Nothing says autumn more than a warm, sweet apple crumble fresh from the oven. This classic British dessert is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. For the ultimate apple crumble, turn to Mary Berry apple crumble recipe.
With its buttery, crunchy topping and tender, juicy apples, the Mary Berry version is guaranteed delicious. Read on for step-by-step instructions to bake this autumnal treat. We’ll cover tips for choosing the right apples, assembling the crumble, and serving like a pro.
Mary Berry Apple Crumble
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Peeler
- Chopping board and knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Weighing scale
- Fork or pastry cutter
- Wooden Spoon:
- Oven Mitts:
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 900g apples peeled, cored and chopped
- 2 tbsp water
- 175g plain flour
- 110g chilled butter, diced
- 75g demerara sugar
- 25g chopped hazelnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C/375°F. Grease a 20cm square ovenproof baking dish with butter.
- Peel, core and chop the apples into 2cm chunks. Place in prepared baking dish. Add 2 tablespoons water.
- Make crumble topping: Place the flour in a mixing bowl. Add diced chilled butter and rub together with fingers until mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add the demerara sugar and chopped hazelnuts to the flour mixture. Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle crumble topping evenly over the apple filling.
- Bake for 20 minutes until topping is golden brown and apples are tender when pierced with a knife.
- Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve apple crumble warm with ice cream, custard, or whipped cream.
- Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat individual portions before enjoying.
Video
Notes
Table of contents
Why Make Mary Berry’s Apple Crumble?
As the legendary queen of British baking, Mary Berry’s recipes are tried, trusted, and treasured. When it comes to comforting cuisine, she knows best. Here’s why her apple crumble recipe stands out:
- Flavoursome Filling – Mary’s choice of apples creates a sweet and tangy filling.
- Crunchy, Buttery Topping – The crumble mixture is easy to make and deliciously crispy after baking.
- Foolproof Method – The filling and topping are made separately so nothing turns mushy.
- Perfect Size – It serves 4-6 for a family-friendly dessert.
- Loved for Decades – This classic recipe has appeared in Mary’s cookbooks for over 20 years.
With amazing texture and taste, this crumble is sure to be a hit anytime you make it. The separate filling and topping method guarantees the best possible results too.
Choosing the Best Apples for Crumble
Apple crumble tastes best when you use ripe, flavorful apples that hold their shape during baking. Look for firm apples with a robust, sweet-tart flavour. Here are Mary Berry’s top picks:
Bramley Apples
Bramley apples are a British favourite prized for their tangy taste and soft texture when cooked. Their high acidity balances beautifully with crumble.
Granny Smith Apples
A familiar bright green apple with crisp, tart flesh. Granny Smiths soften without turning to mush in the oven.
Gala or Braeburn Apples
Milder Gala and Braeburn apples pair well with tart Bramley or Granny Smiths for added sweetness.
Mix two or three varieties to get the best flavour and texture. Apples that are past their prime often bake up mushy, so select fresh, firm fruit.
How to Make Mary Berry Exceptional Apple Crumble
To make Mary Berry’s exceptional apple crumble, start by selecting the right apples – Granny Smith or Bramley are great choices. Toss them with sugar and cinnamon for flavor. Top with a crumbly mixture of cold butter, flour, and sugar, then bake until golden and crispy. Follow the detailed recipe in the article for the full experience.
- How can I make a vegan version of this dessert?
To make a vegan apple crumble, substitute butter with plant-based margarine, and use non-dairy cream or custard as a topping.
- How do you make apple crumble with Nigella?
To make apple crumble with Nigella, follow a classic crumble recipe with apples, sugar, and a buttery crumbly topping, but with Nigella’s twist, add a splash of bourbon for a rich and aromatic flavor.
With the right apples chosen, it’s time to start baking this comforting classic. Follow these simple steps:
Prep the Apples
- Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F.
- Peel, core and chop 900g apples into 2cm chunks.
- Place the apples in an ovenproof dish with 2 tablespoons of water.
Make the Crumble Topping
- Rub 110g chilled butter into 175g plain flour until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Stir in 75g demerara sugar and 25g chopped hazelnuts.
