I was watching PBS' American Test Kitchen program and they were making this dish. It looked easy and delicious.

Apple Pandowdy is one of a family of simple desserts, known in different parts of the world as cobblers, duffs, grunts, slumps and pandowdies. These desserts have subtle variations, but the base of all of them is fruit baked with a sweet biscuit or cake dough top.

The exact origin of the name Pandowdy is unknown, but it is thought to refer to the dessert's plain or "dowdy" appearance. Looks can be deceiving, apple pandowdy is delicious, especially topped with a bit of ice cream or whipped cream. Your dinner guests just won't be able to get enough of that wonderful stuff!


  • 4 apples, cored, peeled, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1/3 cup hot water
  • 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 5 tablespoons shortening
  • 4 to 6 tablespoons milk

PREPARATION:

Arrange sliced apples in a buttered 11x7-inch baking dish. Combine sugar, cinnamon, and salt; sprinkle over the apples. Combine molasses and hot water; stir to blend. Pour molasses mixture over the apples. Bake apples in preheated 400° oven for about 20 to 30 minutes, until apples are tender. Meanwhile, make a soft dough. Sift flour with baking powder and salt; cut in shortening until mixture resembles meal. Add milk, mixing with a fork, enough to make a soft dough. Knead lightly for about 10 seconds. Roll dough into a rectangle 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick, to fit over the 11x7-inch pan. Fit the dough over the cooked apple mixture and pierce all over with a fork to let steam escape and cut in various places to let the juice bubble up. Brush dough with egg white and sprinkle with white sugar. Bake at 400° for about 20 minutes longer, or until nicely browned. Serve warm with cream or ice cream.
Serves 8.

You can serve this dish right out of the pan, or invert it onto a serving plate like an upside-down cake, warm or at room temperature. Top with whipped cream or ice cream.