Apple Brown Betty

If you've never made an Apple Brown Betty, this simple recipe will convince you to put all those other apple desserts to the side. Similar to an apple cobbler or apple crisp, this easy fall dessert is the perfect way to use up in-season apples. With layers of baked apples and a sweetened crumble topping, an apple brown betty topped with vanilla ice cream is an absolute cold weather must.

What is an apple brown betty?

An apple brown betty is a variation on the classic apple crisp or apple crumble, but with some slight differences. In this traditional dessert, fruit—usually apples, but others can be used—is baked in layers with sweetened, toasted crumbs that turns into a golden, crumbly finish when done.

What's the difference between an apple crisp and an apple brown betty?

Both are very similar apple desserts, but the difference mainly comes down to the crumble topping: Instead of the flour and oat mixture used in an apple crisp, an apple brown betty uses breadcrumbs for its crumbly, delicious topping. The toasted breadcrumbs are the star of the show in this recipe, and we've found that making them homemade is an absolute must—the varieties in shape and size give the dish a completely irresistible texture.

What apples should I use?

Crisp, slightly tart varieties work best in this dessert. We love Granny Smith when baking, so they were our first choice here— but, you can also use Pink Lady or Honeycrisp if that's what you have on hand. If you can find Mutsu apples, they would also work deliciously.

Made it? Let us know how it went in the comment section below!