A Cozy Treat: How to Make Mary Berry’s Famous Apple Crumble

Whenever the chilly winds begin to blow, nothing brings warmth and comfort like an apple crumble, and who better to inspire us than the legendary Mary Berry! Drawing from her ultimate recipe in “Mary Makes It Easy,” this apple crumble Mary berry style is rich with a buttery, crumbly topping that adds the perfect texture to the soft, sweet apples underneath. This recipe is my personalized take on her classic, ideal for serving on those cold winter evenings. It’s simple to prepare, utterly delicious, and sure to impress at any family gathering or cozy night in.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Apple Crumble Recipe Overview

This dessert will take approximately 10 minutes to prepare and around 40 minutes to bake, yielding a generous dish that can serve up to 8 people. The delightful contrast of the soft, spiced apples with the crunchy topping makes it a hit every time, and it’s particularly delectable when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh cream.

Ingredients

For the apple filling:

• 40g (about 1.5 oz) unsalted butter
• 2kg (about 4.5 lbs) cooking apples, peeled, cored, and roughly chopped
• 225g (about 8 oz) light muscovado sugar

For the crumble topping:

• 150g (about 5.3 oz) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 225g (about 8 oz) plain flour
• 70g (about 2.5 oz) demerara sugar, plus extra for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Heat Your Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 190°C (375°F, gas mark 5). This high heat will ensure the crumble cooks uniformly and becomes perfectly crisp.
2. Cook the Apples: In a sizeable saucepan, melt the butter over a medium flame. Toss in the apples and muscovado sugar, stirring them together until the apples are evenly coated and start to soften, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, spread the apple mixture into a deep baking dish, leveling it out.
3. Prepare the Crumble Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the flour with the cubed butter. Use your fingertips to blend the butter into the flour until it takes on the texture of coarse crumbs. Mix in the demerara sugar to this crumbly base.
4. Top the Apples: Evenly distribute the crumble mixture over the layer of softened apples. Add an extra sprinkle of demerara sugar on top for enhanced crunch and sweetness.
5. Baking Time: Transfer the baking dish to your preheated oven and let it bake for roughly 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a rich golden brown and the edges appear crisply defined.
6. Ready to Serve: Let the crumble cool just a bit before serving. This dessert is best enjoyed warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.

Nutritional Value

Each serving approximately contains:

Calories: 450 kcal

Fat: 20g

Carbohydrates: 65g

Protein: 3g

Fiber: 5g

Sugar: 40g

Also Read: Blueberry Muffins Mary Berry Recipe

How To Store and Reheat This Recipe?

To store your apple crumble, first make sure it has cooled to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

When you’re ready to reheat the apple crumble, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove any plastic wrap and cover the crumble with foil to prevent the topping from burning. Heat it in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s warmed through. For individual servings, you can also use the microwave for a quick heat-up, usually about 30 seconds to 1 minute. If you prefer a crispier topping, you might consider broiling it for a minute or two after heating, but watch it closely to avoid burning.

FAQs

What is the difference between apple pie and apple crumble?

Apple pie and apple crumble both feature cooked apples but are distinct desserts. Apple pie is encased in a pastry crust, top and bottom, making it firm and sliceable. Apple crumble, on the other hand, has no bottom crust and is topped with a streusel-like mixture of butter, sugar, and flour, which bakes into a crunchy texture. Apple crumble is generally easier to make than apple pie.

Why is my apple crumble not crunchy?

If your apple crumble isn’t crunchy, it might be due to a few reasons. You might not have used enough butter, or the butter wasn’t cold enough when mixed. Another possibility is baking at too low a temperature, which doesn’t allow the topping to crisp up properly. Lastly, too much moisture from the apples can make the topping soggy. Try adjusting these elements for a crunchier result.

Can I use other types of sugar if I don’t have muscovado?

Yes, if you don’t have muscovado sugar, you can use regular brown sugar instead. Brown sugar will provide a similar sweetness and add moisture to your dish, though the flavor might be slightly milder. Both types of sugar work well for baking and give a nice, caramel-like taste to desserts like apple crumble. Just use the same amount as you would with muscovado sugar.

How do I know when the crumble is perfectly baked?

You’ll know your apple crumble is perfectly baked when the topping turns golden brown. Also, look for the edges to start bubbling. These signs indicate the crumble is crispy on top and the apples are nicely cooked underneath. If the topping isn’t golden after the baking time, leave it in a bit longer, checking every few minutes to avoid burning.

What are the best apples to use for this recipe?

For this recipe, tart cooking apples like Bramley are best. They soften well and add a nice tartness that contrasts with the sweet topping. If you can’t find Bramley apples, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are good alternatives. These types stay firm and flavorful when baked. Choose apples that hold their shape and provide a good balance of sweet and tart for the best results in your crumble.

Conclusion

This apple crumble recipe, inspired by Mary Berry, is a delightful treat that is as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. Whether you’re looking to end your meal on a high note or simply need a sweet comfort food fix, this apple crumble is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!