Mary Berry’s Apple Charlotte is a classic British dessert that’s warm, comforting, and perfect for fall or any time you’re craving something sweet and fruity. It features soft, cooked apples encased in a buttery, crisp bread shell, making for a delicious contrast of textures. This traditional dessert is great for entertaining or a simple family meal.
What is Mary Berry’s Apple Charlotte?
Mary Berry’s Apple Charlotte is her classic take on the traditional British dessert, elevating it with her signature attention to texture and flavor. In this version, stewed apples are sweetened with sugar and enriched with butter, then wrapped in a golden, buttery bread shell. As it bakes, the bread absorbs the rich apple juices while becoming crisp and deliciously caramelized on the outside. It’s a comforting, timeless dessert that showcases Mary Berry’s knack for turning simple ingredients into something truly special.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Classic British dessert: A timeless recipe that’s great for special occasions or everyday meals.
- Easy to make: Uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Great use of leftover bread: An excellent way to repurpose bread and turn it into something special.
- Perfect for apple season: A wonderful way to showcase the flavor of apples.
- Comforting and delicious: Combines crisp, buttery bread with soft, spiced apples.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Apple Charlotte
- Cooking apples (Bramley or Granny Smith): 6 medium, peeled, cored, and sliced
- Bread: 8 slices of white bread, crusts removed
- Butter: 100g (divided in two)
- Sugar: 100g
- Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon (optional, for added warmth)
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon, to prevent apples from browning
- Apricot jam: 2 tablespoons, warmed (optional, for glazing)
Equipment
- Ovenproof dish (pudding basin or deep round dish)
- Saucepan
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Rolling pin
- Baking tray or oven dish
- Pastry brush
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Apple Charlotte
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples. In a saucepan, melt half of the butter over medium heat, then add the apple slices, sugar, cinnamon (if using), and lemon juice. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the apples soften and break down into a thick puree.
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Take the crusts off the bread slices and flatten each slice with a rolling pin until thin. Melt the remaining butter and use a pastry brush to coat each slice of bread with melted butter.
- Line the Dish: Grease the inside of your ovenproof dish with butter. Line the bottom and sides with buttered bread slices, making sure they overlap slightly to prevent any gaps.
- Add the Apple Filling: Pour the cooked apple mixture into the bread-lined dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the top with more buttered bread slices, ensuring the filling is fully enclosed.
- Bake the Apple Charlotte: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crisp.
- Glaze and Serve: If desired, brush the top with warmed apricot jam for a glossy finish. Allow the Apple Charlotte to cool for 5 minutes before turning it out onto a serving plate. Serve warm, ideally with custard or cream.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Apple Charlotte?
- Custard: The traditional pairing for a warm Apple Charlotte.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the hot dessert.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, perfect for balancing the richness.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel takes this dessert to the next level.
- Spiced Chai Tea: A warming drink to accompany the cozy dessert.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Apple Charlotte
- Use slightly stale bread: It absorbs the butter and apple juices better than fresh bread.
- Cook the apples thoroughly: Make sure the apples break down into a soft puree for the perfect filling.
- Butter the bread generously: This ensures a crisp and golden crust.
- Overlap the bread slices: Overlapping helps keep the filling inside the bread casing.
- Turn out carefully: Let the Charlotte rest for a few minutes before turning it out to avoid any breakage.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Apple Charlotte
- Add berries: Mix in some blackberries or raspberries with the apples for a fruity twist.
- Spiced version: Add ground ginger or nutmeg along with the cinnamon for extra warmth.
- Use brioche bread: For a richer flavor, try using brioche instead of regular white bread.
- Vegan version: Use dairy-free butter and replace the bread with a vegan option.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Apple Charlotte
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze Apple Charlotte in portions. Wrap tightly in cling film and store for up to 3 months.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Apple Charlotte
- Oven reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave reheating: For quicker reheating, use the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
How Can I Make Mary Berry Apple Charlotte Healthier?
- Use whole-grain bread: For a healthier twist, use whole-grain bread instead of white.
- Reduce sugar: Cut down on sugar in the apple filling or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Use less butter: You can reduce the amount of butter used for brushing the bread to make it lighter.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
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Mary Berry Apple Charlotte Recipe
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Apple Charlotte is her classic take on the traditional British dessert, elevating it with her signature attention to texture and flavor. In this version, stewed apples are sweetened with sugar and enriched with butter, then wrapped in a golden, buttery bread shell. As it bakes, the bread absorbs the rich apple juices while becoming crisp and deliciously caramelized on the outside. It’s a comforting, timeless dessert that showcases Mary Berry’s knack for turning simple ingredients into something truly special.
Ingredients
- Cooking apples (Bramley or Granny Smith): 6 medium, peeled, cored, and sliced
- Bread: 8 slices of white bread, crusts removed
- Butter: 100g (divided in two)
- Sugar: 100g
- Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon (optional, for added warmth)
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon, to prevent apples from browning
- Apricot jam: 2 tablespoons, warmed (optional, for glazing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples. In a saucepan, melt half of the butter over medium heat, then add the apple slices, sugar, cinnamon (if using), and lemon juice. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the apples soften and break down into a thick puree.
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Take the crusts off the bread slices and flatten each slice with a rolling pin until thin. Melt the remaining butter and use a pastry brush to coat each slice of bread with melted butter.
- Line the Dish: Grease the inside of your ovenproof dish with butter. Line the bottom and sides with buttered bread slices, making sure they overlap slightly to prevent any gaps.
- Add the Apple Filling: Pour the cooked apple mixture into the bread-lined dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the top with more buttered bread slices, ensuring the filling is fully enclosed.
- Bake the Apple Charlotte: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crisp.
- Glaze and Serve: If desired, brush the top with warmed apricot jam for a glossy finish. Allow the Apple Charlotte to cool for 5 minutes before turning it out onto a serving plate. Serve warm, ideally with custard or cream.
Final Words
The Mary Berry Apple Charlotte is a simple, yet indulgent dessert that brings together buttery, crispy bread and soft, spiced apples in the most delicious way. Perfect for autumn or winter evenings, it’s a dessert that will warm you up and satisfy your sweet cravings. Try it with a dollop of custard or cream for an extra special treat!
