Mary Berry Apple And Pear Pie Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious dessert to impress your friends or family, Mary Berry’s apple and pear pie is an absolute must-try!

Combining the sweet and tart flavors of apples and pears with a buttery, golden crust, this recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Mary Berry, with her trusted expertise in baking, gives you easy-to-follow instructions that result in a stunning pie every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this pie is guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to any occasion.

Mary Berry Apple And Pear Pie Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Mary Berry’s Apple and Pear Pie, you’ll need a combination of fresh fruit, basic pantry staples, and a few specialized ingredients to bring this comforting dessert to life. The recipe calls for:

For The Pastry

• Plain flour: This is the base of your pastry dough. It’s important to measure carefully to ensure the right texture and consistency.
• Butter: Cold, cubed butter helps create the flakiness in your pastry. The cold temperature is key to achieving a crisp, golden crust.
• Icing sugar: Unlike granulated sugar, icing sugar gives the pastry a smoother texture, making it less dense.
• Water: Ice-cold water helps bring the dough together without melting the butter. It ensures your pastry remains crisp and flaky after baking.

For The Filling

• Apples: Choose a variety of apples that are firm and slightly tart. A mix of tart apples like Bramley or Granny Smith will balance the sweetness of the pears, adding depth to the flavor.
• Pears: Ripe yet firm pears are the perfect complement to apples, adding sweetness and juiciness to the filling. Pears such as Conference or Bartlett are great choices.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to sweeten the filling. Adjust the quantity to your taste depending on how sweet your fruit is.
• Cornflour: This helps thicken the fruit juices as they cook, creating a smooth and perfectly cohesive filling.
• Ground cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and an aromatic depth to the flavor profile, enhancing the fruits’ natural sweetness.
• Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice provides acidity to balance the sweetness, and it also prevents the apples and pears from browning too quickly as you prepare them.
• Egg wash (optional): A mixture of beaten egg and water is brushed on the pastry top to give the pie a golden, glossy finish.

This combination of ingredients is simple yet elegant, focusing on the freshness of the fruit and the texture of the pastry. It’s a timeless recipe that uses just the right balance of sweet, tart, and spiced elements.

Equipment Needed

To prepare Mary Berry’s Apple and Pear Pie, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools and equipment to ensure the recipe comes together seamlessly:

1. Pie Dish: A round pie dish (approximately 9 inches in diameter) is essential for holding the pie crust and filling. A ceramic or metal dish works best to evenly distribute heat.
2. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a large bowl to prepare the filling and a smaller one for mixing the pastry ingredients. Glass or stainless steel bowls are durable and won’t react with the acidic fruits.
3. Rolling Pin: This is necessary to roll out your chilled pastry dough to the right thickness. A smooth wooden or marble rolling pin ensures even pressure when rolling the dough.
4. Knife and Chopping Board: To prepare your fruit, you’ll need a sharp knife to peel, core, and slice the apples and pears. A sturdy chopping board ensures safety and precision when cutting.
5. Pastry Brush: This is used to apply the egg wash onto the pie crust for a beautifully golden finish.
6. Grater (optional): If you prefer a finely grated zest of lemon in the filling, a microplane or zester would be the tool of choice to extract that citrusy zing.
7. Baking Paper or Lining: To prevent the pie from sticking to the dish, a sheet of baking parchment or greaseproof paper placed under the pastry helps with easy removal after baking.
8. Baking Tray: Placing your pie dish on a baking tray ensures even heat distribution and makes it easier to handle the hot pie when removing it from the oven.

Having the right equipment makes all the difference when creating a flawless pie. From achieving the perfect pastry texture to ensuring even baking, the right tools support every step of the process.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Apple And Pear Pie

Creating Mary Berry’s Apple and Pear Pie from scratch is a step-by-step process that balances patience with a dash of technique. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to make this delicious pie:

Step 1: Prepare The Pastry

1. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour and icing sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. This method, known as the ‘rubbing in’ technique, helps create the flakiness of the pastry.
2. Add water: Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the pastry tough.
3. Chill the dough: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the butter to solidify, resulting in a flakier crust when baked.

Step 2: Prepare The Filling

1. Prepare the fruit: Peel, core, and slice the apples and pears into thin, even slices. A sharp knife will ensure that the slices are uniform, which is important for even cooking.
2. Toss with sugar and spices: In a separate bowl, toss the fruit slices with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. The sugar helps to release the natural juices from the fruit while the cinnamon adds a cozy warmth. Add a tablespoon of cornflour to thicken the filling as it bakes.

Step 3: Assemble The Pie

1. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the chilled dough to line the base of your pie dish. Aim for an even thickness and make sure the dough is large enough to cover the bottom and edges of the dish.
2. Fill the pie: Spoon the prepared fruit mixture into the pie crust, spreading it evenly. Take care not to overfill to avoid spillage during baking.
3. Top the pie: Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the filled pie. Trim any excess dough and pinch the edges to seal the pie. You can use a fork to crimp the edges or create a decorative pattern with your fingers. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
4. Apply the egg wash: Beat an egg with a little water and brush it over the top of the pie to achieve a golden, glossy finish.