Bake the Crumble
- Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
The beauty of this recipe lies in cooking the apples and crumble topping separately. This prevents the crumble from getting soggy during baking.
Let the apples bake until tender before adding the topping. Then sprinkle on the crumble and return to the oven until deliciously crisp.
Serving Suggestions for Mary Berry’s Apple Crumble
Mary’s exceptional apple crumble is delicious on its own but also pairs wonderfully with:
- Custard – Silky vanilla or eggy crème anglaise work well.
- Ice Cream – Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrasting cold sweetness.
- Whipped Cream – Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fresh finish.
- Caramel Sauce – For an indulgent treat, drizzle salted caramel sauce over each serving.
However you choose to serve it, this reliable recipe will become your go-to apple crumble for years to come! The crispy nutty topping over tender juicy apples is a magical combination.
More of Mary Berry’s Amazing Apple Desserts
Once you’ve mastered the classic, try these other apple desserts from the legendary Mary Berry:
- Easy Apple Tart – Buttery pastry filled with sliced apples and apricot glaze.
- Frangipane Apple Tarts – Individual tarts with almond frangipane and apple slices.
- Apple Streusel Loaf – Apples and streusel in a tender quick bread for brunch.
- Rustic Apple and Blackberry Cake – Spiced cake studded with fresh apples and blackberries.
Mary’s simple, no-fuss recipes allow the natural flavours of apples to shine. Baking her apple desserts truly brings out the best of autumn’s favourite fruit.
Serving Suggestions
What’s better than enjoying a serving of Mary Berry apple crumble? Pairing it with the perfect accompaniment. We suggest serving ideas, from classic options like vanilla ice cream to more unconventional choices like custard or whipped cream.
Variations and Customizations
Creativity knows no bounds in the kitchen. We’ll encourage you to put your spin on Mary Berry’s apple crumble. Whether you’re looking for dietary alternatives or exciting flavour combinations, we have suggestions to spark your culinary imagination.
The Joy of Sharing
The joy of sharing a homemade dessert cannot be overstated. We’ll explore the communal aspect of enjoying apple crumble, sharing stories and anecdotes that emphasize the warmth and togetherness that this dessert brings to any gathering.
Let’s Bake Mary Berry’s Famous Crumble!
With its crispy, crunchy topping and tender chunks of apple, this crumble is guaranteed delicious. Made separately, neither the filling nor topping turns mushy. Simply let the apples bake until soft and juicy before adding the crumble mixture and returning to the oven.
Choose flavorful apples like Granny Smiths, Bramleys and Galas for the ideal sweet-tart filling. Serve warm with custard or ice cream for a comforting autumn treat.
As the queen of British home baking, Mary Berry’s recipes are classics for good reason. Now you can recreate her exceptional flavours and textures at home. Happy baking!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mary Berry apple crumble is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. With her expertise and unique approach, she has transformed a simple dish into a culinary masterpiece. So, gather your ingredients, follow the recipe, and savour the warm, comforting flavours of Mary Berry’s apple crumble.
FAQs
To make Mary Berry’s apple crumble, you’ll need apples, sugar, and a crumbly topping. Mary’s secret ingredient is a pinch of cinnamon, and you can find the detailed step-by-step recipe in the article above.
To make Jamie Oliver’s apple crumble, you’ll need apples, sugar, and a crumbly topping with oats, flour, and butter. His unique twist often includes a handful of nuts or seeds in the topping for extra crunch and flavor. You can find the detailed recipe on Jamie Oliver’s website or in his cookbooks.
Your apple crumble may go soggy if the apples release too much moisture during baking. To prevent this, make sure to use firmer apple varieties and avoid overloading the dish with excessive liquid or underbaking it.
The secret to a good crumble is a perfect balance of sweet and tart in the fruit filling, along with a crumbly topping that includes a hint of spice, like cinnamon, to enhance the flavors.
The secret to a crunchy crumble lies in using cold butter, which, when mixed with flour and sugar, creates a crumbly texture that turns golden and crispy during baking.
