Sugar shack season is finally here . . . and that means it’s time for delicious desserts featuring maple syrup! Here are our followers’ top picks.
Tarts, cakes, and dumplings: recipes made with maple syrup are diverse and delicious! We asked our online community to share what their top treats were—here are the five most popular. Read on to learn more.
Pouding chômeur
Legend has it that pouding chômeur was invented during the economic crisis of the 30s by Georgette Falardeau, wife to then mayor of Montreal Camilien Houde. She is said to have created the sweet dish to offer to workers who were laid off, hence the name!
Quick and easy options
To satisfy your sweet tooth in just a few minutes, try this one-portion microwave version. It’s so easy to make! Another quick fix entails making it in the slow cooker—perfect for when you want to have dessert waiting after a day spent skiing or when you want to spoil your guests without spending hours in the kitchen!
Maple syrup pie
This decadent dessert has been a local favourite since forever! A must-have on any sugar shack menu worth your time, maple syrup pie also steals the show on many Quebec tables during the holidays. And it’s not surprising, seeing as it’s easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients (maple syrup being the main one!). Psst! To help save time, use a store-bought crust.
Tiny tarts
Hosting brunch? Treat your guests to this sugar shack classic . . . but in tart form! For a simplified version, use store-bought frozen pie shells. If you really want to impress your guests, top your maple tarts with a yummy bacon crumble!
Maple syrup dumplings
In French, these sugary dumplings are known as grands-pères au sirop d’érable. According to folklore, the name is inspired by the dumplings’ soft texture, easy for grandfathers to eat!
Just a few pantry staples (and some maple syrup, of course!) suffice to make this quick and easy dessert! For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with vegan margarine and the milk with oat milk.
Maple syrup pancakes
White flour, whole-wheat flour, buckwheat flour . . . maple syrup goes great with ANY pancake! Wow your family and friends at your next brunch with a stunning pancake tower! Stack your pancakes, making sure to spread a thin layer of pastry cream or maple butter between each, to ensure they stick together.
Tips for perfect pancakes
We’ve got a few helpful tips to ensure your pancakes turn out perfect every time. First off, use warm milk—it’ll help dissolve the flour and diminish the batter’s rest time (we suggest letting it rest 15 minutes or so). For gorgeously golden cakes, make sure your pan is nice and hot before ladling your batter.
Maple syrup mousse
Enjoy sugar shack season to the max with this decadent dessert! Maple mousse can be enjoyed as-is, in a pretty glass, or with cake and berries. Another way to wow your guests? Make layered verrines, alternating between maple mousse, caramelized apples, and a cookie crumble or caramelized pecans. Drizzle with salted caramel and enjoy!
Many other maple desserts were touted by our online community, such as maple cookies and cakes. No matter what your top pick is, just make sure to treat yourself to something sweet this sugar shack season!
