Celebrate National Apple Betty Day with a Warm, Cozy Dessert!
Hello, friends! Welcome back to Good Thyme Gal. Today, we’re diving into a classic, comforting dessert that perfectly captures the flavors of fall—Apple Betty! And what better time to celebrate this old-fashioned treat than on National Apple Betty Day, which takes place every year on October 5th?
If you’re unfamiliar with Apple Betty, you’re in for a treat. Also known as “Apple Brown Betty,” this dessert is similar to a crisp or crumble but has its own distinct charm. -GTG
With layers of tender, spiced apples topped with a buttery, crumbly mixture, this dish is baked until golden and bubbly, making it the ultimate comfort food.
Whether you’re an apple dessert aficionado or looking for something new to try, Apple Betty is a must-make for fall. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it the perfect dessert for cozy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
What is Apple Betty?
Apple Betty is a classic American dessert that dates back to colonial times. It’s traditionally made with sweetened, spiced apples layered with buttery breadcrumbs or a crumb topping and baked until golden and delicious. While it’s similar to an apple crisp, Apple Betty tends to have a simpler, more rustic charm, relying on everyday pantry ingredients and the natural sweetness of apples.
Apple Betty is known for its comforting, homey flavors, making it a wonderful way to highlight the apple harvest in fall. You can enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream for the ultimate dessert experience!
Why We Love Apple Betty
There are plenty of reasons to love Apple Betty, but here are a few that stand out:
It’s simple and comforting: Apple Betty is made with basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No fancy techniques or equipment required!
A celebration of apples: As the apple harvest reaches its peak, Apple Betty is the perfect way to showcase the natural sweetness and flavor of fall’s favorite fruit.
It’s versatile: You can use your favorite variety of apples, adjust the spices to your liking, and even play around with the topping.
Cozy fall vibes: There’s nothing better than the smell of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through your kitchen on a crisp fall day.
Ready to bake? Let’s get to the recipe!
Classic Apple Betty Recipe
This recipe is straightforward, delicious, and perfect for a cozy night in. With a crisp, buttery topping and soft, spiced apples, this dessert will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients:
For the filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of your favorites)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/4 cup water or apple cider
For the topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or rolled oats (or a mix of both)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cooking Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or an 8x8-inch dish.
2. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add the granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and toss until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Spread the seasoned apples evenly in the greased baking dish. Pour the water or apple cider over the apples.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs (or oats), brown sugar, and salt. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir until it forms a crumbly texture.
5. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples, making sure to cover as much of the fruit as possible.
6. Bake the Apple Betty in the preheated oven for **40-45 minutes**, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
7. Let the Apple Betty cool for about 10 minutes before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream on top!
Apple Betty Chef Tips and Tricks
Choosing the right apples: I like to use a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, to create a balance of flavors. Tart apples hold their shape well during baking, while sweeter varieties bring natural sweetness.
Customize the topping: You can use breadcrumbs for a more traditional topping or swap in rolled oats for a heartier, crisp-like texture. Some people even add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Make ahead: You can prepare Apple Betty ahead of time and reheat it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. It’s a great option for dinner parties or potlucks!
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in the fridge, and reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven. Apple Betty makes for a delicious breakfast treat the next day, too!
Time to Enjoy National Apple Betty Day!
National Apple Betty Day is the perfect excuse to bake up something warm and comforting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this simple and delicious recipe will help you celebrate the best of fall’s apple harvest. Plus, the smell of apples and cinnamon baking together is enough to make any house feel like home.
I’d love to hear how you’re celebrating National Apple Betty Day! If you try this recipe, be sure to share your Apple Betty creations with me on Instagram using **#GoodThymeGal**—I can’t wait to see how yours turns out!
Until next time, happy baking and happy National Apple Betty Day!
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