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Classic Chômeurs Pudding

55 min 8 servings Easy
Chômeurs Pudding, a classic Québécois dessert, translates to 'unemployed man's pudding'. It originated during the Great Depression as an affordable yet comforting dish. This pudding features a luscious caramel sauce that forms as it bakes, topped with a soft, cake-like layer. Our version maintains the traditional flavour while offering straightforward steps for any home cook. It's an excellent dessert for those who appreciate the rich history and comforting flavours of Canadian cuisine.

Ingredients

Servings
8

For the Cake

For the Sauce

Instructions

1

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.

2

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and melted butter, stirring until just combined.

Pro tip: Avoid over-mixing to ensure a tender cake texture.

3

Pour Batter into Dish

Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

4

Make the Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, boiling water, and butter. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the butter is melted.

Pro tip: Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved for a smooth sauce.

5

Pour Sauce Over Batter

Carefully pour the hot sauce over the batter in the baking dish. Do not stir.

Pro tip: Pour slowly to avoid disturbing the batter.

6

Bake the Pudding

Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the cake layer comes out clean.

Pro tip: The sauce will be bubbling around the edges when done.

7

Cool and Serve

Allow the pudding to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.

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Tips & Tricks

  • Use a deep baking dish to prevent overflow as the pudding bakes.
  • Let the pudding cool slightly before serving for the best texture.
  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chômeurs Pudding warm, ideally with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the caramel notes. This dessert pairs beautifully with a robust cup of coffee or a glass of milk. You can prepare the batter and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. When ready to bake, simply combine and follow the baking instructions. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.