Apple brown betty
- Ready In: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Serves: 6
History has left no clue as to the identity of the "Betty" who first layered breadcrumbs and apples to create this dreamy old-fashioned dessert. But it's a wonderful way to use up uneaten bread or when you have a glut of apples.
Ingredients
- APPLE FILLING:
- 4 large green cooking apples (800 g to 1 kg)
- 3 cloves
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons water
- TOPPING:
- 2 cups soft fresh wholemeal breadcrumbs (allow 10 slices)
- ½ cup brown sugar, firmly-packed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- grated rind of 1 lemon (about 1 teaspoon)
Directions
1. Peel and core apples and cut into 2-cm (1") chunks. Place in a saucepan with the cloves, sugar and water. Cover and bring to the boil. Reduce heat then simmer for 15-20 minutes or until apple is cooked and soft. It should be starting to break up. Cool slightly.
2. Meanwhile spray oil over the base and sides of a 20 cm square or round baking dish. Mix together breadcrumbs, sugar, cinnamon and lemon rind Sprinkle one-third of this mixture on the bottom of the greased oven dish.
3. Spread half the apple mixture over, sprinkle with another one-third of the breadcrumb mixture and then add remaining apples. Top with remaining breadcrumbs.
4. Bake in a moderately-hot oven 180°C/350°F for 30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Serve warm over with custard or vanilla ice-cream.
