Mary Berry's Canterbury Tart

Mary Berry's Canterbury Tart is a delightful British classic that's as pleasing to the palate as it is easy to prepare. This dessert has gained popularity for its simple yet delicious combination of sweet shortcrust pastry, tangy apples, and rich blackcurrant jam, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Its origins are deeply rooted in English culinary tradition, making it a beloved treat across generations.

Ingredients for the Canterbury Tart

The ingredients for this tart are straightforward, emphasizing the importance of quality and freshness:

• Sweet Shortcrust Pastry: 225g, providing a buttery and crumbly base.
• Apples: 3 large cooking apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced, for a tart and fruity filling.
• Blackcurrant Jam: 2 tablespoons, adding a deep, sweet, and tangy flavor.
• Eggs: 2 large, to bind the filling and add richness.
• Caster Sugar: 50g, for sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: 50g, melted, contributing to the creamy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, for a hint of warm flavor.
• Ground Almonds: 50g, to thicken the filling and add a nutty taste.

Preparation Instructions for Mary Berry’s Traditional Canterbury Tart

1. Preparation of Pastry: Begin by preheating your oven and preparing your sweet shortcrust pastry in a tart tin, ensuring it's chilled before baking to maintain its shape and prevent shrinkage.
2. Creating the Filling: Layer the blackcurrant jam over the pastry base, followed by neatly arranged apple slices. The filling is then completed with a mixture of eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and ground almonds poured over the apples.
3. Baking: The tart is baked until the filling is set and the pastry is golden, a process that encapsulates the flavors and textures beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

To maintain the Canterbury Tart's best quality, it should be stored in the refrigerator and can be kept for 3-4 days. It's also suitable for freezing for up to 3 months. When reheating, ensure to do so gently to avoid a soggy pastry base, using either an oven or microwave.

Nutritional Information

Each slice of the tart (assuming the tart is divided into 8 portions) approximately contains:

• Calories: 240
• Total Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 160mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 32g (Dietary Fiber: 2g, Total Sugars: 15g)
• Protein: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use different types of apples? Yes, tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn are recommended, but you can experiment with your favorites.
• Is blind baking the pastry necessary? Yes, to ensure a crisp base, blind baking the pastry before adding the filling is advisable.
• Can the tart be served hot or cold? The tart is delicious both ways; served hot, it's comforting and inviting, while cold, it offers a refreshing and firm texture​​​​.

Mary Berry's Canterbury Tart is a versatile and delightful dessert perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to a formal gathering. Its combination of textures and flavors, from the crisp pastry to the tangy filling, makes it a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Enjoy the process of baking this classic treat and the joy it brings to your table.