Mary Berry’s Apple Crumble is the epitome of British home baking-simple, nostalgic, and utterly satisfying. What sets her version apart from the rest is its elegant balance: not overly sweet, not overly spiced, and always delightfully textured. The base is made of tart cooking apples-usually Bramley-softened to a luscious consistency, while the topping is a crisp, golden blanket of buttery crumble. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm culinary hug, best served fresh from the oven with a generous pour of custard, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of clotted cream.
Mary Berry, with her decades of baking expertise, brings a refined simplicity to the dish. Her approach ensures the apple flavour shines through while keeping the crumble topping just the right side of indulgent-crispy, golden, and never greasy or dense.
Mary Berry’s Apple Crumble Recipe
Ingredients Needed
For a dessert with such humble origins, Mary Berry’s Apple Crumble uses a small list of classic ingredients that, when brought together, become far more than the sum of their parts.
For The Apple Filling
- 900g (about 2 lbs) Bramley apples – Peeled, cored, and sliced. These are traditional for crumble because they break down beautifully into a soft, tangy filling.
- 2-3 tablespoons of water – To help soften the apples as they cook.
- 75g (1/3 cup) granulated sugar – Just enough to balance the tartness of the apples.
For The Crumble Topping
- 175g (1 1/3 cups) plain flour (all-purpose flour) – The base of your topping, giving it that tender crumb.
- 75g (1/3 cup) butter – Cold and cut into cubes. Unsalted is best, but salted adds a hint of savoury richness.
- 75g (1/3 cup) demerara or light brown sugar – Adds depth and a slight crunch thanks to its molasses content.
Optional but delightful additions include a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg in the apple filling for a spiced note or a handful of oats or chopped nuts in the topping for added texture.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything fancy to make this comforting dessert-just the essentials for simple, successful baking:
- A medium to large baking dish (ceramic or glass, about 1.5-2 litre capacity)
- Mixing bowls – One for the apples, another for the crumble topping.
- A paring knife and peeler – For preparing the apples.
- A pastry blender or fingertips – To rub the butter into the flour (or use a food processor if you prefer speed).
- A spoon or spatula – For mixing the filling.
- An oven – Preheated to 180°C (350°F, Gas Mark 4).
Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Apple Crumble
Let’s walk through the steps slowly, savoring the process like a quiet afternoon bake with Mary herself.
1. Preheat Your Oven.
Set your oven to 180°C (350°F, Gas Mark 4). Give it a good 15 minutes to come up to temperature.
2. Prepare The Apples.
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
- Place them in a saucepan with 2-3 tablespoons of water and cook gently over medium heat until they begin to soften-about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Stir in the sugar and mix until the apples are evenly coated and slightly broken down but still chunky. Spread this mixture evenly in your baking dish.
3. Make The Crumble Topping.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and cold, cubed butter.
- Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Alternatively, you can pulse it in a food processor.
- Stir in the demerara or brown sugar.
4. Assemble The Crumble.
- Scatter the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture. Don’t pat it down-leave it loose so it bakes up crumbly and crisp.
5. Bake.
- Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp, and you can see the apple juices bubbling at the edges.
6. Serve.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy it hot or warm, with your choice of cream, custard, or ice cream.
Tips And Tricks
Mary Berry’s brilliance lies in simplicity, but there are always little ways to elevate your apple crumble:
- Use a mix of apples. If you want variety in texture, mix Bramleys with firmer dessert apples like Granny Smiths or Pink Ladies.
- Keep your butter cold. Cold butter ensures a crisp, crumbly topping rather than a greasy or cakey one.
- Add spices sparingly. If you love warm spice, try adding ½ tsp cinnamon or ground ginger to the apples, but let the fruit shine through.
- Freeze ahead. Both the crumble topping and the fully assembled dish freeze beautifully. Great for batch cooking or when you want dessert on standby.
- For crunch: A tablespoon or two of oats or chopped almonds mixed into the topping adds texture and a nutty bite.
Mary Berry’s Apple Crumble isn’t just a dessert-it’s a feeling. It’s the nostalgia of a Sunday lunch with family, the aroma of apples and butter wafting through the house, the first crisp spoonful cracking through golden topping into soft, tart fruit beneath. This dessert is proof that the simplest ingredients, treated with care, can produce extraordinary results.
