Apple pandowdy, or pan dowdy, is a one of the best classic American delicious apple desserts, similar to an apple tart. It was popular in the 1800s and early 1900s. by definition, a cooked fruit dessert sweetened with maple syrup or molasses and topped with a pie pastry. The name refers to the act of “dowdying” the crust — that is, breaking it up with a knife and pressing it into the bubbling juices. One of the best ways to use up any extra apples you have lying around!! Great dessert for fall time or holidays, real crowd pleaser.