Mary Berry Canterbury Tart

Mary Berry's Canterbury Tart is a celebrated British dessert that combines the simplicity of sweet shortcrust pastry with the tangy delight of apple and blackcurrant jam filling. This classic recipe is a testament to Mary Berry's ability to create desserts that are both simple to prepare and deliciously satisfying, making it a favorite for family gatherings and festive celebrations alike.

Ingredients for the Canterbury Tart

The tart is made with ingredients that include sweet shortcrust pastry, large cooking apples, blackcurrant jam, eggs, caster sugar, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and ground almonds. These components work together to create a dessert with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang​​​​.

Preparation Instructions

To make Mary Berry's Canterbury Tart, you'll start by preheating your oven and preparing the sweet shortcrust pastry to line a tart tin. The pastry is then blind-baked to ensure crispiness. Following that, a layer of blackcurrant jam is spread over the base, topped with thinly sliced apples. A mixture of eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and ground almonds is then poured over the apples and baked until golden brown and set. Each step, from preparing the pastry to the baking process, is designed to ensure a tart that's delicious and visually appealing​​​​.

Storage and Reheating

The tart can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for longer preservation. For reheating, it's recommended to do so gently in an oven to maintain the pastry's texture​​.

Nutritional Information

A single serving of the Canterbury Tart provides a balance of calories, fat, carbohydrates, and proteins, making it a delightful treat that can fit into a balanced diet​​.

FAQ about the Canterbury Tart

• Baking Time: Typically, the tart requires around 30 to 35 minutes of baking time at 190°C/375°F/Gas Mark 5.
• Covering During Baking: It's not usually necessary to cover the tart during the initial stages of baking, but it can be done to prevent over-browning.
• Determining Doneness: The tart is done when it has a golden-brown top, crisp edges, and the filling is set. A toothpick or skewer should come out clean when inserted into the filling​​.

Mary Berry's Canterbury Tart is a testament to her expertise in creating desserts that resonate with both the simplicity of preparation and the richness of flavor. Whether you're a novice baker or an experienced chef, this tart is sure to impress at any table.

For more detailed instructions and additional tips, you can explore the recipes from sources like Delish Sides​​, British Recipes Book​​, and Saturday Kitchen Recipes​​.