Introduction: PINEAPPLE BROWN BETTY
My mother used to make a baked dessert she called Apple Brown Betty (I always thought it was her own created recipe since her name was Betty!). It was made from bread cubes, apples and a rich, sweet, buttery drizzle baked into the finished dessert. I was so hungry for it one day and I didn't have any apples, so I decided to make Pineapple Brown Betty! I used canned crushed pineapple instead. The result was much like that rich and fruity dessert I remember from my childhood except it's made with pineapple! It's even better served warm and topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping. I hope you'll try it soon.
Supplies
1 1/2 quart baking dish
Cup measures
Can opener
Small mixing bowl
Large mixing spoon
Measuring spoons (not shown)
Serrated knife (not shown)
INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup butter, melted (plus more to coat inside of baking dish)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup half-and-half
6 slices white bread, cut into cubes
1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple in it's own juice, drained
Vanilla Ice Cream of whipped topping, if desired
Step 1: GREASE INSIDE OF DISH
Set oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the inside of a 1 1/2-quart baking dish with butter.
Step 2: MELT BUTTER
Melt butter in a microwave safe bowl.
Step 3: ADD GRANULATED SUGAR
Add the granulated sugar.
Step 4: ADD BROWN SUGAR
Add the brown sugar.
Step 5: ADD THE CINNAMON
Add the cinnamon.
Step 6: ADD THE HALF-AND-HALF
Add the half-and-half.
Step 7: MIX
Mix well until well combined. Mixture will be thick yet pour-able.
Step 8: CUT BREAD
Using a serrated knife, cut bread into cubes.
Step 9: START LAYERING
Place half of the bread cubes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 10: 2ND LAYER
Drain pineapple. Spoon 1/2 of the pineapple evenly over the bread cubes
Step 11: 3RD LAYER
Pour 1/2 of the brown sugar mixture over the pineapple in the casserole.
Step 12: REPEAT LAYERS
Repeat steps adding remaining bread cubes, then pineapple and finishing with the brown sugar mixture.
Step 13: BAKE
Place in 350 degree F. pre-heated oven for 1 hour or until brown sugar layer has melted and the casserole is golden brown.
Step 14: ENJOY!
Serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping.
Step 15: MAKE IT TROPICAL!
If you want more tropical flavors, try adding a layer of toasted sweetened coconut flakes with the first layer and garnish the top with chopped macadamia nuts. (Hint: to toast coconut - Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with non-stick aluminum foil. Spread about 2/3 cup sweetened coconut flakes in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring the coconut every 4-5 minutes to avoid burning.