Brown Betty

A New England classic, brown Betty is a traditional dessert that dates back to colonial America, while its name is said to have first appeared in print in the Yale Literary Magazine in 1864. Also, this simple and rustic treat was reportedly one of the favorite desserts at the White House during Ronald Reagan’s term. It is made with spiced fruit layered with sweetened and buttered breadcrumbs, or sometimes even cubes of day-old bread, and the combination is then baked until tender. The dish is most commonly associated with apples, although berries, pears, rhubarb, or even thinly sliced bananas also work well. Brown Betty is usually served with either lemon sauce or whipped cream, and it is best enjoyed while still warm.