Mary Berry’s Apple Tart is a classic British dessert that showcases the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors. It’s a recipe from one of the UK’s most beloved chefs, Mary Berry, renowned for her simple yet sophisticated approach to home baking. Known for its smooth pastry and delicately spiced apple filling, this tart is a nod to timeless, rustic desserts that never go out of style.
The dish features a flaky, buttery shortcrust pastry base that is filled with a layer of thinly sliced apples, often coated with a subtle hint of cinnamon or nutmeg. What truly sets this tart apart is the glossy, golden finish achieved by a brush of apricot jam or glaze, giving it a professional look and a hint of sweetness. It’s the kind of dessert that can steal the show at any gathering, whether it’s a casual family meal or a more formal occasion.
Its versatility makes it perfect for any season-while it’s a comforting choice in the colder months, the tart apples used in the recipe also make it a refreshing option for warmer weather. Whether served warm with a dollop of cream or chilled as an afternoon treat, Mary Berry’s Apple Tart never fails to please.
Mary Berry’s Apple Tart Recipe
Ingredients Needed
For a delicious Mary Berry Apple Tart, you’ll need a variety of ingredients that come together to create the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:
For The Pastry
- 225g plain flour – This forms the structure of your tart. Opt for plain (all-purpose) flour as it creates a tender, crumbly texture that contrasts perfectly with the apple filling.
- 110g unsalted butter – Cold butter is essential for achieving a crisp, buttery shortcrust. Make sure the butter is cut into small cubes before incorporating it into the flour.
- 50g caster sugar – This adds a touch of sweetness to the pastry, balancing the tartness of the apples later on.
- 1 egg yolk – This helps bind the dough and gives it richness.
- 1-2 tablespoons cold water – Added slowly to bring the dough together. Only use as much as needed to achieve the right consistency.
For The Apple Filling
- 6-8 cooking apples (such as Bramley) – Bramley apples are a classic choice for apple tarts. Their sharpness complements the sweetness of the pastry and the slight cinnamon flavor. You can also mix cooking apples with dessert apples for a more balanced filling.
- 2-3 tablespoons caster sugar – This will sweeten the apple mixture. Adjust depending on the sweetness of your apples.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – A gentle sprinkle of cinnamon adds a warming, aromatic touch to the apples.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Lemon juice not only adds brightness to the flavor but also helps prevent the apples from browning during preparation.
For The Glaze
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam – This gives the tart a beautiful, glossy finish. It also adds a subtle sweetness that ties the whole dessert together.
Equipment Needed
Making Mary Berry’s Apple Tart requires a few essential tools to ensure everything comes together beautifully. Here’s a detailed list of the equipment you’ll need:
- Pie dish or tart tin (23cm/9-inch) – A shallow, fluted tart tin with a removable base works best for this recipe. The fluted edges give the tart its signature appearance, and the removable base allows for easy removal after baking.
- Rolling pin – For rolling out your pastry dough to the right thickness.
- Sharp knife or mandolin slicer – To slice the apples evenly, ensuring a uniform texture and even cooking.
- Pastry brush – For applying the apricot glaze to the baked tart, giving it that final glossy, professional touch.
- Mixing bowl – For preparing the pastry dough and tossing the apples in sugar and cinnamon.
- Baking paper and baking beans – For blind baking the tart shell. The baking beans (or rice) weigh the pastry down so it cooks evenly without puffing up.
- Pastry cutter (optional) – If you prefer to cut your pastry with precision, a pastry cutter will ensure the edges are neatly trimmed after rolling out the dough.
Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Apple Tart
Now, let’s break down the steps to create the perfect Mary Berry Apple Tart. This is a fairly straightforward process, but each step is important for creating that deliciously buttery, perfectly baked dessert.
Step 1: Prepare The Pastry
- Make the pastry dough: Begin by placing the flour and sugar in a large bowl. Add the cold butter and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Add the egg yolk: Once the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, add the egg yolk and mix gently. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up and prevent shrinkage during baking.
Step 2: Prepare The Apples
- Peel and core the apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples (about 3mm thick). If you have a mandolin slicer, now is the time to use it to ensure uniform slices.
- Toss with sugar and cinnamon: In a mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with the caster sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. This will give the apples a light coating and prevent browning.
Step 3: Assemble The Tart
- Roll out the pastry: Once your dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about 3mm. Line your tart tin with the rolled-out dough, pressing it gently into the corners.
