Classic Apple Pandowdy
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Description:
This delightful Apple Pandowdy recipe has been a cherished favorite for many years, originally discovered in a Purity Flour cookbook, which was one of my very first recipe books. The beauty of this dessert lies in its charming simplicity and homey flavor. It’s sweet and comforting, with a topping that is subtly sweet, allowing the natural tartness of the apples to shine. For those who prefer a sweeter touch, feel free to increase the sugar in the topping. A sprinkle of nutmeg in the batter adds a lovely warm note, though it’s optional. The batter doesn’t need to cover the apples completely; the bubbling fruit underneath creates an appealing rustic look. For an extra twist, I sometimes incorporate fresh cranberries into the apple mixture. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, providing a cozy and satisfying end to a meal.
Recipe Category: Dessert
Keywords: Apple, Fruit, Low Protein, Healthy, Less than 4 Hours
Ingredients:
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 cups tart apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons shortening
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup milk
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup light brown sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually stir in 1 cup water. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens slightly, about 8-10 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Set the sauce aside to cool slightly. -
Prepare the Apples:
Wash, peel, and slice 4 cups tart apples. Arrange the apple slices in a buttered 9-inch square baking dish that is at least 2 inches deep. Pour the prepared sauce over the apples, making sure to distribute it evenly. -
Make the Sweet Drop Batter:
In a medium bowl, blend 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup white sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in 3 tablespoons shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Beat 1 large egg and add it to the mixture, along with 1/3 cup milk. Stir gently with a fork until the batter comes together; be careful not to overmix. -
Assemble the Pandowdy:
Drop spoonfuls of the batter over the fruit mixture in the baking dish. Do not stir. The batter will spread and cover the fruit unevenly, which is part of its charm. -
Bake:
Place the baking dish in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit mixture is bubbling around the edges. -
Serve:
Allow the Apple Pandowdy to cool slightly before serving. It is delicious enjoyed warm, either plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a variation, try using white sugar in the sauce and freshly grated nutmeg instead of cinnamon if you prefer.
Notes:
The beauty of this dessert is in its rustic presentation and comforting flavors. Feel free to experiment with adding fresh cranberries or adjusting the sweetness to suit your taste. This Apple Pandowdy is a perfect way to showcase the natural sweetness of apples while adding a delightful twist with its simple yet flavorful topping. Enjoy this classic treat with family and friends for a warm and satisfying dessert experience. 🍏🍰🍦
