If you’re in the mood for something sweet, saucy, and slightly rebellious, brandewyntert—aka South African brandy tart—is a dessert you’ll want to master. This beloved treat, with its soft sponge soaked in a boozy syrup, is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Based on the delightfully chaotic and humorous video from Screaming Pugs, here’s a blog-style breakdown of how to make it.
🍰 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Tart:
- 250g pitted dates
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 cups cake flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 10ml butter
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
🥄 Step-by-Step Guide
1. Simmer the Dates
Start by softening your chopped dates in 1 cup of water on the stove. Once mushy, stir in the bicarb—watch for the foamy magic—and let it cool.
2. Make the Batter
Cream together the melted butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Fold in your flour and baking powder carefully to keep the air in, then fold in your cooled date mixture.
3. Bake It
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake at 180°C (356°F) for 30–45 minutes, or until golden and springy.
4. Make the Syrup
While it bakes, combine water, sugar, and butter in a pot. Let it simmer into a syrup. Take it off the heat and stir in the brandy and vanilla essence.
5. Soak and Serve
Poke holes in your warm tart with a fork and pour the syrup over. Let it soak in. Serve warm with cream or ice cream—and maybe a little more brandy on the side.
🤔 Tips & Notes
- Don’t stress if it breaks a bit while serving—just call it rustic.
- Want it alcohol-free? Swap the brandy for orange juice.
- Worried about the booze? Heating the syrup burns off most of the alcohol content.
🎉 Final Thoughts
This dessert is all about comfort and cheeky indulgence. The team at Screaming Pugs brings not only the recipe but the fun, with honest reactions and lots of laughs. Whether you’re a dessert rookie or just love South African classics, this brandewyntert is a must-try