Apple-Cherry Brown Betty
A warm and fruity baked dessert featuring tender apples and cherries, topped with crunchy bread crumbs, perfect for cozy gatherings and satisfying sweet cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/3 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vanilla low-fat yogurt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened orange juice ⓘ
- vegetable cooking spray ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 cup frozen dark sweet cherries, thawed ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons margarine, softened ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons fine dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 4 cups vanilla non-fat frozen yogurt ⓘ
- 4 c. vanilla non-fat frozen yogurt ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar in a medium bowl; stir well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the low-fat yogurt, vegetable oil, and orange juice; stir well.
- Add the yogurt mixture to the flour mixture and stir just until blended.
- Spoon the batter into a 9-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray; set aside.
- Combine apple slices and lemon juice; toss gently.
- Arrange the apple slices and thawed cherries over the batter in the pan.
- Sprinkle with 1/4 cup sugar, the all-purpose flour, softened margarine, and bread crumbs.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar for the topping. You can substitute the Granny Smith apples with other tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a different taste. If you want to reduce calories, you might replace the margarine with unsweetened applesauce. This Apple-Cherry Brown Betty can be served warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful dessert with a scoop of vanilla non-fat frozen yogurt on top for a creamy contrast. It pairs beautifully with Ann'S Special Banana Pudding for a mixed dessert platter. Consider adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts for crunch or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple-Cherry Brown Betty contains roughly 1044 calories, with 7g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (149% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh dark sweet cherries instead of frozen ones. Just make sure to pit and slice them before adding them to the dish. Fresh cherries will provide a brighter flavor, but ensure they are ripe for the best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially the baking powder and bread crumbs, are gluten-free as well. This adjustment will maintain the texture and flavor while accommodating gluten-free diets.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and layer the fruit in advance, then cover and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just remember to add the sugar and topping just before baking to maintain the texture and prevent it from becoming soggy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).