Whether you’re making this crumble for the first time or the hundredth, it’s the kind of dish that invites improvisation and personalization while always delivering comfort in every bite. With Mary Berry’s guiding touch, you’re not just baking-you’re part of a tradition that celebrates the joy of home-cooked goodness.
Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Apple Crumble
Mary Berry’s Apple Crumble is a quintessential British dessert that boasts a delicious balance of sweet, tart apples with a golden, buttery topping. While her original recipe is a classic, there are many simple and delightful variations you can experiment with to suit different tastes, dietary preferences, or simply to add a creative twist. Whether you’re looking to change up the fruit base, give the crumble a nutty flavor, or make it a bit more indulgent, these variations will help you elevate your apple crumble game.
1. Fruit Variations
- Mixed Berry Apple Crumble: Adding berries to the apple base is a great way to introduce extra layers of flavor. Raspberries, blackberries, or even strawberries work beautifully when combined with the apples. The sweet and tart berries will infuse the crumble with vibrant color and an added tang that complements the natural sweetness of the apples.
- Rhubarb Apple Crumble: Rhubarb and apple are a classic pairing. The tangy, slightly sour flavor of rhubarb cuts through the sweetness of the apples, making for a perfectly balanced dessert. You can use fresh rhubarb or even frozen if it’s out of season. Just be sure to adjust the sugar levels as rhubarb can be quite sharp.
- Pears and Apples Crumble: Pears, with their soft and juicy texture, pair wonderfully with apples in a crumble. They give a slightly different flavor profile, with the pear offering a subtle, floral sweetness. For a more indulgent twist, you could even throw in a handful of raisins or dried apricots.
2. Flavor Enhancements
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Classic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are natural companions to apples and can bring a warm, comforting aroma to the dish. Sprinkle a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into the apple mixture before baking, and the spices will infuse throughout, adding a deep, aromatic warmth to each bite.
- Ginger Apple Crumble: Fresh grated ginger or ground ginger can also add an unexpected zing to the crumble, giving it a slightly spiced kick. Ginger pairs excellently with apples, and this variation works particularly well if you’re serving the crumble as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea.
3. Topping Tweaks
- Oats and Pecan Crumble Topping: For a heartier topping, you can add rolled oats and chopped pecans to the usual flour-butter-sugar crumble mix. This gives the topping a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the softness of the apples. Oats also add a rustic, wholesome feel to the dish, making it feel slightly more filling.
- Coconut Crumble: If you’re looking for a gluten-free variation, consider using ground almonds or desiccated coconut in place of the flour. The coconut will bring a subtle sweetness and an exotic flavor that pairs beautifully with the fruit. It’s especially great if you use tropical fruits like mango or pineapple along with the apples.
- Toffee Apple Crumble: To give your apple crumble a luxurious twist, incorporate some toffee sauce or caramel into the fruit layer. The apples will cook in the sweet, sticky sauce, turning the crumble into a rich, indulgent dessert. For added texture, drizzle more toffee sauce over the crumble once it’s baked and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
4. Vegan Or Dairy-Free Apple Crumble
- Vegan Crumble Topping: Swap the butter for coconut oil or dairy-free margarine, and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for any added moisture. You can also replace the sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more natural, refined-sugar-free option. The result is a guilt-free, vegan apple crumble that’s just as comforting and delicious as the classic.
5. Individual Portions
- Mini Apple Crumbles: Instead of baking the crumble in a large dish, consider preparing individual portions. These can be baked in small ramekins or muffin tins, perfect for serving at a dinner party or as a grab-and-go treat. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as the mini crumbles may cook a bit faster than a larger dish.
By experimenting with these variations, you can create a personalized version of Mary Berry’s Apple Crumble that’s tailored to your own preferences, whether you’re looking for something traditional, fruity, nutty, or indulgent.
Storing Leftovers
Apple crumble is one of those desserts that often tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal dish to prepare in advance or store for later enjoyment. Knowing how to store your leftovers properly ensures that the crumble maintains its flavor and texture when you’re ready to dig in again. Here are the best methods for storing and reheating Mary Berry’s Apple Crumble.
1. Storing In The Fridge
- If you have leftovers after serving, allow the crumble to cool completely before covering it tightly with cling film or storing it in an airtight container. The crumble will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator. When stored this way, the crumble topping may soften a little due to the moisture from the fruit, but it will still be delicious.
