Brown Apple Croissant Betty with Cinnamon and Raisins Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Brown Apple Croissant Betty with Cinnamon and Raisins Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this dish turns day-old croissants—a humble leftover—into a deliciously crispy, buttery topping that complements tender, cinnamon-scented apples perfectly. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you want to gather everyone around the table and savor every comforting bite together.

When I first tried this recipe, I was floored by how simple ingredients like Granny Smith apples, cinnamon, and raisins transform alongside croissants into something so spectacular. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for holiday gatherings, Sunday brunches, or a sweet treat after dinner. If you’re wondering why it’s worth your time, the Brown Apple Croissant Betty with Cinnamon and Raisins Recipe offers that balance of sweet-tart apples with a crunchy, caramelized crust that’ll have your family begging for more.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients combine familiar pantry staples to create that perfect harmony of flavors and textures in the Brown Apple Croissant Betty with Cinnamon and Raisins Recipe. When shopping, look for crisp Granny Smiths and slightly stale croissants—they really boost the dish’s texture.

• Day-old croissants: Perfect for absorbing butter and crisping up to a golden topping.
• Granny Smith apples: Their tartness cuts through the sweetness, balancing the dessert.
• Lemon juice: Keeps the apples fresh and bright, preventing browning.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crunchy topping.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the topping just right without overpowering.
• Light brown sugar: Gives a deep caramel flavor and moist texture to the apple layer.
• Raisins: Optional, but I love the chewy bursts of sweetness they add.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings warm spice that makes this dessert feel like fall on a plate.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness beautifully.
• Vanilla ice cream: A must-have serving side, melting over the warm betty for an indulgent finish.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own by tweaking ingredients depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to swap out raisins or leave them out, or add nuts for extra crunch—there’s room to make this dessert your own.

• Nutty Upgrade: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans on top gives a satisfying extra crunch—I’ve tried this, and the texture contrast is irresistible.
• Spice Swap: Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom alongside cinnamon for a more layered spice profile.
• Fruit Mix: Pears or fresh cranberries can mix with the apples if you want a twist for holiday dinners.
• Gluten-Free: Using gluten-free croissants works fine, just toast them gently so they crisp up without burning.

How to Make Brown Apple Croissant Betty with Cinnamon and Raisins Recipe

Step 1: Toast Croissant Pieces to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish. Tear your day-old croissants into 1-inch pieces and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Toast for 7 to 10 minutes until they’re crisp and toasty golden brown—this step is crucial because it develops that wonderful crunch you’ll love on top. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn; croissants can go from perfect to charred quickly!

Step 2: Prep the Apples with a Citrus Kick

While your croissants toast, peel and core the Granny Smith apples, then slice them about 1/4 inch thick. Toss the slices in lemon juice—this prevents browning and adds a fresh tang that brightens the whole dish. Trust me, this little step makes your apples shine every time.

Step 3: Make That Buttery, Sugary Crumb Topping

Once the croissant pieces are cool enough to handle, pulse them in a food processor until you get coarse crumbs. Take about 2 cups of those crumbs and mix them with melted butter and a tablespoon of granulated sugar—this combo creates the irresistible crunchy topping. Meanwhile, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, raisins (if you’re using them), and salt in a separate bowl—this spice and sweet mix is what gives the betty its character.

Step 4: Layer, Bake, and Revel in the Aroma

In your prepared baking dish, layer half the apples, sprinkle half the brown sugar mixture, then half of the buttery croissant crumbs. Repeat the layers, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 40 minutes until the apples soften and the flavors meld. Then, uncover and bake 8-10 minutes longer until the topping is golden and crunchy, and the apples are all jammy and sweet. It fills the kitchen with the most inviting smell—especially that cinnamon-y warmth you want on repeat.

Pro Tips for Making Brown Apple Croissant Betty with Cinnamon and Raisins Recipe

How to Serve Brown Apple Croissant Betty with Cinnamon and Raisins Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this dish with scoops of vanilla ice cream—it melts nicely into the warm apples and adds a creamy contrast to that crunchy crumb. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra cinnamon over the top for that rustic finish. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce also takes it up a notch if you’re feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

This betty shines as a dessert on its own, but if you’re serving it at brunch, I like pairing it with a simple green salad with nuts and a citrus vinaigrette or a platter of cheeses and fresh fruit. The contrast of fresh and decadent makes the whole meal memorable.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve individual portions in small ramekins—everyone gets their own warm, crispy delight. Adding a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar instantly elevates the presentation. It’s a great way to make guests feel really special without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Brown Apple Croissant Betty in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 3 days. It’s great for a quick dessert or even a cozy breakfast treat the next day.

Freezing

While I don’t always freeze this betty, it does freeze nicely if you wrap it tightly. I recommend portioning it into meal-prep containers for easy thawing later. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I use a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes to keep the topping crisp rather than soggy. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you might lose that lovely crunch. If you want to refresh the topping, a quick broil for a minute or two after warming can work wonders.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Brown Apple Croissant Betty with Cinnamon and Raisins Recipe is one of those comforting desserts that feels like home. I keep coming back to it because it’s straightforward, uses ingredients I usually have on hand, and delivers a warm, rich, and satisfying end to any meal. If you’re craving something that’s both nostalgic and fresh, give this a try—you’ll enjoy sharing it as much as I do, if not more!

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