Imagine a dessert that combines the nostalgic warmth of classic American comfort food with an irresistible grown-up flair – our Apple Brown Betty is that magical creation! This isn't just another apple dessert; it's a symphony of caramelized apples, buttery breadcrumbs, and a seductive rum-infused whipped cream that will transport your taste buds to pure culinary bliss. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious homemade dessert, this recipe promises to be your new favorite autumn indulgence.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups sliced apples
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 4 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons rum
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Wash and peel apples, then slice them thinly into approximately 1/4-inch thick pieces. Ensure slices are uniform for even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples with 1/2 cup brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Gently toss to coat the apple slices evenly.
- Melt butter in a separate pan or microwave. Mix breadcrumbs with the remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup of the melted butter until crumbly.
- Layer the baking dish starting with a thin layer of buttered breadcrumbs, then a layer of seasoned apple slices. Repeat layering, finishing with a top layer of breadcrumbs.
- Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the top layer of breadcrumbs to ensure golden, crispy topping.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.
- While dessert bakes, prepare rum whipped cream by whipping heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in rum and continue whipping until stiff peaks develop.
- Remove Apple Brown Betty from oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.
- Serve warm with a dollop of rum whipped cream on top. Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon if desired.
Tips
- Apple Selection Matters: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Breadcrumb Secret: Use day-old bread or brioche for extra-crispy, golden breadcrumbs that add rich depth to your dessert.
- Even Layering: Take time to create uniform layers for consistent cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Butter is Key: Use high-quality butter and don't skimp on greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Rum Whipped Cream Technique: Chill your cream and whipping tools beforehand for the most stable and fluffy whipped cream.
- Resting Time: Allow the dessert to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld and the filling set properly.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding a sprinkle of toasted nuts or a dash of vanilla extract for extra complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 363kcal
Carbohydrates: 61g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 63mg
