Mary Berry’s Apple and Mincemeat Squares are a beautifully spiced, comforting bake that captures the warmth of the festive season while being versatile enough to enjoy year-round. This delightful traybake features a tender sponge-like base laced with buttery goodness, layered generously with sweet-tart apples and rich, fruity mincemeat – that glorious preserve made from dried fruits, spices, and sometimes a hint of brandy.
It’s a perfect blend of textures: the soft sponge contrasts with the sticky, spiced filling and slight crunch from the apples. These squares are typically baked in a tray and then cut into tidy portions, making them ideal for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or even as a lunchbox treat. Think of it as a cousin to the mince pie – but easier to make in batches and arguably even more indulgent.
Mary Berry’s Apple And Mincemeat Squares Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To make these comforting squares, you’ll need a medley of pantry staples and a few seasonal favorites. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
For The Sponge Base And Topping
- 225g (8 oz) butter, softened – the base of all great British bakes, giving richness and moisture.
- 225g (8 oz) caster sugar – for that delicate sweetness and fine texture.
- 275g (10 oz) self-raising flour – the leavening is built right in, helping the sponge rise just enough.
- 2 tsp baking powder – adds a little more lift and tenderness.
- 4 large eggs – binds the mixture while adding structure and richness.
- 2 tbsp milk – to loosen the batter slightly for smooth spreading.
For The Filling
- 225g (8 oz) cooking apples – peeled, cored, and coarsely grated. Bramley apples are ideal for their tartness and texture.
- 300g (10½ oz) mincemeat – use a good-quality jarred mincemeat, or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous.
To Finish
- A dusting of icing sugar – just before serving for a touch of elegance.
Equipment Needed
Here’s a list of kitchen essentials you’ll need before getting started:
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or a wooden spoon and some elbow grease
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Grater – for the apples
- 20 x 30 cm (8 x 12 inch) traybake tin – greased and lined with baking parchment
- Measuring spoons and kitchen scale – for accuracy
- Cooling rack
- Sieve – for dusting icing sugar
Optional but helpful:
- Peeler and apple corer – to make prepping apples a breeze
Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Apple And Mincemeat Squares
Let’s walk through the baking process in detail, step-by-step. It’s delightfully straightforward – one of those bakes that rewards patience with maximum flavor and texture.
Step 1: Prepare Your Tin And Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C / 160°C fan / 350°F / Gas 4. Grease your traybake tin and line it with baking parchment, ensuring the paper slightly overhangs the edges for easy removal later.
Step 2: Make The Sponge Base
In your large mixing bowl, add the butter, caster sugar, self-raising flour, baking powder, eggs, and milk. Using an electric mixer (or your arm muscles and a wooden spoon), beat everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. You’re aiming for a thick, spreadable batter – soft but not runny.
Step 3: Layer The Batter
Spoon half of the batter into your prepared tin. Use a spatula to gently spread it out evenly. It might seem a little thin, but don’t worry – it’ll puff up nicely.
Step 4: Add The Filling
Sprinkle the grated apples evenly over the batter. Try not to press them down – a light hand is key. Then, dollop spoonfuls of mincemeat over the apple layer. Spread the mincemeat gently with the back of a spoon to distribute it evenly. This step is what gives the squares their deeply spiced, festive aroma and moist texture.
Step 5: Top And Bake
Now, gently spoon the remaining sponge mixture over the top. It might not completely cover the filling – that’s perfectly fine. Just spread it as evenly as you can without disturbing the filling layers too much.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and springy to the touch. A skewer inserted should come out clean – though you might hit some apple or mincemeat, so look for raw batter rather than wet fruit.
Step 6: Cool And Serve
Allow the traybake to cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes, then lift it out using the baking parchment and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, cut into squares or bars. Just before serving, sift a light dusting of icing sugar over the top for a beautiful snowy finish.
Tips And Tricks
Want to take your Apple and Mincemeat Squares to the next level? Here are a few extra pearls of wisdom:
- Choose the right apples: Tart cooking apples like Bramley or Granny Smith offer the best balance against the sweetness of the mincemeat.
- Don’t overmix the batter: A light hand keeps the sponge airy and tender.
- Warm it up: These squares are delicious cold, but gently warmed with a dollop of clotted cream or custard? Heaven.
- Make it boozy: Stir a tablespoon of brandy or spiced rum into your mincemeat for an extra festive punch.
- Storage tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze beautifully – just thaw and warm slightly before serving.
- Customize: Want to experiment? Try adding a handful of chopped walnuts or flaked almonds between the apple and mincemeat layers for added texture.
Mary Berry’s Apple and Mincemeat Squares are the epitome of nostalgic, homey baking – a dessert that wraps you in a warm hug with every bite. The layers of soft sponge, tart apple, and fragrant mincemeat sing in harmony, offering a treat that’s both humble and deeply satisfying.
They’re easy to prepare, beautifully presentable, and endlessly comforting. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays, an afternoon tea, or just because it’s a Tuesday and you need something lovely – these squares are sure to delight.
So roll up your sleeves, grab that wooden spoon, and channel your inner Mary Berry. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing.
Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Apple And Mincemeat Squares
Mary Berry’s original recipe is, in true Mary fashion, both elegant and straightforward-a buttery pastry base topped with a generous layer of spiced mincemeat and tender apple slices, finished with a golden crumble or a dusting of sugar. But part of the joy of baking is making a recipe your own, and this one lends itself beautifully to creativity. Let’s explore some delightful twists that maintain the spirit of the original while adding a new layer of flavor or flair.
