Mary Berry Windfall Pie Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious dessert that’s packed with flavor, you absolutely need to try Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie recipe!

It’s the perfect way to use up seasonal fruits that are just starting to fall from the trees, whether it’s apples, plums, or pears. Mary Berry’s recipe combines the sweetness of the fruit with a rich, buttery pastry that’s flaky on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s not only easy to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at a get-together. Trust me, this pie is one of those recipes that brings the warmth and charm of home baking into every bite!

Mary Berry Windfall Pie Recipe

Ingredients Needed

For Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie, the ingredients required come together to create a perfectly balanced dessert, blending the sweetness of the fruit with the richness of the pastry. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key components you’ll need:

1. For The Pie Pastry

• Plain flour (250g): This will form the base of the pie crust, providing structure and texture. Plain flour is typically used for a more delicate, flaky pastry compared to self-raising flour.
• Butter (125g, cold and cubed): The butter adds richness to the pastry and helps it become light and flaky as it bakes. Be sure to use cold butter to prevent it from melting into the flour prematurely, ensuring a crispier texture.
• Icing sugar (25g): Icing sugar is added for a subtle sweetness that enhances the flavor of the pastry, making it melt-in-the-mouth and more delicate.
• Cold water (a few tablespoons): This is used to bring the dough together without activating the gluten too much, which could result in a tough pastry.

2. For The Filling

• Windfall fruit (apples, pears, or plums) (around 800g): Windfall fruit are fruits that have fallen from the tree, typically slightly overripe or with imperfections, making them ideal for cooking. Apples, pears, or plums are often used in this pie for their varying levels of sweetness and tartness, offering a depth of flavor.
• Caster sugar (100g): Caster sugar dissolves quickly into the fruit filling, helping to create a smooth, sweet base. You can adjust this amount depending on how sweet or tart your fruit is.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): A warm, earthy spice that complements the fruit and adds a comforting, cozy flavor to the pie.
• Cornflour (1 tbsp): This helps thicken the fruit filling, ensuring that it isn’t too runny once baked, and gives the pie a rich, smooth consistency.
• Lemon juice (1 tbsp): A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, balancing the sweetness of the fruit and enhancing the flavors.
• Egg yolk (1, for egg wash): To create a golden, glossy finish on the pastry crust, egg yolk is brushed over the top before baking.

Equipment Needed

To successfully bake Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie, you’ll need a few essential pieces of equipment to ensure the process goes smoothly. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

1. Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining the flour, sugar, butter, and water when making the pastry. You can also use this bowl to mix together the fruit filling ingredients.

2. Rolling Pin: A rolling pin is necessary to roll out the chilled pastry dough to the right thickness. Aim for around 3mm thickness to ensure the crust is both sturdy and flaky.

3. Pie Dish or Tart Tin: A round pie dish (about 23 cm in diameter) is ideal for this recipe. It should have a sturdy base, preferably a loose-bottomed tin, to make removal of the pie easier once baked.

4. Knife and Chopping Board: To chop the fruit into uniform pieces, a sharp knife and a good chopping board are essential for safety and precision.

5. Pastry Brush: A pastry brush is used to apply the egg wash to the top of the pie, which will create that shiny, golden finish as it bakes.

6. Fork: A fork will be needed for crimping the edges of the pie and to create small holes in the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.

7. Oven: You’ll need an oven preheated to 200°C (180°C for fan ovens) to bake the pie properly. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to ensure the pastry cooks evenly.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie

Making Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie is a simple but rewarding process, with each step ensuring a beautiful, mouthwatering dessert. Follow this detailed guide to create a perfect pie from start to finish:

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
Start by sifting the plain flour and icing sugar into a large mixing bowl. Add the cubed cold butter to the bowl and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. You can also use a pastry cutter if you prefer.

