Mary Berry’s apple crumble recipe is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed by many for years. This dish is perfect for cold wintery evenings and can be made ahead of time. The recipe is simple and straightforward, making it a popular choice for kids and adults alike.
Mary Berry is a well-known British cook and television presenter who has been in the food industry for over 60 years. She is known for her traditional British recipes and has written over 80 cookbooks. Mary Berry’s apple crumble recipe is one of her most popular recipes and has been featured in many of her cookbooks.
To make Mary Berry’s apple crumble, you will need essential ingredients such as apples, flour, butter, sugar, and oats. The preparation techniques involve mixing the ingredients together, cooking the apples, and making the crumble topping. The baking instructions are simple and straightforward, and the dish can be served with custard, cream, or ice cream.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Mary Berry’s apple crumble recipe is a classic dessert that is perfect for cold wintery evenings and can be made ahead of time.
- Mary Berry is a well-known British cook and television presenter who has been in the food industry for over 60 years.
- To make Mary Berry’s apple crumble, you will need essential ingredients such as apples, flour, butter, sugar, and oats, and the preparation techniques are simple and straightforward.
Mary Berry’s Biography
Early Life
Mary Berry was born on March 24, 1935, in Bath, England. Her father was an accomplished surveyor and her mother was a housewife. Berry attended Bath High School for Girls, where she excelled in sports and music. After completing her studies, she went on to attend the Bath College of Domestic Science, where she earned a degree in catering.
Culinary Career
After completing her studies, Mary Berry worked at the Dutch Dairy Bureau in Amsterdam, where she learned about different types of cheese and dairy products. She then returned to England and worked as a recipe tester for the magazine Housewife. She later became the food editor for Ideal Home magazine.
In the 1960s, Berry began to make regular appearances on television, demonstrating her cooking skills. She also wrote several cookbooks, including “The Hamlyn All Colour Cookbook” and “Mary Berry’s Baking Bible”. Berry is known for her simple, classic recipes that are easy to follow and produce delicious results.
In 2010, Berry became a judge on the popular television show “The Great British Bake Off”. Her warm personality and expertise in baking made her a favorite among viewers. She continued to judge the show until 2016, when it moved to a different network.
Throughout her career, Mary Berry has been recognized for her contributions to the culinary world. She has received several awards, including the Guild of Food Writers Lifetime Achievement Award and the Specsavers National Book Awards for “Mary Berry Everyday”. She was also made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2012 for her services to culinary arts.
Essential Ingredients
When it comes to making Mary Berry’s apple crumble, there are a few essential ingredients that you will need to have on hand. These include a selection of apples, flour, and sugar. Let’s take a closer look at each of these ingredients.
Types of Apples
One of the most important ingredients in Mary Berry’s apple crumble recipe is, of course, the apples. When selecting apples for this recipe, it is important to choose ones that are firm and slightly tart. Some of the best apples to use include Granny Smith, Braeburn, and Honeycrisp.
Granny Smith apples are a great choice for this recipe because they have a tart flavor that pairs well with the sweet crumble topping. Braeburn apples are also a good choice because they are firm and hold their shape well when baked. Honeycrisp apples are another good option because they have a sweet-tart flavor and a crisp texture.
Flour and Sugar Selection
Another important ingredient in Mary Berry’s apple crumble recipe is the flour and sugar. For the crumble topping, you will need plain flour, butter, and light muscovado sugar. Plain flour is a good choice for this recipe because it has a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the apples.
When it comes to selecting sugar, light muscovado sugar is a good choice because it has a light caramel flavor that complements the apples well. It also has a slightly sticky texture that helps to hold the crumble together. When combined with butter and flour, it creates a deliciously crisp and crumbly topping that is perfect for this classic dessert.
Preparation Techniques
Peeling and Cutting Apples
The first step in making Mary Berry’s apple crumble recipe is to prepare the apples. Start by peeling and coring the apples. Then, cut them into thin slices and place them in a small flameproof casserole.
