Apple pie is one of the most classic and beloved desserts in the world. It’s a simple yet satisfying treat that can be enjoyed any time of the year. But not all apple pies are created equal. Some are too dry, too sweet, or too bland. That’s why I’m going to show you how to make the Mary Berry Apple Pie Recipe.
In this article, I’m going to walk you through the steps of making Mary Berry’s apple pie, from start to finish. I’ll also share some tips and tricks to make your pie even better, and answer some common questions that you might have.
What is Mary Berry Apple Pie Recipe?
Mary Berry Apple Pie is a delicious and classic dessert that consists of a flaky buttery pastry crust filled with spiced and juicy apple slices. It is a simple and easy recipe that uses only a few ingredients but delivers amazing results. It is one of the signature recipes of Mary Berry, a famous British baker and TV personality, who is known for her foolproof and tasty baking recipes.
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Why You Love this Recipe
Mary Berry’s apple pie recipe stands out for several compelling reasons:
- Classic Comfort: This recipe offers a classic comfort dessert, perfect for any season. It’s a delightful treat for anyone who cherishes the combination of apples and pastry.
- Customizable: Adaptability is a key feature of this recipe. Whether you prefer sweet or tart apples, desire a hint of unique spices, or wish to experiment with various sweeteners and toppings, this recipe accommodates your personal tastes with ease.
- Ease of Preparation: Ideal for beginners, this recipe requires no specialized skills or equipment. It calls for basic, readily available ingredients, likely already in your pantry, making it a hassle-free baking experience.
- A Pleasure for All: This apple pie is sure to please everyone. It not only delivers on taste but also fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma, promising a satisfying experience for both the baker and those who get to enjoy the dessert.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Apple Pie
To make Mary Berry’s apple pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the pastry:
- 225g (8oz) plain flour
- 150g (5oz) butter, chilled and diced
- 25g (1oz) caster sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- A little milk, for glazing
For the filling:
- 675g (1.5lb) cooking apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 75g (3oz) caster sugar
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
Useful Equipment
You’ll also need the following equipment:
- A 20cm (8in) round pie dish
- A rolling pin
- A pastry brush
- A sharp knife
- A fork
- A large bowl
- A small bowl
- A measuring scale
- A measuring spoon
- A baking sheet
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Apple Pie
Step 1: Instructions to Make the Pastry
The pastry, forming both the base and lid of your apple pie, is crucial in achieving that desired flaky, buttery, and crisp texture.
Here’s how to perfect your pastry:
- Begin by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step aerates the flour, eliminating lumps for a smoother, lighter pastry.
- Incorporate the butter into the flour. Using your fingertips, quickly work the butter and flour together until you achieve a breadcrumb-like texture. A pastry blender or food processor can be used for this step, but take care not to overwork the mixture, as this can affect the texture.
- Next, stir in the sugar, then add the egg. Combine these with a fork or spatula until the dough begins to form. Depending on the dough’s consistency, adjust with a little water (if dry) or more flour (if sticky). Aim for a soft, smooth, and pliable dough.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This rest period relaxes the gluten and firms up the butter, making the pastry easier to handle and contributing to its flakiness when baked.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan, gas mark 6) and prepare your pie dish by lightly greasing and flouring it.
- Divide the dough into two parts, one slightly larger than the other. Roll out the larger portion on a floured surface to a thickness of about 3mm. Carefully transfer it to your pie dish, pressing it into the base and sides. Trim any excess and reserve it for decorative elements.
- Prick the pastry base with a fork to prevent puffing during baking, and chill the lined pie dish while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Instructions to Make the Filling
The filling is where your apple pie really comes to life, offering room for personalization. Here’s how to create a filling that’s both flavorful and balanced:
- In a large bowl, mix apple slices with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. The lemon juice not only prevents discoloration but also adds a fresh zing to the filling. Cinnamon brings warmth and depth, while salt enhances all the flavors.
- Evenly distribute the apple mixture in the pastry-lined pie dish. Optionally, dot with butter for added richness.
- Roll out the remaining dough to cover the pie. You can get creative here: cut out shapes for steam vents or construct a lattice pattern for a decorative touch. Brush the pastry base’s edge with milk before placing the top layer to ensure a good seal.
- Finish by crimping the edges for a decorative look, and brush the top with milk, followed by a sprinkle of sugar for a crunchy texture. An egg wash can also be used for a richer golden color.