Once the butter is incorporated, add a small amount of cold water, just a tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together. Avoid adding too much water, as this could make the dough too sticky. Gather the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Filling
While the pastry is chilling, prepare the fruit filling. Peel, core, and chop your windfall fruit into bite-sized pieces. Place the fruit into a large bowl and toss it with the sugar, cinnamon, cornflour, and lemon juice. The cornflour helps to thicken the filling, so it’s not too runny once baked. Stir everything together until the fruit is well coated.

Step 3: Roll Out the Pastry
Once the pastry has chilled, remove it from the fridge. On a lightly floured surface, roll out two-thirds of the dough into a circle about 3mm thick. Line your pie dish with the pastry, pressing it gently into the edges and trimming any excess.

Roll out the remaining pastry to form the top of the pie. You can either roll it into a full lid or create a lattice pattern by cutting the dough into strips. If you choose to create a full lid, don’t forget to create a few small slits in the center of the top to allow steam to escape.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the prepared fruit filling into the lined pie dish, spreading it out evenly. Place the rolled-out pastry on top, crimping the edges together with a fork or by pinching them with your fingers. Brush the top with an egg yolk to give it a golden, glossy finish.

Step 5: Bake the Pie
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with a piece of foil to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve
Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s best enjoyed slightly warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh cream.

Expert Tips

To elevate your Windfall Pie and ensure it turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:

1. Use Cold Ingredients for Flakier Pastry: When making pastry, it’s essential that both the butter and water are cold. This helps create steam during baking, which results in a lighter, flakier crust. If you’re in a hot environment, chill your mixing bowl and rolling pin as well.

2. Blind Bake the Pastry: For a crisper bottom, you can blind bake the pastry base before adding the fruit filling. Line the pastry with baking paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans, then bake for 10-15 minutes. This step is especially helpful if your pie filling is particularly juicy.

3. Choose Sweet and Tart Fruit: The balance of sweet and tart fruit in the filling is key to a flavorful pie. Try a combination of apples and plums, for instance. The plums will add a little tartness, while the apples provide sweetness and structure.

4. Don’t Overwork the Dough: When making the pastry, be sure not to overwork the dough. This can cause the gluten to develop too much, making the crust tough. Handle the dough gently, and be sure to chill it before rolling it out.

5. Let the Pie Cool Before Serving: Allow the pie to rest for about 15 minutes after baking. This allows the filling to firm up a bit, making it easier to slice. The pie is also at its most flavorful when slightly cooled.

Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie is a delightful, comforting dessert that captures the essence of a classic British fruit pie. The simplicity of the ingredients, combined with the expertise in pastry-making, creates a perfect balance of flavors.

Whether you use windfall apples, pears, or plums, the result is a wonderfully rich, aromatic pie with a golden, buttery crust. By following the detailed steps and expert tips outlined above, you can enjoy this beautiful, home-baked treat any time you crave something warm and sweet.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie

Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie is a classic, rustic dessert that celebrates the bounty of autumn with its delightful combination of seasonal fruits and a buttery, flaky pastry crust. While the traditional version of the pie is simple yet delicious, there are plenty of ways to elevate or tweak the recipe based on what you have on hand or your personal flavor preferences. Here are some easy variations to consider when preparing your own Windfall Pie:

1. Fruit Combinations:
   The beauty of a Windfall Pie lies in its flexibility with fruit choices. While apples are the classic base, you can incorporate other fruits to add different textures and flavors. Try mixing in pears, blackberries, plums, or quinces for added depth. You could also add a handful of raisins or sultanas for some added chewiness and sweetness. If you’re in the mood for a tart twist, some rhubarb can complement the sweetness of the apples and balance out the richness of the pie.

2. Spices and Flavorings:
   Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie typically uses a modest combination of cinnamon and nutmeg. To kick up the flavor profile, consider adding a touch of ginger, ground cloves, or even cardamom. You could also introduce a splash of vanilla extract or a spoonful of honey for additional sweetness and a slight floral note. For those who enjoy a bit of citrus zing, lemon or orange zest works beautifully when combined with apples, helping to elevate the pie’s aroma.

