Mary Berry Apple Tart Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that will impress everyone, Mary Berry’s apple tart recipe is definitely worth trying!

Mary Berry, the queen of British baking, has perfected this recipe to create a tart that’s not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor. The balance of sweet, juicy apples with a buttery, flaky pastry makes each bite irresistible. Plus, her step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice bakers can create a gorgeous dessert that looks as good as it tastes. So, if you’re ready to try your hand at baking something truly special, this apple tart should be at the top of your list!

Mary Berry Apple Tart Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Mary Berry’s iconic Apple Tart, you’ll need a well-balanced mix of ingredients that will create the perfect combination of flaky pastry, a luscious apple filling, and a golden, crisp finish. The beauty of this tart lies in the simplicity of its ingredients, yet each element plays a crucial role in creating a perfect dessert.

• Shortcrust Pastry: The base of the tart is made from a buttery shortcrust pastry. For the best results, you can either buy ready-made pastry or prepare it from scratch with plain flour, butter, and a touch of cold water. The key to a tender, crumbly pastry is keeping the ingredients cold, handling the dough as little as possible, and chilling it before rolling it out.

• Apples: The star of this tart is undoubtedly the apples. Mary Berry suggests using Bramley apples for their tartness and ability to break down into a soft, flavorful filling, but you can also use a mix of tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter varieties for a more balanced flavor profile.

• Caster Sugar: This is used to sweeten both the pastry and the apple filling. Caster sugar dissolves easily and gives a delicate sweetness to the tart.

• Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon juice adds a tangy lift to the apple filling, cutting through the sweetness, while the zest offers a citrusy fragrance that brightens the flavor.

• Ground Almonds: Ground almonds, also known as almond flour, are often incorporated into the tart filling. This ingredient helps to provide a subtle nutty flavor, richness, and moisture, making the filling more luxurious and less likely to become too dry.

• Butter: A generous amount of butter is used in both the pastry and the filling, enhancing the overall richness of the tart. It helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture in the pastry and brings out the natural sweetness of the apples.

• Egg: An egg is used to brush the pastry before baking, giving it a beautiful golden, glossy finish. It also helps to hold the tart together, creating a perfect, cohesive dessert.

• Apricot Jam (Optional): Some recipes call for a thin layer of apricot jam, brushed over the tart after it’s baked. This adds a subtle sweetness and gives the tart a polished finish, as well as a lovely sheen.

Equipment Needed

When preparing Mary Berry’s Apple Tart, there are a few pieces of kitchen equipment that will help ensure the process is smooth and the results are flawless. Most of these are simple tools that will be easily found in any kitchen, but it’s always useful to have the right items on hand.

• Tart Tin: A 9-inch (or 23 cm) loose-bottomed tart tin is ideal for making this dessert. The loose bottom allows for easy removal of the tart once baked, giving you a clean, professional look to your final product. Ensure the tin is sturdy to avoid any mishaps while handling the tart before and after baking.

• Rolling Pin: A rolling pin is essential for rolling out the pastry to the right thickness. You may want to dust your work surface with a little flour to prevent the dough from sticking, but be sure not to overwork the dough to keep it tender.

• Sharp Knife or Apple Corer: A sharp knife will help you peel, core, and slice the apples with precision. Alternatively, an apple corer can be a helpful tool to remove the core efficiently, ensuring evenly sliced apples for a beautiful presentation.

• Baking Paper and Baking Beans: To blind-bake the pastry before adding the filling, you’ll need a sheet of baking paper and some baking beans (or any small ceramic or metal beads). These ensure the pastry doesn’t puff up during baking, giving you a firm, crisp base for the apple filling.

• Pastry Brush: A pastry brush will be needed to apply the egg wash to the pastry. This gives it a golden, glossy finish that is a hallmark of Mary Berry’s professional touch.

• Mixing Bowls and Spoon: Mixing bowls will be required to prepare the filling and pastry. A large bowl for the filling and a smaller one for any additional mixing, like combining the egg wash, is ideal. A spoon or spatula can help combine ingredients smoothly.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Apple Tart

Creating Mary Berry’s Apple Tart involves a few key steps, but don’t be intimidated by the process. The method is straightforward, and each stage builds toward a stunning, delicious dessert. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to making the tart.

1. Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry:

   Start by preparing your shortcrust pastry. In a mixing bowl, combine 225g of plain flour with 100g of cold, cubed butter.

   Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add 2 tablespoons of cold water to bring the dough together.

   Be careful not to overwork it. Once it forms a dough, wrap it in cling film and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

2. Roll Out the Pastry:

   After chilling, remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 3mm. Carefully line a 9-inch tart tin with the pastry, pressing it gently into the corners. Trim off any excess pastry and chill the lined tin again for about 15 minutes to prevent shrinkage during baking.

3. Blind-Bake the Pastry:

   Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/Mark 4. Line the pastry with baking paper and fill with baking beans to weigh it down.

   Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the pastry is golden and fully set. Remove the beans and paper, then return the pastry to the oven for another 5 minutes to crisp up. Allow it to cool.

4. Prepare the Apple Filling:

   While the pastry cools, peel, core, and slice 4-5 Bramley apples. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of caster sugar, the zest of half a lemon, and a tablespoon of lemon juice.

   Add 50g of ground almonds and mix well. This will create a moist, flavorful filling that won’t become too soggy.

5. Assemble the Tart:

   Once the pastry has cooled, fill it with the prepared apple mixture. Arrange the apple slices neatly in concentric circles, slightly overlapping each other to create a beautiful pattern. Dot the apples with small cubes of butter for added richness.

6. Bake the Tart:

   Bake the assembled tart in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and lightly browned. The pastry should be crisp and golden around the edges.

7. Glaze (Optional):

   For that professional finish, you can glaze the tart with apricot jam. Simply heat a couple of tablespoons of apricot jam in a small saucepan until melted and brush it over the apples once the tart has cooled slightly.

Expert Tips

• Chill Your Pastry: One of the most important tips for a great apple tart is to keep your pastry cold at every stage. Chilling the dough before rolling it out and before baking prevents the butter from melting too quickly, ensuring a flaky texture.
• Layering the Apples: When layering the apples, try to use a mix of textures. Thinly slice some apples, while leaving others in slightly thicker slices. This will create a pleasing contrast in texture when you bite into the tart.
• Test for Tenderness: The key to knowing when your apple tart is done is to check if the apples are tender. If they’re still a little firm, continue baking for a few more minutes. The apples should easily give way when pierced with a fork.
• Use Fresh, Quality Ingredients: Because this tart is made with such simple ingredients, the quality of your apples and butter will make a significant difference in flavor. Always use fresh, ripe apples for the best taste and texture.

Mary Berry’s Apple Tart is a timeless, classic dessert that never fails to impress. With its delicate shortcrust pastry, luscious apple filling, and golden, crisp finish, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is accessible and rewarding. It combines simple ingredients, careful technique, and a little patience to create a stunning dessert that everyone will love.

Try it out, and you’ll quickly see why this tart is such a favorite in the baking world. Happy baking!.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Apple Tart

Mary Berry’s Apple Tart is a classic British dessert known for its delicate balance of sweet and tart flavors, with the perfect buttery, crisp pastry base. However, what truly makes this dessert versatile is the ability to adjust and play with ingredients to create a variety of delicious twists. Here are a few easy recipe variations to try:

1. Almond Apple Tart:

To add a rich, nutty flavor to the traditional apple tart, incorporate ground almonds into the filling. You can create an almond paste by mixing almond meal with sugar, butter, and a dash of vanilla extract.

Spread this mixture on the base before layering the apples. The almond flavor pairs beautifully with the tartness of the apples and brings an extra layer of texture and richness to the dessert.

2. Caramel Apple Tart:

For a sweeter, indulgent variation, drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the apple slices before baking. The caramelized sugar will create a glossy finish on the apples, adding a lovely sweetness that balances the tartness of the fruit. For an even more luxurious touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramelized apples for that perfect salty-sweet contrast.

