Caramelized Apple Brown Betty Delight
Indulge in a warm and comforting dessert with this Caramelized Apple Brown Betty Delight. This classic dish brings together tender, caramelized slices of McIntosh or Granny Smith apples, layered generously with homemade whole wheat bread crumbs. As the bread toasts and absorbs the apple juices, it creates a beautifully crispy top that contrasts perfectly with the sweet, tender apples underneath. Finished with a hint of brown sugar for depth and a drizzle of melted butter, this dessert is best served warm, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperatures and flavors. Perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to bring smiles to the table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooking apples
1 1/2 lbs (Peel, core, and slice thinly)
Whole wheat bread
4 slices (Crusts removed, processed into crumbs)
Butter
1/2 cup (Softened, for greasing and dotting)
Brown sugar
3/4 cup (Packed, for layering and topping)
Water
2 tablespoons (To sprinkle on top before baking)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
2
Peel, core, and thinly slice the cooking apples into wedges, allowing their natural sweetness to shine through.
3
In a food processor, pulse the whole wheat bread slices until they form fine crumbs. Alternatively, you can finely chop the bread by hand.
4
Generously butter the inside of a 1-quart baking dish, ensuring all sides are well coated. After that, sprinkle a layer of brown sugar evenly across the bottom of the dish.
5
Begin layering the ingredients: place a layer of sliced apples on the bottom, followed by a sprinkle of brown sugar and a layer of bread crumbs. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of bread crumbs on top.
6
Thickly dust the top layer of bread crumbs with additional brown sugar and dot with small pieces of butter for added richness.
7
Pour the water evenly over the top to help create a beautifully moist texture during baking.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
9
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caramelized Apple Brown Betty Delight?
It is a classic warm dessert featuring layers of tender caramelized apples and homemade whole wheat bread crumbs, baked until crispy and golden.
What types of apples are recommended for this recipe?
Cooking apples like McIntosh or Granny Smith are ideal because they provide a balance of sweetness and tartness.
How many apples do I need?
You will need approximately 1 1/2 lbs of cooking apples.
What is the best way to prepare the apples?
The apples should be peeled, cored, and thinly sliced into wedges to allow their natural sweetness to shine.
Can I use white bread instead of whole wheat?
While the recipe calls for whole wheat bread for its flavor and texture, you can substitute white bread if preferred.
How do I make the bread crumbs?
Remove the crusts from 4 slices of bread and pulse them in a food processor until fine crumbs form, or chop them finely by hand.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of softened butter for both greasing the dish and dotting the top.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 1-quart baking dish is the perfect size for these measurements.
How is the baking dish prepared?
Generously butter the inside of the dish and sprinkle a layer of brown sugar evenly across the bottom.
How do I layer the Brown Betty?
Layer sliced apples on the bottom, followed by a sprinkle of brown sugar and bread crumbs; repeat until finished.
What should be the top layer of the dish?
The final layer should be bread crumbs, thickly dusted with brown sugar and dotted with butter.
Why is water added to the recipe?
Two tablespoons of water are poured over the top to help create a moist texture during the baking process.
How long does the dessert need to bake?
Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
What is the best way to serve this dessert?
It is best served warm, ideally with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Is this recipe suitable for autumn?
Yes, it is a perfect dessert for autumn gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Can I use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar?
Brown sugar is used to provide depth and a caramelized flavor, though granulated sugar could be used in a pinch.
How much brown sugar is needed in total?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
Does the recipe include cinnamon?
This specific recipe focuses on the natural sweetness of apples and brown sugar, but you could add cinnamon if desired.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: cooking apples, whole wheat bread, butter, brown sugar, and water.
What texture should the top layer have?
The top layer should be beautifully crispy to contrast with the tender apples underneath.
Can I prepare the bread crumbs in advance?
Yes, you can pulse the bread into crumbs ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.
Should I remove the apple skins?
Yes, the instructions recommend peeling the apples before slicing.
What makes this a 'Brown Betty'?
A Brown Betty is characterized by its layers of fruit and sweetened bread crumbs, unlike a cobbler or crumble.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe, making it accessible for home bakers.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for the best flavor and richness, but margarine can be used as a substitute.
How do I know when it is finished baking?
Look for a golden brown color and a crispy texture on the top bread crumb layer.
Should the apples be thick or thin?
The apples should be thinly sliced into wedges to ensure they soften completely while baking.
Can this be made dairy-free?
You could substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative to make the dish dairy-free.
How long should it cool before serving?
Let it cool for just a few minutes after removing from the oven so it can be served warm.