Go Back

Apple Betty

Apple betty is a classic American dessert baked with layers of spiced apples and a deeply golden, crispy buttered breadcrumb topping. The tender apple slices steam inside while the breadcrumb crust turns crisp and caramelized.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Breadcrumb base
  • 4 cup fresh breadcrumbs Use breadcrumbs from day-old bread for best crunch.
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter Melted and used to coat the crumbs.
Spiced apples filling
  • 6 apples Large apples, peeled and thinly sliced.
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar Packed brown sugar.
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp allspice
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 0.25 cup apple cider or water Helps create steam for tender apples.
Serving
  • 1 vanilla ice cream or heavy cream Serve warm.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 Dutch oven

Method
 

Prep and preheat
  1. Preheat oven to 375F. Grease a 9x13 baking dish.
Season the breadcrumbs
  1. Toss fresh breadcrumbs with melted unsalted butter until evenly coated. The crumbs should look sandy and glossy.
Mix the apples
  1. Mix apple slices with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss until the slices are evenly coated and fragrant.
Assemble the layers
  1. Spread 1/3 of the buttered breadcrumbs in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Press lightly to form an even base.
  2. Layer half the apple mixture over the breadcrumbs and drizzle with half the apple cider or water. Distribute evenly so the liquid reaches the edges.
  3. Repeat with another layer of breadcrumbs, then layer the remaining apples and drizzle with the remaining apple cider or water. Keep the top layer of apples level for even baking.
  4. Finish with the final layer of breadcrumbs on top. Aim for full coverage so the crust browns uniformly.
Bake and serve
  1. Bake 40-45 minutes at 375F until the top is deeply golden and crispy and the apples are tender. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the layers set.
  2. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or heavy cream. Spoon out portions so you can see the alternating apple and breadcrumb layers.

Notes

For the crispest topping, use dry day-old breadcrumbs and spread them evenly in the final layer without pressing too hard. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 4 days; reheat individual portions in a 325F oven until warmed through and the top regains some crunch. Freezing is not recommended because the breadcrumb topping can soften after thawing. For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with vanilla ice cream or use a reduced-fat ice cream if available.