This is the type of dessert that I love because I like pears in desserts and I like cakes baked in a syrup. This recipe is a mix of both! It also reminds me of Quebec's famous "Pouding chômeur"!

Yields 9x6" cake

2 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
4 pears, diced
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp maple sirup
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup butter
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar

  1. Preheat the oven at 375F.
  2. Combine the cornstarch with the water in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. Combine the diced pears, sugar and maple syrup in your 9x6" cake pan. Incorporate the cornstarch mixture and mix with a wooden spoon.
  4. In another bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt and baking powder.
  5. Incorporate the butter by pressing with your fingers until the texture look like sand.
  6. Add the egg and vanilla and mix well with a wooden spoon.
  7. Add the milk+vinegar and mix until well combine.
  8. Pour the cake batter on the pear mixture.
  9. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. You may want to adjust the cooking time depending if you want the cake to be soft in the center