Mary Berry's Apple Pie: A Classic Recipe for a Delicious Treat

Mary Berry, a household name synonymous with baking excellence, has graced our kitchens with countless recipes. Among her most beloved creations is her classic apple pie. This recipe isn't just about following instructions; it's about embracing the tradition of homemade goodness and the comforting aroma of apples baking in a warm oven. This guide will walk you through Mary Berry's apple pie recipe, offering tips and tricks to achieve perfect results every time.

Ingredients for Mary Berry's Apple Pie

While the exact measurements might vary slightly depending on the source, the core ingredients remain consistent across different versions of her recipe. Here's a comprehensive list:

For the pastry:

• 225g plain flour
• 110g cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 50g lard, cubed (optional, but adds flakiness)
• Pinch of salt
• 5-7 tbsp iced water

For the filling:

• 1kg cooking apples (Bramley apples are ideal), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 100g granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp butter, cubed

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry's Apple Pie

Mary Berry's approach emphasizes simplicity and precision. Follow these steps for a flawless apple pie:

Making the Pastry:

1. Rubbing in the fat: In a large bowl, rub the cold butter and lard (if using) into the flour and salt until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. The key here is to keep everything cold to prevent the butter from melting and resulting in a tough pastry.
2. Adding the water: Gradually add iced water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can also lead to a tough pastry.
3. Chilling the dough: Form the dough into two discs, one slightly larger than the other. Wrap in cling film and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.

Making the Filling:

1. Preparing the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples. The thickness of the slices is up to you, but aim for consistency for even cooking.
2. Mixing the filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. The lemon juice helps prevent browning and adds a refreshing zing.

Assembling and Baking the Pie:

1. Rolling out the pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger disc of pastry into a circle large enough to line a 23cm pie dish.
2. Adding the filling: Carefully transfer the pastry to the pie dish and trim any excess. Add the apple mixture, dotting the top with the cubed butter.
3. Top pastry: Roll out the smaller disc of pastry and either place it over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top pastry to allow steam to escape.
4. Baking: Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6) for 40-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.

Tips for the Perfect Mary Berry Apple Pie

• Use good quality apples: Bramley apples are traditional and provide the perfect tartness, but other cooking apples can be used.
• Don't overfill the pie: Overfilling can lead to a soggy bottom.
• Blind baking (optional): For an extra-crisp bottom crust, you can blind bake the pastry before adding the filling. This involves lining the pastry with baking paper and filling it with baking beans before baking for 15 minutes.
• Serve warm: Enjoy your apple pie warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or custard.

Beyond the Recipe: SEO and Keyword Optimization

This article uses relevant keywords throughout, including "Mary Berry apple pie recipe," "apple pie recipe," "Mary Berry," and variations thereof. Headings and subheadings are structured for clarity and SEO purposes. The use of bold text highlights key ingredients and steps. Further SEO optimization would involve promoting this article through social media and other relevant channels (off-page SEO).

By following these steps and tips, you can confidently create a delicious and visually appealing apple pie that captures the essence of Mary Berry’s baking philosophy. Happy baking!