Name: Apple Pandowdy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 single pie crust (store-bought or homemade); ¼ cup unsalted butter (56g); 2½ pounds apples (1.1kg), peeled, cored and sliced; ⅓ cup brown sugar (70g); 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup apple juice or water (180mL); 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk; 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for sprinkling

Get ready to fall in love with this rustic, delicious Apple Pandowdy! It’s the perfect blend of sweet, tart apples and flaky, golden crust that’ll make your taste buds dance. This cozy dessert is incredibly easy to whip up, making it ideal for those busy weeknights when you’re craving something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food at its Finest: This dessert is like a warm hug for your soul. The combination of tender apples and crispy crust is simply irresistible.
Easy as Pie (But Even Easier!): Don’t let the fancy name fool you – this recipe is a breeze to make. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this pandowdy is guaranteed to impress.
Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste or what’s in your pantry. It’s forgiving and flexible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pie Crust: The star of the show! It provides that irresistible flaky texture.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create that golden-brown crust.
Apples: The heart of the pandowdy. Choose firm, tart apples for the best flavor and texture.
Brown Sugar: Brings sweetness and a touch of caramel flavor.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors and prevents the apples from browning.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and that classic apple pie flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
Apple Juice or Water: Helps create a luscious sauce.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to perfection.
Heavy Cream or Milk: For brushing the crust to achieve a beautiful golden color.
Coarse Sugar: Adds a delightful crunch and sparkle to the crust.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Fruit Mix-Up: Try using a mix of apples and pears, or even throw in some berries for a twist.
Spice It Up: Add nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom for extra warmth.
Nutty Goodness: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the apples before adding the crust.
Caramel Drizzle: Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

How to Make Apple Pandowdy

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Roll out your pie crust and cut it into squares. Pop these in the freezer while you work on the filling. This little trick helps keep the crust extra flaky!

Step 2: Cook the Apples

Melt the butter in a skillet and cook those apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt. The aroma will be heavenly!

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Add the cornstarch mixture to create a luscious, thick sauce that’ll coat every bite of apple.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Arrange the crust pieces over the apples, brush with cream, sprinkle with sugar, and bake until golden and bubbly.

Step 5: The “Dowdy” Part

Here’s where the fun happens! Halfway through baking, press down on the crust to let some of that delicious filling bubble up. This is what makes it a pandowdy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Apple Choice Matters: Opt for firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape and provide the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Don’t Skip the Chill: Freezing the crust pieces ensures they stay flaky during baking.
Even Slices: Try to cut your apples into even slices for consistent cooking.
Taste Test: Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Some apples are naturally sweeter than others.

How to Serve

Serve this pandowdy warm, straight from the oven. It’s divine on its own, but here are some serving suggestions:

A la Mode: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luxurious touch.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for extra decadence.
Cheddar Cheese: For a surprising twist, serve with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover the skillet with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the baked pandowdy for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Cover with foil if the crust starts to brown too much.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! While homemade is delicious, a good quality store-bought crust works perfectly and saves time.

What’s the difference between a pandowdy and a pie?
A pandowdy has a more rustic look, with pieces of crust rather than a whole top crust. The crust is also pressed into the filling during baking, creating a delightfully messy appearance.

Can I make this without a cast-iron skillet?
Yes! You can use any ovenproof skillet or transfer the filling to a baking dish before adding the crust.

How do I know when the pandowdy is done?
The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling around the edges. If you’re unsure, you can test the apples with a fork – they should be tender but not mushy.

This Apple Pandowdy is the perfect way to celebrate the simple joys of baking. It’s unpretentious, delicious, and sure to become a family favorite. So grab those apples, roll out that crust, and get ready to create some magic in your kitchen. Happy baking!