Step 4: Bake The Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Place the pie on a baking tray and bake it for 40-45 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the filling is bubbling through the slits.
3. Let the pie cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set.

Expert Tips

1. Chill the pastry: Always ensure that the dough is chilled before rolling out. This prevents the butter from melting and keeps your crust light and flaky.
2. Use a variety of apples and pears: Mixing different types of apples (e.g., tart Bramleys) with sweeter pears will provide a complex, balanced flavor.
3. Pre-cook the fruit: If you want to avoid a soggy bottom, try pre-cooking the fruit with the sugar and spices in a pan for a few minutes before placing it in the pie. This helps release some of the excess moisture.
4. Make ahead: You can prepare the pie in advance, wrap it tightly, and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready, bake directly from the freezer, but increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure it cooks through.
5. Serve with accompaniments: While Mary Berry’s Apple and Pear Pie is delicious on its own, pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of clotted cream, or a drizzle of custard can take it to the next level.

Mary Berry’s Apple and Pear Pie is a beautiful, timeless dessert that combines the best of autumn’s fruits with a perfectly crisp, buttery pastry. Its simplicity is what makes it so special-the tender fruit filling, fragrant with cinnamon and balanced with lemon, encased in a flaky crust.

Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply as an indulgent treat, this pie never fails to impress. With a few expert tips and attention to detail, you can create a pie that will become a beloved recipe in your kitchen for years to come.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Apple And Pear Pie

Mary Berry’s Apple and Pear Pie is already a classic, but there are plenty of delightful variations you can experiment with to bring your own twist to this beloved dessert. These easy adjustments can add new flavors, textures, or a personal flair, ensuring that each time you make it, it feels like a unique creation.

1. Spices and Flavor Enhancements

   One of the simplest ways to change the flavor profile of your pie is by playing with spices. Instead of sticking to just cinnamon, you can try a combination of ground ginger, nutmeg, or even cardamom for a more aromatic, warm experience.

   For a festive touch, you might also add a splash of mixed spice or allspice. If you want to add a citrusy zing, grated lemon or orange zest works wonderfully with both apples and pears.

2. Adding Nuts for Texture

   If you love a little crunch in your pie, consider adding chopped nuts to the filling. Walnuts or pecans offer a rich, earthy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft fruits.

   Toasting the nuts before adding them to the pie filling can amplify their flavor, giving your pie an extra depth of taste. Another option is almond slivers or ground almonds, which add a subtle nutty flavor and a lovely texture to the filling.

3. Incorporating Dried Fruits

   For a more complex flavor profile, dried fruits such as raisins, sultanas, or dried cranberries can be mixed in with the fresh apples and pears. These dried fruits provide both chewiness and an added sweetness that contrasts with the tartness of the apples. The dried fruits can also absorb the flavors of the spices and juices from the fruit as they cook, creating a rich, multidimensional filling.

4. Different Sweeteners

   Mary Berry’s recipe likely uses traditional white sugar or brown sugar, but you can experiment with different sweeteners. Maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar can provide a more natural sweetness while infusing the pie with additional depth. Using dark brown sugar or muscovado sugar instead of white sugar will also result in a richer, more caramelized flavor that complements the apples and pears perfectly.

5. A Flaky or Crumbly Topping

   While the recipe might call for a traditional shortcrust pastry, you can easily make it your own by trying a crumble topping. Combine butter, flour, sugar, and oats to create a crisp, buttery topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft fruit filling. If you’re feeling indulgent, a streusel topping with brown sugar and cinnamon can give your pie an extra sweet crunch.

6. Vegan or Dairy-Free Alternatives

   For those with dietary restrictions, it’s easy to make a vegan or dairy-free version of Mary Berry’s pie. Simply substitute dairy butter with a plant-based butter or margarine.

   Use a dairy-free cream or even coconut cream instead of milk in the pastry dough for a rich, non-dairy crust. You can also use a flaxseed egg replacement for the egg wash on top if you’re making a vegan version. The result is a pie that’s just as delicious, but suitable for those with specific dietary needs.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

If you’ve made Mary Berry’s Apple and Pear Pie and have leftovers (which can happen when you make a pie this delicious), storing them properly ensures that the flavors remain fresh and the texture holds up.

1. Cooling Before Storing

   Before you store any leftover pie, it’s crucial to let it cool completely at room temperature. If you store it while still warm, condensation can form inside the storage container, making the crust soggy. Give your pie at least an hour to cool down and set.

2. Refrigeration for Freshness

   To keep your pie fresh for several days, place the pie in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store the pie in the refrigerator, where it can last for about 3-4 days. This helps maintain the quality of the fruit filling and prevents the crust from getting too soft or stale.

3. Freezing Leftover Pie

   If you have more pie than you can finish within a few days, freezing is a great option. You can freeze leftover slices by wrapping each slice individually in plastic wrap or foil.

   Once wrapped, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the pie in the oven to restore its crisp crust and delicious filling. Frozen apple and pear pie can last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

4. Reheating Tips

   To get the best results when reheating, avoid microwaving your pie as this can make the crust soggy. Instead, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the leftover pie for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is hot. This method will ensure that your pie retains its texture and flavor.

