Sluttishly Easy: Apple Brown Betty

"You always got these very lumpy mashed potatoes on steak night, and for dessert you got Brown Betty, which nobody ate, except maybe the kids in the lower school that didn't know any better – and guys like Ackley that ate everything." Holden Caufield, Catcher in the Rye.

I happen to disagree with young Holden, and think Brown Betty is a mighty fine dessert. It's easy peasy, even easier than crumble, and is great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It's kind of an American version of crumble or cobbler, but with a lovely homely name. I always imagine that Betty is someone's gran who makes fabulous puddings.

If you're the sort of person that has spare cake around, this is a great way to use it up. That doesn't ever happen in my house though!


Apple Brown Betty (serves 4)


You'll need:

• 3 eating apples
• 1/2tsp ground cinnamon
• 50g muscavado sugar
• 40g butter
• 2tbsp golden syrup
• 60g breadcrumbs or crumbled cake

Make it!

• Preheat the oven to 180c / Gas 4.
• Core the apples and cut into small chunks. Spread in an even layer in an ovenproof dish and sprinkle with cinnamon.
• Put the sugar, butter and syrup into a small saucepan. Warm over a low heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is mixed.
• Top the apples with the breadcrumbs or cake. Drizzle over the sugar mixture.
• Bake for 45 minutes until the top is nice and crispy.