2. Freezing Apple Crumble
- Freezing Before Baking: If you want to make your apple crumble in advance, you can freeze it before baking. Simply assemble the crumble in the dish, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then with foil before freezing. When you’re ready to bake, simply take it out of the freezer, let it thaw for about 20-30 minutes, and then bake as usual. The baking time might be slightly longer since it starts from frozen.
- Freezing After Baking: If you’ve already baked your crumble, it’s still possible to freeze leftovers. Allow the crumble to cool completely, then wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil or place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it straight from frozen at a low temperature (around 160°C / 320°F) until it’s heated through and the top becomes crispy again. You might want to cover it loosely with foil to prevent the topping from burning while the inside heats.
3. Reheating
- Oven Method: The best way to reheat your apple crumble and maintain the texture of the topping is by using the oven. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the crumble in a baking dish (if it’s not already in one). Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s piping hot throughout. If the topping starts to get too dark, cover it with foil and continue baking.
- Microwave Method: If you’re short on time, you can microwave your leftovers, though the topping may lose some of its crispiness. Simply place a portion of the crumble in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for about 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
By storing your apple crumble properly, you ensure that you can enjoy this comforting dessert whenever you want without compromising on flavor.
What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Apple Crumble?
Apple crumble is rich and indulgent on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides can elevate your dessert experience. Whether you prefer something creamy, fruity, or a bit more decadent, here are some excellent options to enjoy with Mary Berry’s Apple Crumble.
1. Vanilla Ice Cream
A classic pairing! The cool, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm, spiced apple crumble. As the ice cream melts into the crumble, it creates a delightful blend of flavors. For added flair, you could even drizzle some caramel sauce or sprinkle crushed nuts on top of the ice cream.
2. Custard
Custard is another traditional accompaniment for apple crumble, and it’s no surprise why. The rich, creamy custard adds a velvety texture that enhances the crumble’s fruity sweetness. You can either make a homemade custard or use ready-made custard for a quicker option. If you want to get fancy, try a double cream custard for a truly indulgent treat.
3. Whipped Cream
A lighter alternative to custard and ice cream, freshly whipped cream (sweetened or unsweetened) offers a soft and fluffy contrast to the crumbly topping. If you’re looking for a more decadent touch, you could even flavor the whipped cream with a dash of vanilla or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
4. Yogurt
For a healthier spin, opt for Greek yogurt, which provides a creamy tang that balances the sweetness of the crumble. The slightly tart yogurt complements the rich, sugary apples while adding a refreshing element to the dessert. For a tropical twist, you could also serve it with coconut yogurt.
5. Fresh Berries
Fresh fruit, like strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries, can add a burst of tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, spiced apples. The juiciness of the berries cuts through the richness of the crumble, making for a refreshing bite after each spoonful.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Apple Crumble is a timeless, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With the simple base of apples and a buttery crumble topping, it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite in so many households. By exploring various variations-whether through fruit combinations, spices, or topping tweaks-you can easily put your own spin on this classic recipe, making it uniquely yours. Storing and reheating leftovers is a breeze, ensuring that the dessert stays just as enjoyable as when it was first baked. And don’t forget the possibilities for perfect pairings, from ice cream and custard to fresh fruit and whipped cream, all of which enhance the flavors of the crumble.
FAQs
What Type Of Apples Does Mary Berry Use For Her Apple Crumble Recipe?
Mary Berry recommends using tart, firm apples like Bramley apples for her apple crumble recipe. Bramley apples hold their shape well during baking and provide a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, which complements the sugary crumble topping beautifully. If Bramley apples are not available, you can use other cooking apples or even a mix of eating and cooking apples for a similar effect.
How Can I Make The Crumble Topping Extra Crunchy Like Mary Berry’s?
To achieve the perfect, crunchy crumble topping like Mary Berry’s, it’s essential to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. For an extra crunch, you can add a small amount of rolled oats or ground almonds to the crumble mix. Additionally, make sure to bake the crumble at the right temperature-around 180°C (350°F)-to ensure that the topping becomes golden and crisp without burning.
Can I Prepare Mary Berry’s Apple Crumble In Advance And Reheat It?
Yes, you can prepare Mary Berry’s apple crumble in advance. After assembling the crumble, cover it with cling film or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. If you’re preparing it to reheat, it’s best to bake it fully first, allow it to cool, then store it in the fridge. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes until it’s hot and the topping crisps up again. However, freshly baked crumble will always have the best texture.
