Baked Brown Apple Betty

Our favorite apple dessert is the apple pie. The first time I tasted a slice of apple pie was at one of the famous Marie Callenders restaurants in California in 1996. It was exceptionally delicious and since then it became a regular dessert for us at home.

On day, a few weeks ago, I was in the mood of making a new apple dessert. While I was googling for new recipes, this name "apple betty" caught my eyes. A Betty is an old fashioned baked dessert dating to Colonial America. I wonder why Betty and not Lucy or Suzy? I googled and could not find the answer.  Hopefully someone can tell me because I am very curious to know.

This is an easy to make and flavorful apple dessert. I served it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.  Yes I am a vanilla ice cream nut and eat most cakes, pies and tarts with it.  This is not a bad choice for a change although my other half still prefer the pie to this. 

Adapted from Diana Rattray with modification

Ingredients:

3 cups croissant crumbs or soft bread crumbs

2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed

1 1/2 tsp rum

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg

A pinch of ground ginger

2 large apples, peeled and cored, cut into thin slices

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2/4 cup apple juice or cider

3 tablespoons melted butter

3 sweetened cherries, halfed

Method:

Butter an 9 in round baking dish. Heat oven to 350°.

In a bowl, combine the crumbs , brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut apple wedges into thin slices. Arrange half of the apple slices in the prepared baking dish. Top the apple slices with half of the crumb mixture. Top crumb layer with apple slices then top with the crumb mixture and lastly topped with remaining apple slices and decorate with cherries in the center. Combine the vanilla, apple juice, and melted butter; spoon evenly over the top. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until apples are tender. 
Serves 6.