Apple Brown Betty
Our apple brown betty is an old-fashioned American dessert that has been delighting diners for well over 150 years!
by Diana Rattray
This delicious apple brown Betty has long been an American favorite. The apple dessert was first mentioned in print in 1864. It’s similar to an apple crisp, and it’s a great way to use day-old bread crumbs. This recipe is a typical Apple Betty dessert with some orange juice for extra flavor. Or use apple juice if you’d like.
The apples are layered with the sweet spiced breadcrumbs, then a combination of orange juice and melted butter are drizzled over the top. This is a dessert everyone will love!
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Simple and nostalgic. A traditional dessert made with everyday ingredients and no fuss.
Great use for bread and apples. Perfect for using up stale bread and slightly soft apples.
Light citrus touch. A splash of orange juice adds freshness and balances the sweetness.
Flexible and forgiving. Use different apples, breadcrumbs, or juice based on what you have.
Ingredient Notes
- Bread crumbs: Use fresh or day-old bread—hand-torn or food processor-crumbed for a rustic texture.
- Sugar: Brown or granulated sugar work equally well; brown sugar adds a richer flavor.
- Orange zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy note that brightens the dessert.
- Cinnamon: Classic apple spice for warmth and depth.
- Apples: Choose firm baking apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Golden Delicious.
- Butter: Melted and mixed with juice to moisten and flavor the topping.
- Orange juice: Adds brightness; apple juice can be used as a substitute.
Steps to Make Apple Brown Betty
- Preheat the oven and butter a shallow baking dish.
- Mix the breadcrumbs with sugar, zest, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Layer half the apple slices in the dish, followed by half the breadcrumb mixture.
- Repeat the layers with remaining apples and breadcrumbs.
- Stir the melted butter and orange juice together and drizzle evenly over the top.
- Bake until golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Tips for a Great Apple Brown Betty
- Use firm apples that hold their shape when baked.
- Don’t pack the breadcrumbs too tightly—light layering helps them stay crisp.
- Try mixing sweet and tart apples for flavor balance.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger if you want extra spice.
Recipe Variations
- Use apple juice. Swap orange juice for apple juice for a more traditional flavor.
- Try different bread. Use brioche, challah, or even cornbread crumbs for a richer texture.
- Add raisins. Sprinkle a few golden raisins between the apple layers for added sweetness.
- Make it vegan. Use plant-based butter and apple juice for a dairy-free version.
- Top with nuts. Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Pair with spiced tea or hot apple cider.
- Add a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finish.
- Include as part of a fall dessert table with pies and crisps.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftover apple Brown Betty in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze? Not recommended, as the breadcrumb topping may become soggy.
To Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat gently in a 300°F oven until heated through.
Apple Brown Betty
Ingredients
- 2 cups bread crumbs, coarse, soft, fresh or day-old
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar , or packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 large apples, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350 F. Butter a shallow 1 1/2-quart baking dish or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Combine bread crumbs, sugar, lemon zest, and cinnamon in a bowl; set aside.
- Arrange half of the apple slices in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat layers, ending with the remaining breadcrumb mixture.
- Combine the melted butter with the orange juice; drizzle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake the apple Betty for 45 to 55 minutes, until nicely browned and the apples are tender.
- Serve apple Betty with freshly whipped cream or thawed frozen whipped topping, or serve the dessert warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
