Dive into the comforting decadence of *Unemployment Cake Pouding Chômeur*, a classic French-Canadian dessert that transforms pantry staples into a rich, satisfying treat. This humble yet luxurious dessert combines a soft, buttery cake with a luscious maple caramel sauce that forms as it bakes, making every bite irresistibly sweet and gooey. Perfectly suited for cozy gatherings or indulgent weeknight desserts, this recipe requires just 20 minutes of prep time and bakes to golden perfection in under 40 minutes. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly unforgettable experience. With simple ingredients like flour, butter, and maple syrup at its heart, this timeless dessert is as easy to make as it is delicious.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) square baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Beat in the egg until well incorporated, then gradually add the dry flour mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out with a spatula.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, unsalted butter, and water.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until the butter is fully melted and the sugar has dissolved, about 3-4 minutes.
Carefully pour the hot maple syrup mixture evenly over the cake batter in the baking dish. Do not stir.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is set and golden on top. A toothpick inserted into the cake portion (not the sauce) should come out clean.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. The cake will have absorbed some of the sauce, leaving a luscious layer underneath.
Serve warm. Scoop portions of the cake along with the sauce and enjoy on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Calories |
3599 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 117.4 g | 151% | |
| Saturated Fat | 68.2 g | 341% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 509 mg | 170% | |
| Sodium | 2325 mg | 101% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 631.1 g | 229% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.4 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 472.9 g | ||
| Protein | 32.5 g | 65% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 14% | |
| Calcium | 372 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 11.3 mg | 63% | |
| Potassium | 697 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.