Indulge in Comfort with Apple Brown Betty
Apple Brown Betty, a classic Southern dessert, is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of apples with a buttery cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove topping, baked to perfection. Served warm and paired with a scoop of natural vanilla ice cream, it’s a dessert that will satisfy your sweet cravings and warm your soul. Here’s how to make this scrumptious dish.
Ingredients:
- 5 Honeycrisp Apples, peeled, cored, and chunked or sliced
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the bottom of a 9-inch casserole dish with nonstick baking spray.
- Prepare Apples:
- Toss the apple chunks or slices with lemon juice. Place half of them in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Make Crumb Topping:
- In a food processor, combine the flour, brown sugar, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Pulse several times to combine.
- Add the cold butter, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing between each addition until coarse crumbs form.
- Assemble:
- Sprinkle half of the crumb mixture over the apples in the dish. Top with the remaining apple slices, and then sprinkle the rest of the crumb mixture on top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is very lightly browned. The apples should still have some firmness to them.
- Serve:
- Serve the Apple Brown Betty warm, ideally with a scoop of natural vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.
Recipe Notes:
- Apple Selection: Choose apples that are ideal for baking, such as Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady.
- Apple Thickness: Don’t slice your apples too thin; they should still have some firmness after baking.
- Prevent Browning: The lemon juice helps keep the apples fresh and adds a zesty flavor to the dish.
- Baking Tips: Preheat your oven and place the dish as close to the center as possible for even baking. Avoid overbaking; the top should be lightly browned, and the apples slightly crisp.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Apple Brown Betty is delicious both warm and cold.
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Apple Brown Betty, a timeless dessert that brings joy to any occasion. With its simple ingredients and delightful taste, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the warmth and sweetness of this Southern classic with your loved ones today!