3. Pastry Variations:
   While the traditional shortcrust pastry is a favorite, experimenting with different types of pastry can give your Windfall Pie a unique twist. For a flakier, more indulgent pie, you could swap the shortcrust for puff pastry or a sweet, buttery crumble topping. If you’re looking for something more rustic, consider a galette-style pie, where you simply fold the edges of the pastry over the filling, creating a more casual, freeform dessert.

4. Adding Nuts:
   Nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add an earthy, crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft fruit filling. You can incorporate them into the filling or scatter them on top of the pie before baking for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

5. Caramelization and Sauces:
   To enhance the sweetness and richness of your pie, try caramelizing some of the fruit filling before adding it to the crust. A quick caramel sauce, made by melting sugar and butter, can be drizzled over the fruit to intensify its flavor. For those who want an even sweeter touch, serve the pie with a dollop of clotted cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of homemade butterscotch sauce.

6. Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options:
   If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie can easily be adapted to be gluten-free or dairy-free. Swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free alternative, and use plant-based butter or coconut oil in place of the dairy butter. With the right flour blend, the texture of the crust can still be buttery and tender, without compromising the overall experience of the pie.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

While a freshly baked Windfall Pie is best enjoyed the day it’s made, sometimes there are leftovers that need to be stored properly to maintain their flavor and texture. Here are some best practices for storing your leftover pie:

1. Cool the Pie Completely:
   Before storing your Windfall Pie, allow it to cool to room temperature. Storing a hot pie will cause condensation to form inside the storage container, which can make the crust soggy and affect the quality of the filling. Cooling the pie on a wire rack ensures that air can circulate underneath, helping the crust stay crisp.

2. Wrap It Well:
   To keep your pie fresh, it’s important to wrap it tightly. Use plastic wrap or foil to cover the pie. If you have a pie dish with a lid, this is ideal as it prevents air from getting in while preserving moisture. For long-term storage, consider wrapping the pie in plastic wrap and then placing it inside an airtight container.

3. Refrigeration:
   If you plan to eat the pie within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will slow down the degradation of the fruit filling and prevent the pastry from becoming too soft. Refrigerated Windfall Pie should stay good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat individual slices in the oven to restore some of the crispness to the crust.

4. Freezing Leftovers:
   Windfall Pie can be frozen for longer storage. First, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag to prevent freezer burn. The pie can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can bake it directly from frozen, though this may take a little longer than reheating a chilled pie. Alternatively, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight and bake it at a low temperature to refresh the crust before serving.

5. Avoid Storing Toppings Separately:
   If you’ve added toppings like whipped cream or ice cream, store these separately from the pie, as they can quickly melt or degrade the quality of the filling and crust. Add these extras just before serving.

What Goes Well With Windfall Pie

Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie is a cozy, comfort-filled dessert that pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments, enhancing its already delightful flavors. Whether you prefer a light, fresh contrast or a decadent addition to your dessert spread, here are some suggestions for what goes well with Windfall Pie:

1. Whipped Cream:
   The classic accompaniment to any fruit pie is a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. Its light, airy texture and neutral flavor perfectly complement the sweetness of the pie’s filling without overpowering it. You can lightly sweeten the cream with a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkling of powdered sugar if desired.

2. Custard:
   For an extra indulgent treat, serve your Windfall Pie with a pour of smooth, rich custard. Whether it’s traditional English custard made with eggs, sugar, and milk, or a thicker, more decadent version, custard provides a luscious, creamy contrast to the crisp pastry and fruit filling.

3. Ice Cream:
   A scoop of vanilla ice cream is another crowd-pleasing pairing. The cold, creamy texture of the ice cream provides a perfect balance to the warm, baked pie. If you want something a little different, cinnamon or caramel ice cream can also enhance the autumnal flavors of the Windfall Pie.

