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Apple Betty

Apple Betty is a classic American dessert with spiced, tender apples layered with buttery breadcrumbs and baked until deeply golden and crispy. The spooned layers show a caramelized crust on top and soft apple filling through the middle.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

breadcrumbs
  • 4 cup fresh breadcrumbs from day-old bread
butter
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
apples
  • 6 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 0.25 cup apple cider or water
sweetener and spices
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp allspice
serving
  • 1 vanilla ice cream or heavy cream for serving

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep and assemble
  1. Preheat the oven to 375F and grease a 9x13 baking dish. Set the dish aside for layering.
  2. Toss the fresh breadcrumbs with melted unsalted butter until evenly coated. The crumbs should look glossy and hold together when pressed.
  3. Mix the apple slices with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Coat the slices thoroughly so the spices cling to the apples.
  4. Spread 1/3 of the buttered breadcrumbs in the bottom of the dish. Press lightly to form an even base.
  5. Layer half the apple mixture over the breadcrumbs and drizzle with half the apple cider or water. Distribute so most apples touch the base.
  6. Repeat with another layer of breadcrumbs, remaining apples, remaining cider, and finish with the final layer of breadcrumbs on top. Keep the top layer even for a consistent crispy crust.
Bake and serve
  1. Bake for 40-45 minutes at 375F until the top is deeply golden and crispy and the apples are tender. Look for bubbling at the edges and a firm, browned breadcrumb surface.
  2. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or heavy cream. Portion while the layers are still hot and lightly set.

Notes

For the crispiest topping, make sure every breadcrumb layer is evenly distributed and that the final breadcrumbs are a true single layer rather than clumped. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat at 350F until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended because the breadcrumb texture softens. If you want a lighter version, use half the butter and add an extra 1-2 tbsp apple cider to keep the layers moist.