Hey y'all! If you love the cozy flavors of warm apples and a buttery, cinnamon-kissed crumb topping, this Apple Brown Betty Recipe is right up your alley. It's the ultimate comfort dessert, perfect for fall gatherings, weeknight treats, or holiday potlucks. Plus, it's simple enough for beginner bakers and always leaves the kitchen smelling amazing. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Apple Brown Betty Recipe
- Quick to prepare—throw it together in under 15 minutes.
- Uses simple pantry staples for a nostalgic, homemade flavor.
- Crisp, buttery breadcrumb topping contrasts perfectly with soft baked apples.
- Easily adaptable for gluten-free or vegan diets.
- Perfect for using up extra apples any time of year.
Apple Brown Betty Recipe Ingredients
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced tart apples (about 5 medium; Granny Smith recommended)
- 1 cup fresh or day-old breadcrumbs (from white or whole wheat bread)
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 6 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: ⅓ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
How to Make Apple Brown Betty Recipe: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Apples
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Toss your sliced apples with lemon juice, ¼ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl until coated.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs, ½ cup brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, salt, and nuts (if using). Drizzle in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are moist and clumpy.
Step 3: Assemble
Layer half the apple mixture evenly in your prepared dish. Sprinkle half the breadcrumb mixture over the apples. Repeat with remaining apples and finish with the remaining crumb topping.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 38-42 minutes, until the apples are tender and the crumb topping is golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving warm.
Apple Brown Betty Recipe Notes
- Fresh breadcrumbs yield the best texture, but panko can work if you're in a pinch. Read up on making homemade breadcrumbs.
- If the topping browns too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
- A splash of vanilla extract in the apples adds extra warmth and complexity.
Apple Brown Betty Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for the crumbs.
- Berry Brown Betty: Swap half the apples for fresh or frozen berries.
- Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use eggless bread crumbs.
Required Equipment for Apple Brown Betty Recipe
- 9-inch square baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Apple Brown Betty Recipe Storage Instructions
Let leftovers cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes. For more tips on storing fruit desserts, see StillTasty's guidelines.
Serving and Pairing Ideas for Apple Brown Betty Recipe
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Pair with a mug of spiced chai tea or classic black coffee.
- Drizzle with caramel or maple syrup for extra decadence.
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Brown Betty Recipe
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith and Fuji) for complex flavor.
- Let the dish rest before serving for easier scooping and intensified flavor.
- Try air-drying your breadcrumbs for deeper crunch, as shown in this Serious Eats guide.
Apple Brown Betty Recipe FAQ
- Can I use oats instead of breadcrumbs?
- Yes, but the texture will resemble a crisp or crumble rather than a traditional Apple Brown Betty.
- What’s the best apple variety to use?
- Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Jonagold apples are great choices for their firm texture and tart flavor.
- Can I make Apple Brown Betty ahead of time?
- Absolutely—assemble up to a day ahead, refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 ½ cups fresh bread crumbs
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
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2In a medium bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, ¼ cup brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well coated.
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3In another bowl, combine bread crumbs with the remaining brown sugar and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
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4Layer half of the apple mixture in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the breadcrumb mixture over the apples. Repeat with remaining apples and top with the rest of the breadcrumb mixture.
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5Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apples are tender.
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6Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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