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Thanksgiving Apple Pandowdy

Thanksgiving Apple Pandowdy
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Thanksgiving Apple Pandowdy is a warm and comforting classic dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples beneath a flaky, buttery crust with a caramelized top. This rustic twist on apple pie offers nostalgic charm perfect for cozy family gatherings, combining sweet and tart apple flavors with a golden crust that’s sure to satisfy and invite seconds.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 6 cups apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

Crust

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes (or coconut oil for vegan option)
  • 1/4 cup milk or cream (or plant-based milk for vegan option)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into even pieces. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until evenly coated to create a sweet and spicy filling.
  2. Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add milk or cream, stirring until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough to maintain a tender crust.
  3. Assemble the Pandowdy: Grease a baking dish lightly. Place the spiced apples evenly in the dish. Roll out the dough to fit over the apples, then drape the crust over them. Use a fork or knife to cut slits in the crust to allow steam to escape and help the top crisp evenly.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pandowdy for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling enticingly around the edges.
  5. The Pandowdy Twist: About halfway through baking, gently press down on the crust with a spoon to “dowdy” or break it up slightly. This encourages the apple juices to seep through the crust and caramelize the top for that signature rustic look and rich flavor.

Notes

  • Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to prevent a mushy filling.
  • Keep the butter cold to ensure a flaky, tender crust.
  • Use freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg for the best flavor.
  • Opt for a deep baking dish to hold more filling and cook the apples thoroughly.
  • Allow the pandowdy to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to thicken the juices and settle flavors.
  • To make gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
  • For a vegan version, replace butter with coconut oil and use plant-based milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving dessert, apple pandowdy, autumn dessert, rustic apple pie, cinnamon apple dessert, classic comfort dessert, gluten-free apple dessert

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/thanksgiving-apple-pandowdy/