Pouding Chômeur (Quebec Maple Pudding Cake)
Pouding chômeur — literally 'unemployed man's pudding' — was created during the Great Depression in Quebec, when factory workers made the most of basic pantry staples: flour, butter, and sugar syrup. A plain batter is poured over hot syrup (traditionally brown sugar, often maple today), and as it bakes, the syrup rises up through the cake and settles at the bottom, leaving a soft, spongy top over a soaked caramel layer.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (355ml) maple syrup
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/3 cup (75g) butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Warm the maple syrup and cream together in a saucepan until just simmering, then pour into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish.
- Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in the egg.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture (whisked with baking powder) and milk, mixing just until combined.
- Gently spoon the batter over the hot syrup in the dish — do not stir the two together.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden and springs back when touched.
- Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving; the syrup settles into a caramel layer at the bottom as it rests.
Tips
- Pour the batter gently over the syrup rather than stirring — the layers separate naturally as it bakes.
- Real maple syrup gives the best flavor, though a mix of maple and brown sugar syrup is also traditional.
- Serve warm with a splash of extra cream for the most classic presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called 'unemployed man's pudding'?
It was created in Quebec during the Great Depression, when out-of-work factory laborers made this dessert from cheap, accessible pantry ingredients.
Is maple syrup traditional, or was it originally brown sugar?
The original Depression-era version used brown sugar syrup, since maple syrup was relatively expensive; maple has become a popular modern variation.
