Quick Apple Brown Betty Recipe

I make this Apple Brown Betty whenever I need something warm and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. The way the apples soften just enough while keeping their shape, paired with those buttery cinnamon crumbs, reminds me why simple desserts never go out of style.

My favorite part is how the crumbs get crispy on top while the apples underneath stay tender and juicy. This recipe has become my go-to when I want all the cozy vibes of apple pie but with half the effort and none of the fuss over a perfect crust.

What makes this Apple Brown Betty a keeper for years to come

I love how this dessert comes together in layers, with apples and crumbs building flavor in every bite. The lemon juice adds a bright note that keeps the sweetness from feeling heavy, and the mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves makes the whole kitchen smell incredible.

You can have this ready in under an hour, which means it works for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings. The texture is what really sets it apart from other apple desserts, with those crispy crumbs on top and tender apples that still have a little bite.

I always reach for Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples because they hold up beautifully in the oven and bring that perfect balance of tart and sweet. Serving it warm with vanilla ice cream turns it into something special, but honestly, it tastes just as good straight from the pan the next morning with coffee.

Looking for more apple desserts that bring that same cozy comfort? My Easy No-Bake Apple Pie Tiramisu layers creamy sweetness with apple pie flavor, and the Easy Taffy Apple Salad adds a fun twist to your apple rotation.

The ingredients I use for Apple Brown Betty

• 5 Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and chunked or sliced (Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Pink Lady work great too)
• 1 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons, keeps the apples fresh and adds brightness)
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter (cut into tablespoons for easier mixing)

My Method for Apple Brown Betty

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9-inch casserole dish or pie dish with nonstick baking spray.
2. Toss the apple chunks with lemon juice in a large bowl, then spread half of them evenly in the bottom of your prepared dish.
3. In a food processor, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Pulse 4-5 times until everything is well mixed.
4. Drop in the cold butter one tablespoon at a time, pulsing once or twice between each addition. Continue pulsing until the mixture forms coarse crumbs that look like wet sand (about 10-15 pulses total).
5. Sprinkle half of the crumb mixture evenly over the apples in the dish, then layer the remaining apples on top.
6. Top with the rest of the crumb mixture, spreading it out to cover the apples completely.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is very lightly golden and you can see the apples bubbling around the edges. The apples should be tender but still hold their shape when you insert a knife.
8. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

My go to methods for Apple Brown Betty success

I always cut my apples into chunks rather than thin slices because they keep more texture during baking. If you slice them too thin, they turn mushy and lose that satisfying bite that makes this dessert special.

The lemon juice is not optional, even though it might seem like a small detail. It brightens the whole dish and keeps the apples from browning while you prep the crumb mixture.

I pull the dish out of the oven when the top is just barely golden, not deeply browned. Overbaking dries out the crumbs and makes the apples too soft, so watch it closely after the 35-minute mark.

How I love to share this Apple Brown Betty

I serve this warm on chilly evenings when everyone needs something comforting after a long day. It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream that melts into the warm apples, or a drizzle of caramel sauce if you want to make it feel extra special.

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days, and I actually love eating it cold for breakfast with a cup of coffee. The flavors deepen overnight, and the crumbs soften just enough to make every bite feel like a treat.