Classic Deep-Dish Apple Betty

Serves 6 · 25 min prep · 55 min cook

Ingredients

• 3 lb tart baking apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 6 cups cubed day-old white bread or brioche
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup apple cider

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F and butter a deep 9-by-9-inch baking dish or similar deep casserole so the sides are well coated.
2. 2Peel, core, and slice the apples into generous half-inch wedges; toss them immediately with the lemon juice in a large bowl to keep them from browning.
3. 3Sprinkle the sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt over the apples and toss until every slice is evenly coated and glossy.
4. 4Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until foaming subsides, then add the bread cubes and toss gently until they are coated and just beginning to toast, about 4 to 5 minutes.
5. 5Stir the vanilla into the buttered bread, then remove from heat.
6. 6Layer one-third of the buttered bread cubes in the bottom of the prepared dish, pressing lightly.
7. 7Pile half of the spiced apple mixture on top, then drizzle half the apple cider over the fruit.
8. 8Add another third of the bread, the remaining apples and cider, and finish with the last of the bread cubes so the top is fully covered in crumbs.
9. 9Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 35 minutes until the apples are tender when pierced and juices are bubbling at the edges.
10. 10Remove the foil and continue baking 15 to 20 minutes more until the top crumbs are deep golden and crisp.
11. 11Let the Betty rest 15 minutes so the juices thicken slightly before scooping.
12. 12Serve warm, spooning plenty of the tender spiced apples and buttery crumbs into each bowl.