4. Cheese:
   For those who enjoy sweet and savory combinations, a mild cheese like cheddar or brie can create an unexpected but delightful pairing with the pie. The tangy, salty nature of the cheese contrasts well with the sweet, fruity filling.

5. Tea or Coffee:
   Windfall Pie is a classic British dessert, and what better to accompany it than a warm cup of tea?

   A pot of strong Earl Grey or a floral Darjeeling tea can complement the flavors of the pie. If you prefer coffee, an espresso or a rich cappuccino would work wonderfully, providing a slight bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the dessert.

6. Caramel Sauce or Butterscotch:
   For an added indulgence, a drizzle of homemade caramel or butterscotch sauce can bring a lovely depth of flavor to your Windfall Pie. These sweet, buttery sauces blend perfectly with the fruit and crust, making the dessert feel even more decadent.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie is a quintessential fall dessert, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures with its sweet, spiced fruit filling and buttery crust. Its versatility allows for many variations, so you can customize the recipe to suit your tastes or accommodate dietary preferences. Whether you’re incorporating different fruits, adding spices, or experimenting with alternative pastries, the possibilities are endless.

Proper storage ensures that any leftovers can be enjoyed later without compromising the pie’s delicious quality. And when it comes to serving, Windfall Pie pairs beautifully with whipped cream, ice cream, custard, and even a cup of tea, making it the perfect comfort dessert for any occasion. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as a comforting treat later, Windfall Pie is a delightful dessert that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie?

Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie typically requires a selection of seasonal fruits, such as apples, pears, plums, and blackberries, along with basic baking ingredients like butter, sugar, flour, and eggs. The crust is made from shortcrust pastry, and sometimes a hint of lemon juice or zest is added to enhance the fruit’s flavor.

Can I Use Frozen Fruit For Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie?

Yes, you can use frozen fruit for Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the pie. Frozen fruit might release more juice during baking, so it’s a good idea to slightly increase the amount of cornstarch or flour in the filling to absorb the moisture.

How Long Does It Take To Bake Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie?

Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie typically takes about 45 to 55 minutes to bake at 180°C (350°F), or until the crust is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling. It’s important to keep an eye on the pie during the final stages to avoid over-browning.

Can I Make The Pastry For Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the pastry for Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie ahead of time. It can be made, wrapped in plastic wrap, and stored in the fridge for up to two days. If you need to store it for longer, freeze the pastry and thaw it in the fridge the night before use.

Is There A Way To Make Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie Gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to also use a gluten-free shortcrust pastry or prepare one from scratch using gluten-free flour. The rest of the ingredients, such as fruits and sugar, remain the same.

Can I Substitute The Fruits In Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie?

Yes, you can substitute the fruits in Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie according to your preferences or what’s in season. If you don’t have access to some of the recommended fruits, you can use a combination of apples, pears, peaches, or any other soft fruits you enjoy. Just ensure the fruits are ripe and sweet.

Do I Need To Blind Bake The Pie Crust For Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie?

No, you don’t need to blind bake the pie crust for Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie. Since the filling is not overly liquid and the crust is thick, it will bake perfectly without needing to be pre-cooked. However, if you’re concerned about the bottom becoming soggy, you can line it with parchment paper and some baking beans to prevent that.

How Do I Know When Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie Is Done Baking?

Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents on top. You can also test the filling by gently inserting a knife into the fruit; it should feel tender. If the top isn’t browning evenly, you can cover the edges with foil to prevent over-baking.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie ahead of time. Once baked, let the pie cool completely before storing it in the fridge for up to two days. If you want to serve it warm, reheat it in the oven for about 10 minutes before serving.

What Can I Serve With Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie?

Mary Berry’s Windfall Pie is delicious when served with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of custard. For a richer experience, you can also serve it with clotted cream or a scoop of mascarpone. The sweet fruit filling pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of these accompaniments.