Mary Berry Sponge Fruit Flan Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Mary Berry Sponge Fruit Flan

Before we begin, let’s ensure we have all the necessary ingredients on hand. You’ll need:

For the Sponge:

• 4 large eggs
• 120g caster sugar
• 120g all-purpose flour
• A pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the Flan:

• 500ml whole milk
• 1 vanilla pod, split, and seeds scraped
• 4 large eggs plus 2 yolks
• 100g caster sugar

For the Fruit Topping:

• A selection of your favorite seasonal fruits, such as strawberries, kiwis, and peaches, sliced
• Apricot jam for glazing

Utensils & Equipment

Ensure you have the following tools to make your baking experience seamless:

• A 23cm flan tin
• Mixing bowls
• An electric mixer
• A sieve
• A saucepan
• A pastry brush

Instruction to Make Mary Berry Sponge Fruit Flan

Here is a step-by-step guide to making this recipe:

Step 1: Preparing the Sponge Base

• Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures a consistent temperature for baking our sponge.
• Whisking Eggs and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and has doubled in volume. This is crucial for achieving that signature sponge texture.
• SSifting Flour: Gently fold in the sifted flour and salt, taking care not to deflate the mixture. Add the vanilla extract for that subtle, sweet aroma.
• Baking the Sponge: Pour the batter into the flan tin and bake for 20 minutes or until golden and springy to the touch. Allow it to cool completely before removing it from the tin.

Step 2 Creating the Flan Custard

• Infusing the Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk with the vanilla pod and seeds until just below boiling. The vanilla infuses the milk with a rich flavor.
• Whisking Eggs and Sugar: While the milk is heating, whisk the eggs, yolks, and sugar together until well combined.
• Combining Milk and Eggs: Gradually pour the hot milk over the egg mixture, whisking continuously. Strain this back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring until the custard thickens.
• Assembling the Flan: Pour the custard over the cooled sponge base and refrigerate until set, which usually takes about 2 hours.

Step 3: Adding the Fruit Topping

• Arranging the Fruit: Once the flan is set, arrange your sliced fruits on top in a pattern that pleases the eye. The more colorful, the better!
• Glazing the Fruit: Gently heat the apricot jam and brush it over the fruit for a glossy finish. This not only adds shine but also a touch of sweetness.

Step 4: Serving

Now comes the best part – serving your creation! Slice the flan casserole and serve it chilled. Each bite is a perfect blend of sponge, creamy custard, and fresh fruit.

What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Sponge Fruit Flan?

Pairing the right accompaniment with your Mary Berry Sponge Fruit Flan can elevate this delightful dessert to new heights.

Here are some suggestions to complement its flavors:

• A Drizzle of Flavor: Enhance the fruitiness with a light syrup, perhaps infused with mint or citrus, for an added layer of taste.
• Scoop of Creaminess: Vanilla ice cream on the side not only adds a cool contrast but also enriches the dessert experience.
• Brewed to Perfection: The subtle bitterness of coffee or the soothing warmth of tea makes either a perfect pairing for this sweet treat.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Sponge Fruit Flan

Achieving the perfect Mary Berry Sponge Fruit Flan is all about the details.

Here are some expert tips to help you along:

• Temperature Matters: Ingredients for the sponge, particularly eggs, should be at room temperature to achieve maximum volume when whisked.
• Silky Smooth Cream: Infuse the cream with a hint of liqueur or extract, like almond or orange, for an added depth of flavor.
• Glaze for Days: Applying a light glaze to the fruit not only makes it look more appealing but also keeps it from drying out if you’re not serving the flan immediately.
• Precision in Baking: Use an oven thermometer to ensure the temperature is just right, as home ovens can often be off by a significant margin.

Variations of Mary Berry Sponge Fruit Flan

This classic dessert is wonderfully adaptable.

Here are a few variations to spark your creativity:

• Seasonal Sensations: Adapt the fruit topping based on what’s in season for the freshest taste and presentation; think peaches and plums in summer or poached pears in fall.
• Luscious Layers: For an added layer of flavor, spread a thin layer of lemon curd or passion fruit coulis over the sponge before adding the cream.
• Sponge Varieties: Experiment with different sponge bases, such as an almond sponge for a gluten-free option or a chocolate sponge for a rich twist.
• Caramel Charm: A drizzle of salted caramel over the flan and around the plate can add a sophisticated sweet and salty dimension to the dessert.

How Do I Store Mary Berry Sponge Fruit Flan Leftovers?

Proper storage is key to enjoying your dessert for a little longer.

Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Cool Completely: Ensure the flan is at room temperature before storage to prevent condensation.
• Refrigerate Promptly: Transfer the flan to the fridge within 2 hours of serving to keep it fresh.
• Airtight Container: Store in an airtight container to protect it from absorbing fridge odors and drying out.
• Separate Components: If possible, store the sponge, cream, and fruit toppings separately to keep the sponge from becoming soggy.

How Do I Reheat Mary Berry Sponge Fruit Flan Leftovers?

Typically, the Mary Berry Sponge Fruit Flan is enjoyed cold, but if you need to refresh the sponge:

• Avoid the Microwave: It’s best not to reheat this dessert as the cream and fruits may not respond well to heat.
• Room Temperature: If the sponge has stiffened, letting the flan sit at room temperature for a short period can help soften it.

Nutritional Values (estimates per serving):

• Calories: 300-500 kcal (varies based on ingredients used and portion size)
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 50g (of which sugars: 36g)
• Fat: 31g (of which saturates: 19g)
• Fiber: 0.8g
• Salt: 0.8g

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making Mary Berry’s Sponge Fruit Flan is more than just following a recipe; it’s about crafting moments of joy and sharing them with loved ones. With its light sponge, fresh fruits, and creamy filling, this dessert is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests and make any occasion feel special.

Remember, the key to a perfect flan lies in the quality of ingredients, the love you put into preparation, and the smiles it brings to the table. So, gather your ingredients, don your apron, and get ready to delight in the art of baking. Happy cooking!

I hope you’ve found this guide helpful and that it inspires you to create your own version of this classic dessert. Happy baking and I can’t wait to hear how your flan turns out! Remember, the joy of cooking is in sharing, so don’t forget to spread the love with every slice you serve. Bon appétit!

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