Apple Betty, also known as Apple Brown Betty, is a simple, comforting dessert made with apples, sugar, butter, and breadcrumbs or crumbled bread. Here’s a classic recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups apples (peeled, cored, and sliced thin)
  • 1 cup bread crumbs (or crumbled bread)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 4 tablespoons butter (cut into small pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)
  • 1/4 cup water or apple cider (optional for added moisture)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven: to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. If desired, toss them with the lemon juice to prevent browning and add a hint of tanginess.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. Layer the dish:
    • Grease a baking dish with a little butter.
    • Spread about a third of the bread crumb mixture evenly on the bottom of the dish.
    • Add half of the sliced apples over the crumbs.
    • Repeat by sprinkling another third of the bread crumb mixture, followed by the remaining apples.
    • Top with the remaining bread crumb mixture.
  5. Add butter: Dot the top with small pieces of butter evenly distributed.
  6. Add moisture (optional): Pour 1/4 cup of water or apple cider over the mixture for added moisture if you’d like a softer texture.
  7. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 20-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
  8. Serve: Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy your homemade Apple Betty!

Image from Wikipedia