Apple Brown Betty
Classic American apple brown betty with roasted spiced apples layered between buttery bread crumbs. Traditionally served with hard sauce, this comforting dessert is perfect for autumn and winter.
20 mins
1 hr 20 mins
1 hr 40 mins
Ingredients
Equipment Needed
- roasting pan
- food processor
- 8-inch baking pan
Ingredients
Equipment Needed
- roasting pan
- food processor
- 8-inch baking pan
Instructions
Roast the Apples
- 1
Preheat oven
Preheat an oven to 400°F.
- 2
Season apples
In a large bowl, toss the apples with the granulated sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.
- 3
Arrange in pan
Mound the apples in a roasting pan just large enough to hold them comfortably.
- 4
Roast apples
Roast, turning twice, until fork-tender, about 1 hour.
- 5
Drain and puree
Drain the apples, reserving the liquid. Let cool. In a food processor, puree the apples, adding the reserved liquid as needed to make a thick applesauce.
Assemble and Bake
- 1
Reduce oven temperature
Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F.
- 2
Prepare crumbs
In a bowl, toss the bread crumbs with the melted butter.
- 3
Layer bottom
Sprinkle half of the crumbs over the bottom of an 8-inch round or square baking pan.
- 4
Add applesauce
Pour the applesauce over the crumbs and sprinkle the remaining crumbs on top.
- 5
Bake
Bake for 20 minutes.
- 6
Serve
To serve, spoon into shallow bowls and top with the hard sauce, vanilla ice cream, or sweetened whipped cream.
Cook's Notes
The traditional accompaniment to plum pudding, hard sauce pairs well with any hearty autumn or winter dessert. To make hard sauce, combine 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter at room temperature with 1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar, 1 tablespoon dark rum or brandy or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg. Mix well to blend. If desired, refrigerate before serving.
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