3. Spiced Apple Tart:

Add a bit of warmth and complexity to the tart by introducing aromatic spices. Cinnamon is a natural pairing with apples, but you can go beyond the basics by adding nutmeg, allspice, or ginger to the apple filling. This variation is especially comforting in the fall and winter months when spiced desserts are especially popular.

4. Puff Pastry Apple Tart:

For a quick and effortless twist on the classic, swap out the traditional shortcrust pastry for puff pastry. Puff pastry adds a light and flaky texture to the tart, which can be especially delightful if you’re short on time or just want a different take on the original. Simply roll out the puff pastry, layer the apples, and bake for a quick, golden result.

5. Apple and Pear Tart:

If you’re looking to diversify the fruit flavors, consider blending apples and pears. Pears add a softness and sweetness that complements the firmness of apples. Sliced pears can be layered alongside the apples for a beautiful variation that’s slightly more complex in flavor.

6. Apple and Blackberry Tart:

Apple and blackberry are a classic pairing, and the deep, rich flavor of the blackberries contrasts beautifully with the freshness of the apples. To make this variation, simply scatter fresh or frozen blackberries over the apple filling before baking. The blackberries will release their juice and combine with the apples to create a more vibrant and slightly tangy filling.

Each of these variations builds on the foundational elements of Mary Berry’s Apple Tart but offers a unique flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with these combinations to make the dessert your own!

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Storing leftovers properly ensures that your delicious Apple Tart stays fresh and can be enjoyed later without losing its taste or texture. Here are some best practices to follow when storing your tart:

1. Allow the Tart to Cool Completely

Before storing any leftovers, make sure the apple tart has cooled down to room temperature. Storing a warm tart can cause condensation to form inside the container, leading to a soggy pastry.

2. Use an Airtight Container

Place your leftover apple tart in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from your fridge. This also helps maintain the crispness of the pastry and prevents it from becoming too soft or stale.

3. Refrigerating Apple Tart

If you plan to eat the leftovers within a few days (typically 2-3 days), store the tart in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will help preserve the texture and flavor of the apples and pastry for a bit longer. Just be sure to cover it with plastic wrap or foil to avoid the tart drying out.

4. Freezing Apple Tart for Long-Term Storage

For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. To freeze apple tart, first wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring there are no gaps or air pockets.

Then, wrap it again in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. For best results, freeze the tart whole and slice it after thawing.

The tart can stay in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours or reheat it in the oven.

5. Reheating Leftovers

When reheating leftover apple tart, aim to restore its crisp pastry and warm filling. The best method is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the tart on a baking sheet, and warm it for about 10-15 minutes. This will re-crisp the pastry and soften the apples, making it taste almost as good as freshly baked.

6. Avoid Microwaving

While it’s tempting to microwave leftovers for convenience, this can result in a soggy crust and uneven heating. The microwave tends to make pastry lose its crunch, so it’s better to use an oven or toaster oven to reheat the tart whenever possible.

What Goes Well With Apple Tart

Apple tart is a rich yet refreshing dessert, and pairing it with complementary elements can elevate the dining experience. Here are some great ideas for what goes well with an apple tart:

1. Whipped Cream:

A dollop of freshly whipped cream is a timeless pairing with apple tart. The creamy, slightly sweet flavor balances the tartness of the apples and the richness of the pastry. If you want to add a bit more depth, you could flavor the whipped cream with a hint of vanilla, cinnamon, or a splash of brandy.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream:

For a luxurious touch, serve your apple tart with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, smooth ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm tart, creating a delightful contrast of textures. You can also experiment with other ice cream flavors, such as cinnamon or caramel, to complement the flavors of the apple tart.

3. Custard:

Another classic companion is custard, particularly English-style custard (known as "crème anglaise"). The smooth, rich texture of custard contrasts nicely with the crisp tart and provides a comforting addition to the dessert. Pour the custard over the slices of tart or serve it on the side for a deliciously indulgent treat.

