Apple Padeedledunk

​There's something wonderful about family recipes. It's not just that you already like the food or that it's easier than finding a new recipe, but I find that there are often memories associated with each one. This recipe is one of my favorites because it reminds me of two of my very favorite people.

The name of this recipe is what often sticks out to people. "What on earth is a padeedledunk?" The story goes that my grandma used to make this dessert and the kids would always ask what it was called. And then my grandpa would tease them by making up names for it. One day he exclaimed "It's Padeedledunk!" and the name stuck. So I suppose this could be more accurately named an apple crisp, but Padeedledunk is just too good a of a name to pass up.

This dessert is not particularly flashy or exciting. But it's classic, straightforward, and comfortable, with a touch of sweetness—just like my grandparents. So give it a try and whip up an easy dessert that smells like home and tastes like a crisp fall day. Then build your own memories around it. 

This recipe is surprisingly simple. It only requires a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. And it's a great use of apples if you find yourself with a surplus. 

Start by peeling and chopping your apples. You only need 3-5 apples, depending on how big they are. One of the apples I used was really huge (see the picture above if you want to check out applesaurus rex), so I probably should have just used 4 for mine. But you can use as many or as few as you want as long it covers the bottom of the pan. 

Add the apples to a greased 9X9 pan. Sprinkle the apples with ground cinnamon (or any other spices you might want to add). 

Now we move on to the crumble topping. Starting by stirring together the sugar, oats, and flour until well combined. 

Then incorporate the butter. I recommend cutting the butter into small pieces before adding it to the bowl, then using a pastry cutter to cut the butter in. Or, if you're not a fan of the pastry cutter, wash your hands extra well and use your fingers to work the butter in. 

Crumble this mixture over the apples in the pan. You can gently pat the topping down, but don't worry about smoothing it out; you want​ it to be crumbly. 

Then just pop it in the oven at 350° F for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. 

Let the padeedledunk cool a bit before serving. Unless you're into apple lava, in which case, go for it. Just try not to burn your mouth, please. 

Padeedledunk is especially good served warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. If you want to be extra decadent, you can drizzle some caramel sauce on top. Or you can take the classic approach and eat a piece plain for breakfast. It's got oats and apples in it, so it's basically health food, right? 

Apple Padeedledunk
Source: Family recipe                                   Yield: one 9X9 pan

Ingredients:
3-5 apples, peeled and sliced
Ground cinnamon (to taste)
1/2 cup of butter (softened)
3/4 cup of brown sugar
2/3 cup of flour
1-1/2 cups of rolled oats

Instructions:
Spread apple slices on the bottom of a greased 9X9 glass baking dish. Sprinkle cinnamon over the apples.

Mix the sugar, flour, and oats until well combined. Cut the butter in with a pastry cutter until evenly mixed. Crumble this topping over the apples. Bake at 350° F for about 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown on the top. 

Cool before serving. Store any leftovers in the fridge, covered. 

Is there dessert that makes you feel nostalgic? I'd love to hear about it! Leave a comment in the comment section below or find me on social media.