Growing up, my family had a knack for turning simple ingredients into something magical. One dessert that always stood out was Poor Man’s Pudding. This delightful treat, also known as Pudding Chômeur, is a testament to the idea that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something special. It’s the perfect solution for a busy day or a last-minute gathering. With its cake-like texture and rich syrup, this dessert is sure to impress your loved ones. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Poor Man’s Pudding
This Poor Man’s Pudding is a game-changer for anyone who craves a delicious dessert without the fuss. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, taking just about 15 minutes of prep time. The combination of a soft cake and a gooey syrup creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, making it perfect for those of us who want to indulge without breaking the bank!
Ingredients for Poor Man’s Pudding
Gathering the ingredients for Poor Man’s Pudding is a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your pudding, giving it that lovely cake-like texture.
Baking powder: This little magic powder helps the pudding rise, creating a fluffy interior.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the batter, making every bite delightful.
Milk: Brings moisture and richness to the pudding, ensuring it’s not dry.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds a rich flavor and helps create a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: A splash of this classic flavor elevates the dessert to new heights.
Brown sugar: This is the star of the syrup, providing a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
Hot water: Helps dissolve the brown sugar, creating that luscious syrup that seeps into the cake.
For those looking to mix things up, consider these optional ingredients:
Cocoa powder: Add some for a chocolatey twist that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Almond extract: Swap out the vanilla for a nutty flavor that adds a unique touch.
Exact measurements for these ingredients can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for you to print and take to the kitchen!
How to Make Poor Man’s Pudding
Making Poor Man’s Pudding is as easy as pie—well, easier! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert ready in no time. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a medium bowl. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. This mix is the foundation of your pudding. Make sure there are no lumps; a smooth batter is key to a delightful texture.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well blended. The melted butter adds richness, while the vanilla brings a warm aroma that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to unite the two mixtures. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ones. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine. This will keep your pudding light and fluffy.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. This step is crucial to prevent sticking. You want every bit of that delicious pudding to come out easily!
Step 5: Pour the Batter
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. This is where the magic begins! The batter will rise and create a lovely cake-like layer as it bakes.
Step 6: Create the Syrup
In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar with the hot water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. This syrup is what makes Poor Man’s Pudding so special. It seeps into the cake, creating a gooey, sweet layer that’s simply irresistible.
Step 7: Bake the Pudding
Carefully pour the syrup over the batter in the baking dish. Do not stir! Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. The aroma will be hard to resist!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the pudding to cool for about 10 minutes. This waiting period helps the syrup settle. Serve it warm, and for an extra treat, top it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy every bite of this delightful dessert!
Tips for Success
Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
Don’t skip the greasing step; it ensures easy removal from the dish.
For a richer flavor, let the pudding sit for a few minutes before serving.
Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth.
Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently in the microwave.
Equipment Needed
Mixing bowls: Use any size you have; just make sure they’re large enough for whisking.
Whisk: A fork works in a pinch if you don’t have one.
Baking dish: A 9×9-inch dish is ideal, but any similar size will do.
Measuring cups: Essential for accuracy; improvise with a standard coffee mug if needed.
Variations
Chocolate Poor Man’s Pudding: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolate flavor that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Fruit-Infused Pudding: Toss in some fresh berries or sliced bananas into the batter for a fruity twist that adds freshness and color.
Nutty Delight: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added crunch and flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Vegan Version: Replace milk with almond or oat milk, and use a plant-based butter alternative to create a vegan-friendly dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a dollop of whipped cream for a light, airy contrast.
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the sweetness.
Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
Garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color.
Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy dessert experience.
FAQs about Poor Man’s Pudding
Curious about Poor Man’s Pudding? Here are some common questions I often hear, along with answers to help you navigate this delightful dessert.
What is Poor Man’s Pudding?
Poor Man’s Pudding, also known as Pudding Chômeur, is a simple dessert that combines a cake-like batter with a rich syrup made from brown sugar and hot water. It’s a comforting treat that’s easy to make and budget-friendly.
Can I make Poor Man’s Pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to add the syrup right before baking for the best results. This way, you can enjoy a warm dessert with minimal effort!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Poor Man’s Pudding in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for a quick treat!
Can I customize the flavors?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts, like almond or coconut, or add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. You can even mix in fruits or nuts for a unique twist!
Is Poor Man’s Pudding suitable for special diets?
Yes! You can easily make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan option, substitute the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives. Enjoy this dessert no matter your dietary needs!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about Poor Man’s Pudding. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a reminder of simpler times when comfort food was made with love and creativity. Each bite brings a wave of nostalgia, evoking memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. The ease of preparation means you can whip it up anytime, making it a go-to recipe for busy days or special occasions. Whether you enjoy it plain or dressed up with ice cream, this pudding is sure to bring smiles to your table. So, gather your loved ones and indulge in this delightful treat!
Poor Man’s Pudding, also known as Pudding Chômeur, is a simple yet delightful dessert that combines a cake-like batter with a rich syrup made from brown sugar and hot water.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 cups hot water
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
In another bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
Pour the batter into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and hot water, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
Carefully pour this mixture over the batter in the baking dish; do not stir.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out clean.
Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
This dessert is best enjoyed warm.
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
For a chocolate twist, add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