- Blind bake the pastry: Prick the base of the pastry with a fork to prevent air bubbles. Line the tart shell with baking paper and add baking beans or rice on top. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Add the apples: Remove the tart shell from the oven and arrange the cinnamon-sugar apples evenly over the base. Arrange them in concentric circles, starting from the outside and working inward.
- Bake the tart: Return the tart to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the pastry is golden brown.
Step 4: Glaze And Serve
- Glaze the tart: While the tart is baking, gently heat the apricot jam in a small saucepan until melted. Once the tart is done, brush the melted jam over the apples for a beautiful shine.
- Cool and serve: Let the tart cool slightly before serving. You can serve it warm or at room temperature with a dollop of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips And Tricks
- Use a mix of apples: For more complex flavor, you can combine tart cooking apples (like Bramley) with sweet dessert apples (like Gala or Braeburn).
- Don’t skip chilling the dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent shrinking during baking and ensures a flaky, crisp crust.
- Blind bake properly: Blind baking helps set the pastry and prevents it from becoming soggy. If you don’t have baking beans, rice or dried beans work just as well.
- Ensure even slicing of the apples: Even slices ensure that the apples cook uniformly and don’t become mushy in some spots while others stay undercooked.
- Enhance flavor with other spices: While cinnamon is classic, you can also add a touch of nutmeg, ginger, or even cloves to the apple filling for a unique twist.
- Make ahead: The tart can be made ahead of time. Just glaze it before serving for that fresh, glossy finish.
Mary Berry’s Apple Tart is the epitome of British baking-simple, yet elegant. With its buttery shortcrust pastry, tender apples, and subtle spices, it’s a dessert that both novices and experienced bakers can master. This tart doesn’t just look impressive; it tastes incredible too. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a special treat for your family, or simply indulging in something sweet, Mary Berry’s Apple Tart is guaranteed to be a hit.
Baking it is a rewarding experience, and the result is a beautiful, golden dessert that is as satisfying to look at as it is to eat. So, grab your apron and get ready to create a showstopper that everyone will love. Happy baking!
Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Apple Tart
Mary Berry’s Apple Tart is a beloved classic, known for its delicate pastry, perfectly spiced apples, and just the right amount of sweetness. However, there are plenty of ways to get creative with this recipe and introduce your own twist. Whether you’re looking for a new flavor, want to cater to dietary preferences, or simply want to try something different, here are some easy and delicious variations you can try.
1. Spiced Apple Tart With Cinnamon And Nutmeg
While the original recipe may be simple, you can enhance the flavor by adding a touch of spice. Cinnamon and nutmeg work wonders in apple-based desserts, creating a warm, comforting flavor profile. Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to your apples before cooking them. This slight change will elevate the tart, perfect for colder weather or for an autumn-inspired twist.
2. Adding Almonds For Extra Texture
To bring in a delightful texture contrast, consider incorporating ground almonds into the tart crust. This will lend a subtle nuttiness to the base, while also making the pastry more tender. Alternatively, sprinkle slivered almonds over the apples before baking to add some extra crunch and flavor. Almonds are a great addition if you enjoy a more rustic, nutty flavor that complements the tartness of the apples.
3. Gluten-Free Apple Tart
For a gluten-free version, simply replace the regular flour with a gluten-free blend. Many pre-mixed gluten-free flours contain rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour, which can mimic the texture of regular pastry quite well. You can also use almond flour for a denser, richer base that’s packed with flavor. Be sure to adjust the amount of liquid in the dough to compensate for the difference in flour texture.
4. Apple And Pear Tart
If you’re craving a little variation but still want to stick with the theme of apples, why not add pears? Combine both apples and pears for a more complex flavor. The sweet, slightly floral notes of pears balance beautifully with the tartness of apples. You could also use a combination of different apple varieties to make the filling more diverse – for example, a mix of tart Granny Smith apples and sweet Fuji apples.
5. Caramel Apple Tart
For a sweeter, indulgent twist, drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before baking. The caramel will infuse into the apples as they cook, creating a sticky, rich sweetness. You could even make your own homemade caramel sauce for an extra touch of luxury. Just be mindful not to overdo it; too much caramel can overwhelm the natural flavor of the apples, so use it sparingly.
6. Vegan Apple Tart
For those following a vegan diet, you can easily adapt this recipe by using plant-based ingredients. Replace the butter in the pastry with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. Instead of the egg wash, brush the crust with a little almond milk or soy milk to give it a glossy finish. You could also swap out the regular sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup to keep it vegan-friendly.
