Maple-Apple Pudding Bake

In a saucepan, combine water, maple syrup, and cornstarch. Cook and stir until boiling. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more.

Add the 1 tablespoon butter. Pour into an 8x8x2-inch baking dish or baking pan (2-quart square).

In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the flour, the 2 tablespoons sugar, and the baking powder. Cut in the 3 tablespoons butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the apples. Add the milk and vanilla; stir just until batter is moistened.

Using a tablespoon, drop the apple batter into the warm syrup mixture in the baking dish or baking pan. Combine the remaining 2 teaspoons sugar and the cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the batter in the baking dish. Dot the top with the remaining 1 teaspoon butter.

Bake the dessert in a 350 degree F oven for 40 minutes. Serve the maple dessert warm, topped with whipped cream. Makes 6 to 8 servings.