Maple Pudding Chomeur

Maple Pudding Chômeur: A Classic Canadian Dessert

Maple Pudding Chômeur, which translates to "unemployed man's pudding," is a beloved dessert hailing from the province of Quebec, Canada. This delectable treat has a humble origin, said to have been created during the Great Depression when families needed to make the most of their pantry staples. Despite its simple beginnings, Maple Pudding Chômeur has become a treasured dessert enjoyed by many for its rich maple flavor and comforting warmth.

The dessert consists of two main components: a moist cake batter and a luscious maple syrup sauce. The cake batter is made by combining flour, baking powder, sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla extract. The result is a soft and slightly dense cake that serves as the perfect vessel for soaking up the maple syrup sauce.

The star of the show is the maple syrup sauce, which is made by boiling together pure maple syrup, water, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. This mixture creates a sweet and indulgent sauce that gets poured over the cake batter before baking. As the dessert bakes, the cake rises to the top, while the sauce sinks to the bottom, resulting in a delightful layering effect.

When served warm, the Maple Pudding Chômeur offers a comforting experience that's especially welcome during colder months. The cake absorbs the maple syrup sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that are both sweet and slightly caramelized. Many enjoy it on its own, but it's also commonly served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add a creamy contrast.

Maple Pudding Chômeur stands as a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Canada, specifically Quebec, where maple syrup plays a significant role in the local cuisine. This dessert showcases the versatility of maple syrup, transforming it from a breakfast condiment to a star ingredient in a heartwarming dessert. Whether enjoyed as a nostalgic treat or a new culinary discovery, Maple Pudding Chômeur continues to bring joy to dessert tables and evoke a sense of tradition with every indulgent bite.

Ingredients:

For the Cake Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Maple Syrup Sauce:

• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the cake batter.

3. In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet sugar mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

5. In a saucepan, combine the pure maple syrup, water, brown sugar, and vanilla extract for the maple syrup sauce. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then remove from the heat.

6. Pour the cake batter into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish or equivalent ovenproof dish.

7. Carefully pour the maple syrup sauce evenly over the cake batter. Do not stir.

8. Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any potential spills. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

9. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. The cake will absorb the maple syrup sauce as it cools.

10. Serve the Maple Pudding Chômeur warm, spooning the cake and sauce into individual serving dishes. You can also top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Maple Pudding Chômeur!