/2 cup (preferably good quality)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a large ovenproof pudding dish or two pie plates by greasing them well with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped dates and baking soda, then pour over the boiling water. Stir the mixture and set aside to cool, allowing the flavors to meld.
3
In another bowl, cream the butter and caster sugar together until fluffy and pale, which will help to create a light texture in the pudding. Gradually add in the beaten eggs, mixing well to combine.
4
In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Carefully fold this dry mixture into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until just combined, being cautious not to over-mix.
5
Once the date mixture has cooled, gently fold it into the batter, followed by the chopped walnuts, making sure everything is evenly incorporated.
6
Pour the batter into the prepared dish or pie plates, and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 50 minutes, but keep an eye on them as cooking times may vary. Use a skewer to test for doneness; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
7
While the pudding is baking, prepare the brandy syrup by combining the sugar, butter, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth, being careful not to let it boil.
8
Remove the saucepan from the heat and mix in the vanilla, a pinch of salt, and the good quality brandy for an aromatic finish.
9
Once the pudding is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup over the top. Allow it to soak in slowly as it cools.
10
Serve the Cape Brandy Delight Pudding warm or cold, paired with ice cream, whipped cream, or a rich custard for the perfect ending to any meal.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
50g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cape Brandy Delight Pudding?
It is a traditional South African dessert from the Western Cape that combines dates, brandy, and walnuts with a syrupy glaze.
What temperature should I set my oven to for this pudding?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the dates for this recipe?
Combine 1/2 lb of chopped dates and 1 teaspoon of baking soda, then pour 1 cup of boiling water over them and set aside to cool.
How long should the Cape Brandy Delight Pudding bake?
The pudding should bake for approximately 50 minutes, though cooking times may vary.
What is the best way to test if the pudding is finished baking?
Use a skewer to test for doneness; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
What ingredients are in the brandy syrup?
The syrup is made from 1 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of butter, 3/4 cup of water, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 cup of brandy.
When should I pour the syrup over the pudding?
You should pour the hot syrup over the top immediately after removing the pudding from the oven.
What can I serve with Cape Brandy Delight Pudding?
It pairs perfectly with ice cream, whipped cream, or a rich custard.
Can this pudding be served cold?
Yes, it can be served either warm or cold.
How many calories are in a serving of this pudding?
There are approximately 375 calories per serving.
What kind of flour should be used?
You can use 1/2 lb of either cake flour or all-purpose flour.
How many eggs does the recipe require?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs.
Is caster sugar used in this recipe?
Yes, 7 ounces of caster sugar are used for creaming with the butter.
How much butter is needed for the pudding batter?
The batter requires 4 ounces of softened butter.
What type of nuts are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1 cup of chopped walnuts for added texture.
Why is the butter and caster sugar creamed together?
They are creamed together until fluffy to help create a light texture in the pudding.
Should the flour be sifted?
Yes, the flour should be sifted together with the baking powder and salt.
When should the walnuts be added to the mixture?
The walnuts should be folded into the batter after the cooled date mixture has been incorporated.
How do I prevent the pudding from sticking to the dish?
Grease the pudding dish or pie plates well with butter or nonstick spray.
Can I use any type of brandy?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 cup of good quality brandy for the best flavor.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 15g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 50g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in this pudding?
There are 5g of protein per serving.
What is the instruction for making the syrup smooth?
Stir the sugar, butter, and water continuously over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, being careful not to let it boil.
How much baking soda is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and a perfect treat for chilly winter evenings.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients in total.
How much vanilla extract is added to the syrup?
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract are added to the syrup.
What kind of dish should be used for baking?
You can use one large ovenproof pudding dish or two pie plates.
Is there salt in the syrup?
Yes, a pinch of salt is added to the syrup for flavor.