7. Apple And Berry Tart
Incorporate fresh berries into the filling to add a burst of color and flavor. Raspberries, blackberries, or even strawberries work beautifully with apples, providing a tart contrast to the sweetness of the fruit. The berry juices will also add a lovely depth of flavor, creating a slightly tangy, fruity base that complements the richness of the apples.
Storing Leftovers
Storing leftover Mary Berry’s Apple Tart is relatively simple, but how you store it depends on how soon you plan to enjoy it again. Here are some key tips to ensure your tart remains fresh and delicious:
1. Storing In The Fridge
If you’re planning on keeping leftovers for a few days, refrigerating is the best option. Allow the tart to cool completely before placing it in the fridge to avoid condensation, which can make the pastry soggy. Cover the tart with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, you can enjoy it cold or pop it in the oven for a few minutes to reheat it.
2. Freezing Leftovers
If you want to store the tart for a longer period of time, freezing is a great option. First, let the tart cool to room temperature. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. Place the wrapped tart in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for extra security. When you’re ready to eat it, simply defrost it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, bake it in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore its crispy, flaky texture.
3. How To Reheat
If you’ve stored the tart in the fridge or freezer, reheating it properly is key to preserving its taste and texture. The microwave can be tempting for a quick reheat, but it tends to make the crust soft and chewy. Instead, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the tart for 5 to 10 minutes. This will help retain the crispiness of the pastry while warming up the apple filling. If the tart has been frozen, make sure to let it thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Apple Tart?
Mary Berry’s Apple Tart is already a treat on its own, but there are several ways you can elevate the experience with delicious pairings. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert for a gathering or enjoying it on your own, here are some great options to complement your tart.
1. Clotted Cream Or Whipped Cream
The rich, velvety texture of clotted cream is the ultimate indulgence when paired with apple tart. Its buttery richness balances perfectly with the tartness of the apples. If you can’t find clotted cream, lightly sweetened whipped cream works just as well, providing a light, airy contrast to the dense pastry.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream
For those who love a warm-cold contrast, vanilla ice cream is a classic choice. The smooth, creamy vanilla flavor pairs wonderfully with the spiced apples, making each bite even more decadent. You can also try a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for an extra touch of flavor, especially if you’ve added cinnamon to the tart itself.
3. Custard
A traditional English pairing, warm custard is a comforting and nostalgic addition to apple tart. The smooth, eggy flavor of the custard complements the tart’s sweetness and provides a lovely contrast in texture. You can make a simple vanilla custard at home or use store-bought custard for convenience.
4. Tea Or Coffee
Mary Berry’s Apple Tart is perfect with a hot drink. English breakfast tea or Earl Grey pairs beautifully with the tart’s flavors, providing a slight bitterness that cuts through the sweetness. If you’re a coffee lover, a medium-roast coffee or cappuccino is a great choice. The richness of coffee complements the dessert without overpowering the natural apple flavors.
5. Cheese
A slightly unusual but delightful pairing is apple tart with a mild cheese like Brie or Manchego. The creamy, slightly tangy cheese contrasts with the sweetness of the apples and adds an unexpected depth of flavor. Try serving small wedges of cheese alongside the tart for an elevated dessert platter.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Apple Tart is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. The versatility of the recipe allows you to get creative with variations like adding spices, mixing fruits, or accommodating dietary needs. Storing leftovers is easy, and the tart maintains its appeal whether enjoyed fresh or reheated. When it comes to pairings, the possibilities are endless – from rich clotted cream to warm custard, every addition enhances the tart’s natural flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dessert or a gathering of friends, this classic dish is sure to impress and delight.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Mary Berry’s Apple Tart?
To make Mary Berry’s apple tart, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. The key items are ready-made shortcrust pastry, apples (preferably Bramley or cooking apples for a tangy flavor), sugar, butter, ground almonds, and apricot jam for glazing. You’ll also need a bit of lemon juice to enhance the apple flavor and prevent browning.
How Long Should I Bake Mary Berry’s Apple Tart, And At What Temperature?
Mary Berry’s apple tart is baked at 190°C (170°C fan oven) or 375°F for around 30 to 40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender. The key is to keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid over-baking, as the tart should have a crisp, golden base with soft apples.
Can I Substitute The Shortcrust Pastry With Puff Pastry In Mary Berry’s Apple Tart Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute shortcrust pastry with puff pastry if you prefer a lighter, flakier base. However, shortcrust is the traditional choice for this recipe as it provides a sturdy, crisp foundation that holds up well to the filling. If using puff pastry, just be mindful that it may puff up more than expected, so it’s a good idea to lightly score the edges to prevent over-expansion.
