Apple Pandowdy
Apple Pandowdy is a warm, comforting dessert featuring tender baked apples under flaky pie crust, infused with cinnamon and brown sugar—perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Prepare pastry for an 8-inch two-crust pie as directed on the package.
- Stir together drained apple slices and brown sugar, then turn into the prepared pastry-lined pie pan.
- Top the filling with melted butter and 3 tablespoons of syrup.
- Cover with the top crust which has slits cut in it, then seal and flute the edges.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and make crisscross cuts about 1-inch apart through the top crust and filling.
- Drizzle the remaining syrup over the top.
- Cover the edge with 2 to 3-inch strips of aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake for an additional 25 minutes.
- Serve warm, optionally pouring on additional syrup.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the apple filling. If you don't have a pie crust mix, you can make a homemade crust using flour, butter, and water. To make it more indulgent, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. This dessert is a great way to utilize leftover apples from other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Pandowdy is delightful when served warm, and pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a balanced meal, serve it alongside savory dishes like roasted chicken or a fresh salad. Consider pairing it with a slice of Creamy Egg Nog Pie for a festive dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the pandowdy tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This helps keep the crust crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Pandowdy contains roughly 698 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 72g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple slices?
Yes, you can use fresh apples! Just peel, core, and slice about 4-5 medium apples, then toss them with brown sugar and a bit of lemon juice before adding them to the pie crust. Fresh apples will give a firmer texture and a more vibrant flavor.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free Apple Pandowdy, substitute the pie crust mix with a gluten-free pie crust alternative. Ensure all other ingredients, including the brown sugar, are gluten-free. This way, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors without the gluten.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
For the best flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp or Fuji. This combination provides a nice balance of sweetness and acidity, enhancing the overall taste of the pandowdy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).