Pouding chomeur

Story behind the dish

Imagine stepping into a cozy Canadian kitchen, where a sweet aroma fills the air and the comforting warmth of traditional desserts brings people together. Pouding chomeur, a beloved Quebec classic, translates to “poor man's pudding,” but don’t let the humble name fool you—this dessert is rich, indulgent, and utterly irresistible. Its golden sponge cake drenched in luscious maple sauce echoes the rural roots of maple syrup harvesting and the timeless love of sweet, homemade treats. Whether enjoyed after a hearty meal or as a special weekend dessert, this dish has a story as warm as its flavor.

Ingredients

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ¼ cups whole milk
• 1 ½ cups pure maple syrup
• 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar
• 1 ½ cups single cream
• ⅓ cup (5 ⅓ tablespoons) unsalted butter

Step-by-step

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 13-inch by 9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
5. Gradually alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Prepare the maple sauce: In a large saucepan, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, cream, and butter. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
8. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer gently for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
9. Carefully pour the warm maple sauce over the cake batter, spreading it gently but evenly.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the cake turns a beautiful light brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• Serve this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra decadence.
• For a lovely presentation, drizzle additional maple syrup over individual servings and sprinkle with toasted nuts or fresh berries.

Closing thoughts

With its comforting richness and the sweet, golden embrace of maple syrup, pouding chomeur is a delightful reminder of homey Canadian hospitality. Each bite marries tender sponge with luscious syrup, creating a dessert that’s both simple and profoundly satisfying. Gather your loved ones around, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and enjoy a slice of this Canadian classic—an experience as warm as a cozy winter's night.