What is a Brown Betty?
With so many amazing fruit dessert bakes out there sometimes it’s hard to tell them apart – An Apple Brown Betty is a baked fruit dessert that’s similar to an apple cobbler, crisp, or crumble. In the olden days, the topping may have been re-purposed stale bread or cake that was crumbled with butter and sugar. However, a traditional flour crumble topping, without oats and nuts, and heavy on brown sugar, is also considered a Brown Betty. This classic Apple Crumble Recipe features firm tart apples mixed with lemon juice and brown sugar, and a simple spiced brown sugar crumble top. It’s a fabulous late summer or early fall dessert! Serve it with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat.
Apple Brown Betty Ingredients
Granny smith apples – firm, tart, and lightly sweet Lemon – juiced Light brown sugar – or coconut sugar All-purpose flour – can be gluten-free Cold butter – cubed Apple pie spice – or pumpkin pie spice Salt – a baking essential, balances the sweetness of the dessert
Pro Tip: Can’t find apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice blends? Make your own blend with 1 ½ tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp nutmeg, and ½ tsp allspice.
How to Make Apple Brown Betty
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Set out a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Either grease the dish with butter or spray it thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray. Set out a large mixing bowl. Peel and core the apples, then slice into ¼ – ½ inch wedges. Place the apples in the large bowl, and toss with lemon juice to reduce browning. Then add ½ cup of brown sugar and ½ teaspoon of salt to the apples. Toss well to coat. Set out a medium mixing bowl. Combine the remaining 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 ½ cups of flour, cold butter cubes, apple pie spice, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Use a pastry blender tool (or large forks) to press the butter cubes into the flour mixture. The crumb mixture is ready when it looks well mixed with chunks no larger than the size of peas. Scoop the apple slices and juices into the prepared baking dish. Spread them out into a single layer. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the surface of the apples. Make it as even as possible. Bake the apple crumble uncovered for 60 minutes. The apple crisp is done when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly and juicy. Serve warm (or at room temperature) with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Apple Crumble Recipe Variations
Make this a gluten-free Apple Brown Betty recipe. Swap all-purpose flour with your favorite GF baking substitute. Use plant-based non-dairy butter for a dairy-free and vegan dessert. You can use your choice of apple pie or pumpkin pie spice. Pumpkin pie spice has cloves, which gives this seasoning blend a more spicy flavor. Or use your own mix of ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, round ginger, and ground cloves, equal to 1 tablespoon. This Apple Brown Betty recipe can be made with other fruits! Try this crumble with peaches, pears, cherries, or other firm and hearty fruit.
Brown Apple Betty Recipe Serving Suggestions
Serve this deliciously warm baked apple dessert with fresh whipped cream or homemade vanilla ice cream. Can’t get enough apples? Add a scoop of spiced apple ice cream! Drizzle on caramel sauce for an ultra-indulgent treat! Keep things vegan and dairy-free and enjoy with coconut milk ice cream.
Why is it called Apple Brown Betty?
There are many theories for how this staple American dessert got its name. Some believe that the original recipe was invented by a woman of African descent, whose name was Betty. Other ideas for where the name came from include the original use of “brown bread” as the topping, and the color of the crisp when baked.
What’s the difference between apple crisp, cobbler, crumble, and an Apple Brown Betty Recipe?
All of these baked desserts include fruit and a deliciously sweet topping. But there are significant differences between the recipes…
Crisp is made with a fine mixture of flour, sugar, and butter. Crumble also has a fine topping like a crisp, but can be made with oats. Cobbler has a thick topping, typically made with a pie crust or biscuit dough. Brown Betty has a similar topping as a crisp or crumble. But this classic recipe uses brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. The terms Apple Brown Betty, Apple Crumble, and Apple Crisp can be used interchangeably.
What are the best apples to use for apple crisp?
Granny smith apples are sweet, tart, and perfect for making this old-fashioned baked apple dessert. They are firm and hold up well to oven heat. Plus the tartness is great to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar. Other firm apples can also be used, such as Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Fuji apples.
Can I make a fruit crisp ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This apple crisp is terrific to make ahead and freeze. Assemble the crumble in an aluminum pan, but instead of baking wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. If you prefer to freeze after baking, first let the Apple Brown Betty cool completely. Then wrap in plastic and a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake per the recipe.
Does Apple Betty need to be refrigerated?
To keep the dessert fresh and tasty, I recommend that you store leftovers in the fridge. Keep in an airtight container and enjoy within 5 days.
Looking for More Classic Dessert Recipes? Be Sure to Try:
Fresh Blueberry Pie with Almond Pie Crust Peach Crumble Pie (with Fresh or Frozen Peaches) Perfect Southern Caramel Cake Recipe Curried Apple Turnovers Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble (Crisp)
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