A “betty” is a baked dessert made with layers of sugar-spiced fruit and buttered breadcrumbs. The “brown” in the recipe name refers to the use of brown sugar as opposed to white. True to its definition, our recipe for Apple Brown Betty is a delectable combination of sliced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, brandy and buttered panko crumbs.

Apple Brown Betty

Apple Brown Betty is an easy dessert of sliced apples layered with cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar and buttered panko crumbs.

Author: Lynne Webb
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Desserts

Ingredients

6 medium apples, peeled and cored
3 tablespoons brown sugar, divided
2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon brandy or apple cider (optional)
1 cup panko crumbs
4 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously butter a 9 x 9-inch baking dish.
Cut the apples into thin wedges and place in a large bowl. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Drizzle the lemon juice and brandy over the mixture and toss to combine thoroughly.
In a separate bowl, combine the panko crumbs with the remaining tablespoon of brown sugar and teaspoon of cinnamon.
Arrange half of the apples in an even layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the crumb mixture, and drizzle with half of the melted butter. Repeat with the remaining apples, crumbs and butter.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crumbs are nicely browned and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.

Notes

Recipe Notes:

We like to use a combination of Granny Smith and McIntosh for this recipe, but any apple suitable for baking will work. Taste your apples once you’ve added the sugar and cinnamon. If you like them a little sweeter, feel free to add a little extra brown sugar.

Apple Brown Betty