Ingredients:

  • lbs (approx. 1 kg) tart cooking apples (Bramley preferred)
  • /2 cup (100g) Granulated Sugar
  • tablespoons Lemon Juice
  • teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • /4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
  • tablespoons Unsalted Butter, cut into small cubes (for filling)
  • oz (170g) White Sandwich Bread, crusts removed
  • tablespoons (56g) Unsalted Butter, melted (for topping)
  • /4 cup (50g) Light Brown Sugar, packed
  • Pinch of Salt

Instructions:

  1. Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly (about 1/8 inch thick).
  2. In a saucepan, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples just begin to soften but still hold their shape (about 8–10 minutes). Do not overcook.
  3. Remove the apple mixture from the heat and stir in the 2 tablespoons of cubed butter until melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9-inch pie dish or 2-quart casserole dish.
  5. Process or finely chop the bread until coarse, uniform crumbs are formed. In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  6. Pour the 4 tablespoons of melted butter over the breadcrumb mixture and toss well until all the crumbs are evenly moistened and coated.
  7. Layer half of the apple mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle roughly half of the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the apples.
  8. Layer the remaining apple mixture over the first breadcrumb layer, and then top with the remaining breadcrumbs, spreading them out lightly.
  9. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is deep golden brown and the filling is visibly bubbling thickly around the edges.
  10. Let the Brown Betty rest for 10–15 minutes before serving warm, ideally with custard or ice cream.