1. Nutty Indulgence
Add a generous handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts to the topping. The nuts add both texture and a slightly toasted, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the apples and mincemeat. Walnuts, in particular, provide a slight bitterness that balances the overall sweetness.
2. Spiced Pear And Mincemeat
Substitute half or all of the apples with ripe pears-think Conference or Comice varieties. Pears bring a more delicate sweetness and a softer texture. Amp up the spice factor by incorporating a pinch of ground cloves or star anise into the mincemeat for an aromatic twist.
3. Boozy Brilliance
Stir a tablespoon or two of brandy, dark rum, or amaretto into your mincemeat before spreading it over the pastry base. This adds depth and a warming richness that’s especially welcome around the holidays.
4. Citrus Spark
Grate the zest of an orange or lemon into the shortcrust base or mincemeat filling. The citrus notes lift the whole dessert, adding freshness and a touch of brightness to contrast the rich filling.
5. Vegan Version
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit a vegan diet. Use plant-based margarine or vegan butter in the pastry and topping, and seek out a jarred mincemeat that doesn’t contain suet. For the apple layer, just be sure to use syrup or maple glaze instead of honey, if your variation includes any drizzle.
6. Festive Cranberry & Apple
Introduce dried cranberries to the apple and mincemeat mixture. Their tartness adds a zingy contrast and makes the dessert feel even more festive. This version works especially well with a crumble topping and a dusting of cinnamon.
Storing Leftovers
You’ve baked a batch, served a few squares, and now you’ve got leftovers. Don’t worry-these treats store quite well with the right approach, and can even taste better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Short-Term Storage (Up To 3 Days)
If you plan to eat the leftovers within a few days, simply place the squares in an airtight container. Store them at room temperature or in the refrigerator depending on your climate. In warmer areas, refrigeration is best to prevent the mincemeat from fermenting or the pastry from going soft. Let them come to room temperature before serving-or give them a quick zap in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to refresh them.
Long-Term Storage (Up To 3 Months)
These squares are freezer-friendly, which makes them a fabulous make-ahead dessert. Once completely cooled, wrap individual portions in cling film or parchment, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm gently in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 10 minutes.
Storage Tip: Avoid Moisture
Whether storing short- or long-term, moisture is your enemy here. Make sure the squares are completely cooled before storing to avoid condensation, which could lead to soggy pastry. Placing a piece of kitchen paper in the container can also help absorb excess humidity.
What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Apple And Mincemeat Squares?
Ah, the fun part-what to serve alongside these glorious squares to elevate the experience into a full-on dessert affair or a cozy teatime moment?
1. Custard
The British classic! A pool of silky vanilla custard next to a warm apple and mincemeat square is the definition of comfort. You can use shop-bought custard or make your own from scratch using egg yolks, milk, sugar, and a touch of vanilla bean paste.
2. Clotted Cream
This rich and indulgent cream is thick enough to sit proudly on top of a warm square. Its cool, velvety texture balances out the warmth and spice of the dessert beautifully. A dollop is all you need.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream
For a hot-cold contrast that never fails, serve these squares warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream seeps into the crust and mingles with the mincemeat like a dream.
4. Whipped Cream With A Twist
Lightly whip some double cream and flavor it with a splash of brandy or a sprinkle of cinnamon. This adds a luxurious and festive touch, especially if you’re serving the dessert as part of a holiday spread.
5. Mulled Wine Or Spiced Cider
If you’re looking to pair this treat with a drink, consider serving it with a warm mug of mulled wine or spiced apple cider. Both beverages echo the seasonal spices in the dessert and round out the experience in a delightful way.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Apple and Mincemeat Squares are more than just a sweet treat-they’re a celebration of heritage, seasonality, and the cozy joy that baking brings into our lives. Whether you stick to the original recipe or take a creative detour with one of the variations, this is a dessert that welcomes personalization. With thoughtful storage, you can enjoy them beyond the day they’re baked, and with the right accompaniments, each square transforms into a moment of indulgence.
So whether you’re preparing a tray for a family gathering, a holiday party, or a quiet evening by the fire, these squares are sure to impress. Bake a batch, savor the process, and don’t be afraid to make them your own-after all, even Mary herself would applaud a little flourish here and there.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Mary Berry’s Apple And Mincemeat Squares?
To make Mary Berry’s apple and mincemeat squares, you will need the following ingredients: 225g of plain flour, 100g of butter, 75g of caster sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 egg, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 150g of mincemeat, 2 apples (peeled, cored, and chopped), and a little extra sugar for sprinkling on top. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
Can I Make Mary Berry’s Apple And Mincemeat Squares In Advance?
Yes, you can make these apple and mincemeat squares in advance. Once they are baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze the squares for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them tightly in cling film or foil before freezing. To serve, thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the oven.
Can I Substitute Ingredients In Mary Berry’s Apple And Mincemeat Squares Recipe?
Yes, you can make a few substitutions depending on your preferences or dietary restrictions. For instance, if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine. You can also swap the mincemeat for fruit preserves like apricot or raspberry jam for a different twist. If you don’t like cinnamon or nutmeg, you can use other spices like ginger or allspice, although it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
