Gateau de Sirop

(From cousin Marcelle Bienvenu’s cookbook, Whose Your Mama, Are You Catholic, and Can You Make A Roux? Copyright 1991)

This humble, rustic cake was a favorite of the Louisiana Acadians. Made with ingredients that are always on hand, the cake is sometimes served for breakfast with cafe au lait, but it can also be a delicious dessert when accompanied by whipped cream or ice cream.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup pure cane syrup
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup pecan halves

Directions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Place the butter into a baking pan and place it in the oven just long enough to melt the butter. Remove the pan from the oven and tilt it to spread the butter evenly across the bottom.
  2. Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg until smooth. Add the pure cane syrup and flour to the beaten egg, mixing well to blend all the ingredients.
  3. Add Baking Soda Mixture: In a separate bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the boiling water. Carefully add this mixture to the syrup and flour mixture, stirring gently to combine. Be cautious, as the baking soda and boiling water mixture will cause the batter to bubble up slightly.
  4. Pour and Bake: Once the batter is well mixed, pour it into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Arrange the pecan halves on top of the batter, covering the surface in a decorative pattern.
  5. Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake the Gateau de Sirop for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to golden perfection, remove the Gateau de Sirop from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This cake is best enjoyed warm, served with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

This recipe is best when made with authentic Steen’s Cane Syrop, made in Louisiana and available at cajun.com, and of course, on Amazon.

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