- Bake the pie for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the filling bubbly. If needed, cover with foil halfway through to prevent over-browning.
- Allow the pie to rest for 10 minutes before serving or cool completely on a wire rack. This resting period helps the filling to thicken and the pastry to develop its full flakiness.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Apple Pie?
While Mary Berry’s apple pie is a delight on its own, pairing it with the right accompaniment can elevate the experience:
- Whipped Cream: A light, creamy dollop of whipped cream adds a delicate contrast to the pie’s warm, spiced filling, enhancing its flavors.
- Custard: Drizzle some smooth custard for a rich, sweet complement to the crisp, buttery pastry, melding wonderfully with the pie’s overall texture.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of your favorite ice cream introduces a delightful play of temperatures and textures, pairing cold, creamy smoothness with the pie’s warmth.
- Caramel Sauce: For an extra touch of indulgence, a spoonful of caramel sauce brings a gooey texture and a deeper flavor profile, accentuating the apple and pastry notes.
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkling chopped nuts not only adds a crunchy element but also enriches the pie with additional nutrients, offering a balance of taste and health.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Apple Pie
To make your apple pie even better, here are some pro tips that you can follow:
- Optimal Pastry Texture: Use chilled butter and cold water in your pastry. This technique ensures a flakier, crisper crust as the cold butter creates steam pockets during baking, and the water aids in forming light layers.
- Pastry Preparation: Chill the pastry dough before rolling and baking. This step is crucial for maintaining its shape and preventing shrinkage in the oven.
- Choice of Apples: Select cooking apples for the filling. Their tartness perfectly complements the sweetness of the sugar and the warmth of the cinnamon. Plus, they retain their texture, avoiding a mushy filling.
- Apple Preparation: Slice apples thinly and evenly. This ensures uniform cooking and optimal flavor release.
- Filling Flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice to your apple filling. It not only prevents discoloration but also introduces a fresh, zesty note, balancing the sweetness.
- Pastry Ventilation: Create vents in the pastry lid. This allows steam to escape, preventing overflow and ensuring a perfectly baked crust. Get creative with decorative vents like stars or hearts for an extra touch of charm.
- Crust Finish: Brush the pastry with milk or an egg wash and sprinkle sugar on top for a golden, glossy finish with a hint of crunch.
Variations of Mary Berry Apple Pie
You can also try some variations of Mary Berry Apple Pie, by changing some of the ingredients or adding some new ones. Here are some ideas:
- Fruity Additions: Incorporate raisins, cranberries, or dried cherries into the filling for an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
- Cheesy Twist: Add a savory element by blending cheeses like cheddar, brie, or cream cheese into the filling or pastry.
- Nutty Flavor: Introduce a crunchy texture with nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds in the filling or pastry.
- Spice Infusion: Elevate the flavor complexity by adding spices like nutmeg, cloves, or ginger to the apple filling.
- Diverse Fruits: Mix in other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries to the filling for additional color and a burst of flavor.
How do I store Mary Berry Apple Pie Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers of Mary Berry Apple Pie, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Here are some tips to store them properly:
In the fridge:
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before storing it in the fridge.
- Wrap the pie tightly with some cling film or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container.
- Store the pie in the coldest part of the fridge, away from any strong-smelling foods.
In the freezer:
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before storing it in the freezer.
- Cut the pie into individual slices or portions, and wrap them tightly with some cling film or aluminum foil, or place them in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Label the bags or containers with the date and the name of the pie, and use them within 3 months.
How do I reheat Mary Berry Apple Pie Leftovers?
If you want to reheat Mary Berry Apple Pie leftovers, you can use the microwave or the oven, depending on your preference and convenience.
Here are some tips to reheat them properly:
In the microwave:
- Place a slice or a portion of the pie on a microwave-safe plate, and cover it loosely with some paper towel or wax paper.
- Microwave the pie for a few seconds, or until warm and crisp, checking and flipping it halfway through.
- Be careful not to overheat the pie, as it may dry out or burn.
In the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan, gas mark 4) and line a baking sheet with some parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Place the pie or the slices on the prepared baking sheet, and cover them loosely with some foil.
- Bake the pie for 10 to 15 minutes, or until warm and crisp, removing the foil halfway through.