Pioneer Woman Apple Brown Betty

This Pioneer Woman Apple Brown Betty is a warm, buttery baked apple dessert layered with brown sugar and soft breadcrumbs for old-fashioned comfort in every bite. Made with just five simple ingredients, it’s the perfect cozy treat for fall, holidays, or an easy weeknight dessert. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream—you won’t believe how quickly it disappears!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Brown Betty Recipe

• Old-fashioned flavor in every bite: This vintage dessert brings old-school charm to your table, perfect for nostalgic moments.
• Made with pantry staples: Just apples, bread, butter, sugar, and water—no fancy ingredients or equipment required.
• Warm, comforting texture: Layers of soft apples and sweet, buttery crumbs bake into a cozy, spoonable delight.
• Customizable and crowd-pleasing: Top it off your way—with whipped cream, ice cream, or even caramel drizzle.

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Pioneer Woman Apple Brown Betty Ingredients

• 3 medium apples, preferably Granny Smith, peeled and sliced ½-inch thick
• 7 slices wheat bread, torn into small pieces
• ¾ cup salted butter, cut into thin slices
• 1½ cups packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup water

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How to Make Pioneer Woman Apple Brown Betty

1. Prep the apples and bread: Peel and slice the apples into ½-inch wedges. Tear the bread into small pieces or dice it.
2. Layer the ingredients: Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. Start with ⅓ of the breadcrumbs and ⅓ of the brown sugar, then layer half the apple slices. Repeat with another third of breadcrumbs and sugar, remaining apples, and finish with the last third of breadcrumbs and sugar.
3. Add butter and water: Dot the top evenly with butter slices. Drizzle water over everything.
4. Bake covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 40 minutes, until the apples are tender.
5. Brown the top: Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes until golden on top.
6. Serve warm: Enjoy as-is or top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Expert Recipe Tips

• Use firm apples like Granny Smith so they hold their shape while baking.
• Tear the bread into small, uneven pieces for better texture in each bite.
• Adjust sweetness depending on your apples—less sugar for sweeter varieties.
• Try day-old bread for extra structure and flavor absorption.
• Drizzle with maple syrup or caramel just before serving for an indulgent twist.

Recipe Variations

• Apple-Pear Brown Betty: Use half apples, half pears for a slightly softer, sweeter flavor.
• Cranberry Apple Betty: Add ½ cup of dried or fresh cranberries for a tart pop.
• Nutty Betty: Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the breadcrumb layers for added crunch.
• Maple-Cinnamon Betty: Replace the water with maple syrup and sprinkle in cinnamon for a spiced upgrade.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Storage Instructions

• In the Fridge: Store leftover Apple Brown Betty in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• In the Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How to Reheat Apple Brown Betty

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 15 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual servings in 30-second bursts until hot, loosely covered to prevent drying out.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What’s the difference between apple crisp and Apple Brown Betty?
  Apple crisp has a streusel topping made with flour and oats, while Apple Brown Betty uses buttery breadcrumbs for a softer, layered texture.
• Can I make Apple Brown Betty ahead of time?
  Yes! Assemble it fully, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready.
• Why did my Apple Brown Betty turn out soggy?
  Too much liquid or using soft apples can cause sogginess. Make sure to use firm apples and don’t overdo the water.
• What kind of bread works best?
  Wheat bread holds up well, but you can experiment with brioche for richness or sourdough for a tangy edge.
• Why is my Apple Brown Betty not browning on top?
  This could be from underbaking or too little butter/sugar on top. Try removing foil earlier or adding a bit more butter.

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Beet Brownies
• Pioneer Woman Flour Frosting 
• Pioneer Woman Pistachio Cake

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

• Calories 417
• Fat 19 g
• Saturated fat 11 g
• Trans fat 1 g
• Cholesterol 46 mg
• Sodium 269 mg
• Potassium 174 mg
• Carbohydrates 59 g
• Fiber 3 g
• Sugar 48 g
• Protein 3 g