Mary Berry’s Cozy Apple Crumble
Introduction
Few desserts capture the essence of comfort quite like a classic apple crumble. Mary Berry’s version is simple, nostalgic, and utterly delicious — tender, buttery apples beneath a golden, crunchy topping. It’s the kind of pudding that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or Sunday family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Apple Base
1.5 kg cooking apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
30 g butter
175 g light muscovado sugar
For the Crumble Topping
175 g plain flour
115 g butter (cubed)
55 g demerara sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Place chopped apples in a large pan with butter and muscovado sugar. Cook gently for 8–10 minutes until softened but still holding shape.
Step 3: Transfer to Dish
Spoon apple mixture into a 25 cm ovenproof dish and spread evenly.
Step 4: Make the Crumble
Rub butter into flour with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Step 5: Add Sugar
Stir in demerara sugar for crunch.
Step 6: Assemble
Sprinkle crumble mixture evenly over apples. Finish with extra demerara sugar on top.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes until topping is golden brown and filling is bubbling.
Step 8: Serve
Serve warm with custard, cream, or vanilla ice cream.
Time & Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Nutritional Information
Approx. 320 kcal per serving.
Tips for Success
Use tart cooking apples for the best flavor balance.
Don’t overcook apples in the pan — they’ll finish softening in the oven.
For extra crunch, add a handful of oats or chopped nuts to the crumble topping.
Serving Ideas
Classic: With warm custard.
Indulgent: With a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Festive: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top before baking.
Variations
Berry Crumble: Add raspberries or blackberries to the apple base.
Nutty Crumble: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping.
Spiced Crumble: Add ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour for extra warmth.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Cozy Apple Crumble is the epitome of comfort food — simple, golden, and bursting with flavor. Whether served at a family gathering or enjoyed as a solo treat, it’s a timeless dessert that never fails to please.