Mary Berry Apple And Pear Crumble

Name: Mary Berry's Apple and Pear Crumble
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: Not specified
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced; 3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced; 100g caster sugar; 150g plain flour; 100g butter, cubed; 50g demerara sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; Optional: custard or cream to serve

Dive into the heartwarming comfort of Mary Berry's Apple and Pear Crumble, a classic British dessert that brings together the sweet and tart flavors of autumn fruits under a crisp, golden topping. This beloved recipe, a signature dish from Mary Berry, showcases the simplicity and elegance of home baking, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or a cozy night in.

Mary Berry's Apple and Pear Crumble: A Classic British Dessert

Cultural or Historical Context

Mary Berry, a revered figure in British culinary arts, has a knack for creating recipes that are both simple and deeply rooted in tradition. The apple and pear crumble stands out as a testament to her ability to transform everyday ingredients into a dessert that feels both comforting and luxurious. This dessert encapsulates the essence of British baking, where the focus is on enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients without overwhelming complexity.

Ingredients for the Apple and Pear Crumble

Apples: 1.5kg (3lb 5oz), peeled, cored, and roughly chopped
Butter: 30g (1oz) for the fruit mixture
Light Muscovado Sugar: 175g (6oz) for sweetness
Plain Flour: 175g (6oz) for the crumble topping
Butter: 115g (4oz), cut into cubes, for the topping
Demerara Sugar: 55g (2oz), plus a little extra for sprinkling

Preparation Instructions

Start by preheating your oven and preparing your fruit mixture with apples, water, butter, and sugar.
For the crumble topping, combine flour, cubed butter, and demerara sugar, rubbing them together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Spoon the cooled apple mixture into a pie dish, cover evenly with the crumble topping, and sprinkle with a little extra sugar.
Bake until golden and bubbling, serving hot with a choice of cream, custard, ice cream, or crème fraîche.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm throughout, ensuring it doesn't dry out or lose texture.

Nutritional Information

This dessert is rich in carbohydrates from the fruits and sugars, with moderate amounts of fat from the butter. The exact nutritional values can vary, so it's advisable to calculate based on specific brands of ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this crumble gluten-free? Yes, by substituting the plain flour with a gluten-free alternative.
Can I use different types of apples or pears? Absolutely, though the flavor profile may change slightly depending on the sweetness or tartness of the fruits you choose.
How can I add more texture to the crumble topping? Consider incorporating oats or nuts into the crumble mixture for added crunch.

This recipe is an adaptation of Mary Berry's classic approach, renowned for its simplicity and delightful flavors. For more detailed instructions and additional recipes from Mary Berry, consider exploring her cookbook, "Mary Makes It Easy".

Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this classic dessert, perfect for celebrating the bounty of autumn or bringing a touch of warmth to any meal. Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, Mary Berry's Apple and Pear Crumble is sure to impress.