FRENCH CANADIAN APPLE PUDDING – A QUEBEC TRADITION MEETS NUTRITION
There is nothing quite like the intoxicating aroma of warm maple syrup and baked apples as the autumn chill settles over our doorsteps. For generations, the classic French Canadian “pouding chômeur” or “unemployed man’s pudding” has stood as the ultimate symbol of Quebecois comfort food, delivering a rich, self-saucing dessert that warms the soul. While the original version is just divine as it is made with real cream, this recipe surreptitiously reduces the saturated fat without losing a single drop of gooey nostalgia. So easy to prepare and share, pouding chômeur is sure to become a friends and family favourite.
Did You Know?
Apples are one of the most popular fruits worldwide, and for good reason. A single medium apple provides about 4 grams of fibre, helping regulate digestion and support heart health. Apples are also a source of vitamin C, essential for immune function, and potassium, which contributes to healthy blood pressure. Beyond vitamins and minerals, apples are rich in antioxidant compounds that protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. Whether eaten fresh or baked into a recipe, apples are a wholesome way to add both flavour and nutrition to your day.
INGREDIENTS (8 Servings)
4 medium apples of choice, peeled, cored and sliced
The Cake Batter
- 1 ½ cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons (7.5 ml) baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground cinnamon, optional
- ¼ cup (63 ml) unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup (63 ml) melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup (83 ml) real maple syrup
- ½ cup (125 ml) light coconut milk
- 1 large egg or chia egg [1 Tbsp (15 ml) chia seeds + 3 Tbsp (45ml) water, let sit for 10 minutes]
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
The Maple Sauce
- ¾ cup (188 ml) real maple syrup
- ¾ cup (188 ml) canned light coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Pre-heat the oven to 350 F (175 C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) or 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) baking dish.
- Spread the sliced apples evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- To make the batter, mix the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon (if using) in one bowl. Combine the applesauce, coconut oil, maple syrup, coconut milk,
egg or chia egg and vanilla extract in another bowl.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Spoon the batter over the sliced apples.
- To make the sauce, whisk together the remaining maple syrup, coconut milk, vanilla extract and the salt. Pour the sauce gently over the cake batter. Do not stir.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the cake top is golden and the maple sauce is bubbling at the edges.
- Let cool for 10 minutes to set before serving warm.
ENJOY!
Per Serving: |Calories: 329 kcal | Carbohydrates: 58 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 11 g |Fibre: 4 g | Sodium: 181 mg |
Joanne Nijhuis, MSc, RD is a Consulting, Media and Culinary Registered Dietitian in Simcoe Grey Bruce on a mission to entertain and educate through her love of food. In addition to recipe development and writing for several publications, Joanne is currently working on her first cookbook. For more information, email Joanne at jo.knows.nutrition@outlook.com.