Mixing the Crumble
To make the crumble topping, measure the butter and flour into a mixing bowl. Then, add the Muscovado sugar to this mixture and mix it in. The mixture should be crumbly and not too wet. If it is too wet, add a little more flour until you get the desired consistency.
Once you have mixed the crumble, sprinkle it evenly over the top of the apples. Make sure to cover all of the apples with the crumble mixture.
Overall, preparing the apples and mixing the crumble are the two most important steps in making Mary Berry’s apple crumble recipe. With these techniques in mind, you can create a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Baking Instructions
Oven Settings
To bake Mary Berry’s apple crumble, preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas 6. This temperature is perfect for baking the crumble to a golden-brown color with a slightly crispy texture on top.
Timing and Texture
After preheating the oven, place the apple crumble in a 25cm (10in) round shallow ovenproof pie dish. Bake it for about 30 minutes or until the crumble is golden brown and the apples are tender.
It’s essential to keep an eye on the crumble while it’s baking to ensure that it doesn’t burn. If the crumble starts to turn too brown, cover it with a sheet of aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
The texture of the crumble is an essential aspect of the dessert. The crumble should be slightly crispy on top, with a soft and tender texture underneath. To achieve the desired texture, bake the crumble for the recommended time and check it regularly to ensure that it’s not overbaked.
Overall, Mary Berry’s apple crumble recipe is easy to follow and produces a delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. By following the baking instructions carefully, you can create a crumble that’s perfectly golden brown and has a delightful texture.
Serving and Presentation
Accompaniments
Mary Berry’s apple crumble is a classic dessert that can be enjoyed in many ways. It pairs well with a variety of accompaniments, such as vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard. These options provide a creamy and sweet contrast to the warm and crunchy crumble. For a healthier option, you can serve the apple crumble with Greek yogurt or fresh fruit.
Plating Tips
To make the apple crumble look as good as it tastes, there are a few plating tips to keep in mind. Firstly, use a shallow pie dish that allows the crumble to spread out evenly. This will ensure that each serving has an equal amount of apple and crumble. Secondly, serve the crumble warm, straight out of the oven, and sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar. This will give the crumble a beautiful and professional finish. Finally, consider using a scoop to serve the ice cream or whipped cream on top of the crumble. This will make the presentation look neat and tidy.
In summary, Mary Berry’s apple crumble can be enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments and can be presented in a professional manner with a few simple plating tips. By following these suggestions, you can elevate the humble apple crumble into a stunning and delicious dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key ingredients for a traditional British apple crumble?
A traditional British apple crumble requires a few basic ingredients, including apples, sugar, flour, and butter. The apples should be tart and firm, such as Granny Smith or Braeburn, to hold their shape during baking. Sugar is added to sweeten the apples, while flour and butter are used to make the crumble topping.
How can I achieve a crispy topping on my apple crumble?
To achieve a crispy topping on an apple crumble, it’s important to use cold butter and rub it into the flour and sugar mixture with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs. The crumble topping should be sprinkled evenly over the apples and baked until golden brown and crispy.
Is there a difference between apple crumble and apple crisp?
Apple crumble and apple crisp are very similar desserts, but there is a slight difference between the two. Apple crumble is a British dessert that features a crumbly topping made from flour, sugar, and butter, while apple crisp is an American dessert that typically has a topping made from oats, flour, sugar, and butter.
What techniques prevent apples from becoming mushy in an apple crumble?
To prevent apples from becoming mushy in an apple crumble, it’s important to choose firm, tart apples and cut them into thin slices. Adding a bit of lemon juice to the sliced apples can also help to prevent them from turning brown and becoming mushy.
Can I include oats in my apple crumble topping for extra texture?
Yes, oats can be added to an apple crumble topping for extra texture and flavor. Simply mix rolled oats with flour, sugar, and butter to create a delicious and crunchy topping.
Why might a recipe suggest adding baking powder to the crumble mixture?
Adding baking powder to the crumble mixture can help to create a lighter, more delicate texture in the topping. However, it’s important to use baking powder sparingly, as too much can cause the topping to become cakey and dense.