What Goes Well With Apple And Pear Pie

Apple and Pear Pie is a warm, comforting dessert that pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some options to elevate the experience of enjoying this delightful treat:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream

   Perhaps the most classic pairing with apple and pear pie is a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced filling of the pie. The subtle sweetness and smoothness of the vanilla ice cream complement the tartness of the apples and pears, creating a satisfying contrast.

2. Whipped Cream

   Light and airy whipped cream is another classic topping for this pie. It adds a delicate sweetness that doesn’t overpower the flavors of the fruit.

   You can even flavor the whipped cream with a touch of vanilla or cinnamon for a twist. For an extra indulgent touch, a dollop of freshly whipped cream with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon would be the perfect complement.

3. Custard

   Warm, rich custard is another perfect companion for apple and pear pie. Its smooth, velvety texture pairs excellently with the flaky crust and the juicy fruit filling.

   You can opt for classic English custard or make a thicker, egg-based custard that will add richness and depth to the dessert. For a modern twist, consider making a caramel custard for a more indulgent flavor.

4. Cheese

   While it might seem unusual, cheese can be a surprisingly wonderful accompaniment to a fruity pie. A small slice of sharp cheddar or creamy brie contrasts the sweetness of the pie beautifully.

   The saltiness and creaminess of the cheese create a perfect balance, enhancing the overall flavors of the dessert. Some people even enjoy adding a touch of cheese on top of the warm pie for an extra dimension of flavor.

5. Tea or Coffee

   The simple act of pairing your pie with a warm beverage like tea or coffee can elevate your dessert experience. A light, floral tea such as chamomile or Earl Grey offers a soothing complement to the spiced fruits. If you’re more of a coffee drinker, a rich espresso or a lightly brewed cappuccino can provide the perfect balance to the sweet, aromatic flavors of the pie.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Apple and Pear Pie is a timeless dessert that offers endless possibilities for personalization. From adjusting the spices to experimenting with different toppings, it’s easy to create variations that suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Storing your leftovers properly ensures that you can savor the deliciousness long after the pie is made, while the right accompaniments-whether a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a strong cup of coffee-can elevate the entire experience. This pie is versatile, comforting, and always delightful, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. So go ahead, make it your own, and enjoy every bite!.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For Mary Berry’s Apple And Pear Pie?

Mary Berry’s apple and pear pie requires ingredients like cooking apples (such as Bramley), ripe pears, butter, sugar, plain flour, a pinch of salt, cold water, and lemon juice. For the pastry, you’ll also need a little extra butter, sugar, and a beaten egg to brush the pie crust.

Can I Substitute Any Ingredients In Mary Berry’s Apple And Pear Pie Recipe?

Yes, you can adjust certain ingredients. For example, you can use any variety of apples that you prefer, though Bramley apples work best for the filling. You can swap the pears with other fruit like quinces, or use a gluten-free flour if necessary for a gluten-free pie.

How Do I Make The Pastry For Mary Berry’s Apple And Pear Pie?

To make the pastry, combine plain flour, butter, a pinch of salt, and sugar in a food processor or by hand, then gradually add cold water until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in cling film and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out to line your pie dish.

What Type Of Apples And Pears Are Best For This Pie?

For Mary Berry’s apple and pear pie, Bramley apples are recommended for their tartness and ability to break down when cooked, giving a nice texture to the filling. For pears, ripe but firm varieties such as Comice or Conference are ideal as they hold their shape when baked.

How Do I Prepare The Apple And Pear Filling For The Pie?

Peel, core, and slice the apples and pears into thin pieces. In a saucepan, cook them with butter, sugar, and lemon juice until they soften but still hold some shape.

Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Once cooked, let the filling cool slightly before transferring it into the prepared pastry shell.

Can I Use Store-bought Pastry For Mary Berry’s Apple And Pear Pie?

Yes, you can use store-bought pastry if you’re short on time, though Mary Berry’s recipe calls for homemade pastry for the best results. If using store-bought pastry, make sure to get a good quality, chilled shortcrust pastry for the most authentic texture.

How Long Should I Bake Mary Berry’s Apple And Pear Pie?

Mary Berry’s apple and pear pie should be baked for about 45 to 50 minutes at 200°C (180°C for fan ovens) or 400°F. Keep an eye on it, and once the pastry is golden and the filling is bubbling, the pie is done.

Can I Freeze Mary Berry’s Apple And Pear Pie?

Yes, you can freeze Mary Berry’s apple and pear pie either before baking (to bake later) or after it has been baked. To freeze, wrap the pie in cling film and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. If baking from frozen, allow extra time for cooking.

How Do I Prevent The Pastry From Becoming Soggy?

To prevent the pastry from becoming soggy, make sure the filling is not too watery by cooking down the fruit and allowing it to cool before placing it in the pie crust. Additionally, you can blind-bake the base of the pastry for a few minutes before adding the filling to help keep it crisp.

What Can I Serve With Mary Berry’s Apple And Pear Pie?

Mary Berry’s apple and pear pie is delicious when served with custard, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a warm dessert, you can pair it with hot custard for a comforting treat.