NO ONE KNOWS who Betty was, and the dessert’s origins are unclear. Some Apple Brown Betty recipes call for a specific bread like whole wheat or sourdough to add to its distinctive flavor. The spices, too, vary. The three used here are standard, but we have also seen recipes that substitute allspice or cardamom for the clove.
Apple Brown Betty
1/2 c brown sugar
1 t cinnamon
1/2 t nutmeg
1/4 t ground cloves
4 c bread cubes
6 T butter, melted
juice from 1 lemon
4 New England apples, cored and sliced
1/4 c apple cider or juice, or water
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
In large bowl, mix together sugar and spices. Add bread and stir.
Pour in butter and lemon juice and mix until coated.
Cover bottom of baking dish with 1/3 bread mixture. Layer half of apples on top. Repeat, and top with remaining bread mixture. Pour apple cider over top, cover, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove cover and bake for another 20 minutes or until apples are soft.