Brown Betties are similar to fruit crisps and cobblers, but they rely on toasted bread crumbs to bind the filling and to produce a crunchy topping. If you can’t find Gala apples, use other crisp, slightly tart varieties, such as Granny Smith.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 6
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a food processor, pulse bread until coarse crumbs form (to yield 2 cups). Spread bread crumbs on a rimmed baking sheet; bake until golden, tossing occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; let cool completely. Add butter, and toss until evenly coated.
Step 2
Place apples in a large bowl, and toss with lemon juice. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and half the bread crumbs. Transfer mixture to a shallow 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining bread crumbs. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Step 3
Bake until fruit mixture is bubbling, about 40 minutes. Remove foil, and continue baking until bread crumbs are browned and apples are easily pierced with the tip of a sharp knife, 10 to 15 minutes more. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving. If desired, top with ice cream and sprinkle with cinnamon.
