Apple Brown Betty

This Apple Brown Betty recipe is a warm, comforting dessert made with fresh, juicy Honeycrisp apples and a spiced, buttery crumb topping. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves makes each bite aromatic and flavorful. Easy to prepare, this classic dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether as a family treat or a cozy holiday dish.

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Ingredients

• 5 Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and chunked or sliced (see notes)
• 1 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the bottom of a 9-inch casserole dish or pie dish with nonstick baking spray.
2. Prepare the Apples
   Toss the apple slices with lemon juice and place half of the apples in the bottom of the prepared dish.
3. Make the Crumb Topping
   In a food processor, combine the flour, brown sugar, white sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Pulse several times to mix. Gradually add the cold butter, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing after each addition until the butter is fully incorporated and the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
4. Layer and Bake
   Sprinkle half of the crumb mixture over the apples in the dish. Top with the remaining apple slices, followed by the rest of the crumb mixture. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned and the apples are tender.
5. Serve Warm
   Allow the Apple Brown Betty to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of textures: Soft, tender apples paired with a crunchy, buttery topping.
• Warm and comforting: Ideal for cool weather or holiday gatherings.
• Simple and quick: Requires only a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Customizable: Can be made with different apple varieties or topped with your favorite ice cream or whipped cream.

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Tips

• Apple variety matters: Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their sweetness and texture, but you can also use Granny Smith or Gala apples for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Use cold butter: This helps create a crumbly, buttery topping that’s crisp after baking.
• Mix it by hand: If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until you get coarse crumbs.
• Add extra spices: Feel free to increase the cinnamon or add other warm spices like allspice or ginger for more depth of flavor.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Sugar alternatives: Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar or maple sugar for a unique twist.
• Add nuts: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb mixture for added crunch.
• Toppings: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make the recipe gluten-free.

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FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can use other apple varieties, but keep in mind that some apples, like Granny Smith, may be more tart. You might want to adjust the sugar to balance the flavors.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the Apple Brown Betty ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just allow extra time for it to bake if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze Apple Brown Betty?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked version of Apple Brown Betty for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

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Serving

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience.
• Apple Brown Betty is also a great addition to a holiday spread or as a comforting finish to any fall meal.

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Suggestions

• Add a streusel topping: For extra crunch, mix some oats into the crumb topping.
• Turn it into a breakfast: Serve with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a sweet breakfast or brunch option.
• Spiced version: If you love extra spices, add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the crumb topping for more warmth.