Maple Pouding Chômeur


Pouding Chômeur literally means unemployed or poor man's pudding. This dessert was created by female factory workers during the great depression in Quebec, Canada.

Very popular in French households, I grew up thinking everyone knew what pouding chômeur was. When I got older I realized this recipe is the best kept secret around! But I feel I must share, because everyone deserves a chance to taste this simple yet decadent dessert!

  • 1 Cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ Cup granulated sugar
  • 4 Tsp baking powder
  • ¼ Tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¾ Cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
  • ¼ Cup butter, melted
  • 1 Tsp lemon rind, finely grated
  • 1 Tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 Egg

Sauce:

  • 1 ½ Cup water
  • 1 Cup real maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 Tsp cornstarch

    To make:

    In a bowl mix flour, sugar, baking powder and nutmeg. In a separate bowl whisk cream, butter, lemon rind, vanilla and egg just until combined. Mix dry ingredients into wet, pour into a greased 8 inch (2L) square glass baking dish.

    For the sauce, in a bowl whisk water, maple syrup, butter and cornstarch together; pour over the batter in dish.

    Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until golden and firm to the touch 40-45 mins. (This is the cool part, about 10 mins into the baking you will see the sauce melt through the batter and end up on the bottom!)

    Let cool 10-15 mins, serve warm or cold. Optional toppings: whipped cream or ice cream.