4. Cheddar Cheese:

In some regions, it’s a tradition to serve apple pie (and apple tart) with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. The saltiness of the cheese contrasts with the sweetness of the apples, creating a surprising but delightful flavor combination. The richness of the cheese pairs well with the buttery pastry, making it a unique option for those who enjoy savory-sweet contrasts.

5. Fresh Berries:

A handful of fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, can add a pop of color and freshness to the dessert. The bright acidity of the berries contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the apple tart, offering a refreshing burst of flavor.

6. Tea or Coffee:

Pairing apple tart with a hot drink can enhance its flavors. A cup of Earl Grey tea, chai, or a mild green tea complements the delicate flavors of the tart, while coffee-whether espresso or a lighter brew-pairs well with the rich, buttery pastry.

7. Caramel Sauce or Honey Drizzle:

For an added touch of sweetness, you can drizzle some warm caramel sauce or honey over the tart. These additions give an extra layer of flavor, enhancing the sweetness and creating a glossy finish on top of the apples.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Apple Tart is a timeless dessert that lends itself well to a variety of creative twists and variations. Whether you’re adding almond paste for richness, spicing it up with cinnamon and nutmeg, or combining it with fresh berries, there’s no shortage of ways to make this dessert your own.

Storing leftovers properly-whether in the fridge or freezer-ensures that this delicious treat can be enjoyed for days to come, while reheating it carefully restores its perfect texture. Pairing your apple tart with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a surprising slice of cheddar cheese adds extra depth to your experience, and the choice of drinks and sauces can further enhance its delightful flavors. With so many possibilities, Mary Berry’s Apple Tart is a versatile dessert that can always feel fresh, exciting, and comforting.

FAQs

What Is The Key To Making Mary Berry’s Apple Tart Recipe Successful?

The key to Mary Berry’s apple tart is using the right balance of buttery, crisp pastry and sweet, slightly tangy apples. Ensure the pastry is chilled before baking, and choose a variety of apples like Bramley or a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor and texture.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Apple Tart In Advance?

Yes, you can make the tart ahead of time. You can prepare the pastry and filling a day in advance. Once the tart is baked, it’s best to serve it within 1-2 days for the freshest taste, though it can also be kept in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

What Type Of Apples Are Best For Mary Berry’s Apple Tart?

Mary Berry recommends using Bramley apples, as they are tart and break down beautifully when cooked, creating a soft filling. However, you can also use a mix of Bramley and sweeter apples like Gala or Braeburn for a balanced flavor.

Can I Use Store-bought Pastry For Mary Berry’s Apple Tart?

Yes, you can use store-bought shortcrust pastry to save time. However, Mary Berry’s homemade pastry is buttery and flaky, which adds a special touch to the tart. If you opt for pre-made pastry, be sure to follow the package instructions for best results.

How Do I Prevent The Pastry From Becoming Soggy In Mary Berry’s Apple Tart?

To prevent the pastry from becoming soggy, ensure the pastry is blind-baked before adding the apple filling. This will help create a crispy base. Additionally, consider brushing the base of the pastry with a thin layer of melted chocolate or egg wash to seal it.

Can I Use A Different Fruit In Place Of Apples For This Tart?

While Mary Berry’s apple tart is specifically designed for apples, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or a mix of seasonal berries. Keep in mind that fruit with higher moisture content may require adjustments in baking time or additional thickening agents like cornstarch.

What Should I Serve Mary Berry’s Apple Tart With?

Mary Berry’s apple tart is delicious when served with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, custard, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The rich, fruity tart pairs wonderfully with these creamy sides.

Can I Freeze Mary Berry’s Apple Tart?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked tart for up to a month. Once assembled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Bake it from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Alternatively, you can freeze leftovers after baking.

How Can I Make Mary Berry’s Apple Tart Gluten-free?

To make Mary Berry’s apple tart gluten-free, substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the pastry flour you choose also includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain the right texture.

How Do I Make The Apple Filling In Mary Berry’s Tart More Flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of the apple filling, you can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, a bit of lemon zest, or a splash of vanilla extract. You could also incorporate a spoonful of brown sugar or honey for extra sweetness and depth.