Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart Recipe

The Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart is a decadent and elegant dessert that combines the rich, caramelized flavors of butterscotch with a buttery shortcrust pastry. This tart features a smooth butterscotch filling that sets beautifully in a crisp tart shell, making it perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of tea. Simple to prepare yet impressively delicious, this recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover.

What is Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart?

Mary Berry’s Butterscotch Tart is a classic British dessert consisting of a buttery shortcrust pastry filled with a luscious butterscotch mixture. The filling is made by caramelizing sugar with butter and cream, resulting in a rich and creamy texture that contrasts perfectly with the crisp pastry shell. Often garnished with a sprinkle of sea salt or a dollop of whipped cream, this tart is both visually stunning and irresistibly tasty.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Banana Muffins
• Mary Berry Egg Custard Tart
• Mary Berry Salted Caramel Traybake

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Rich and Decadent: The butterscotch filling offers a deep, caramelized flavor that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Elegant Presentation: The tart’s polished appearance makes it perfect for serving at special occasions.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
• Versatile: Customize the tart with various toppings like sea salt, nuts, or whipped cream to suit your taste.
• Perfect Pairing: Pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart

For the Shortcrust Pastry:

• Plain flour: 250g (9 oz), sifted, for a tender crust.
• Butter: 125g (4.4 oz), cold and cubed, for a rich, flaky texture.
• Caster sugar: 50g (1.75 oz), for sweetness.
• Egg yolk: 1, to bind the dough.
• Cold water: 2-3 tablespoons, to bring the dough together.
• Pinch of salt: To enhance the flavor.

For the Butterscotch Filling:

• Caster sugar: 200g (7 oz), for the caramel base.
• Butter: 100g (3.5 oz), unsalted, for richness.
• Double cream: 200ml (7 fl oz), to create a smooth filling.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for added flavor.
• Pinch of sea salt (optional): To balance the sweetness.

Equipment

• Tart tin: 23cm (9-inch) tart tin with a removable base.
• Mixing bowls: For preparing the pastry and filling.
• Rolling pin: To roll out the pastry dough.
• Saucepan: For making the butterscotch filling.
• Whisk: To mix the ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: For stirring and spreading the filling.
• Baking parchment: To line the tart tin.
• Pastry brush: For brushing the pastry with egg wash.

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart

1. Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, caster sugar, and a pinch of salt.
2. Rub in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
3. Add Egg Yolk and Water: Make a well in the center of the mixture and add the egg yolk and cold water, one tablespoon at a time. Mix gently until the dough begins to come together.
4. Form the Dough: Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disc, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4.

3. Roll Out the Pastry

1. Roll the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to fit a 23cm (9-inch) tart tin. Ensure the dough is slightly larger than the tin.
2. Line the Tart Tin: Carefully transfer the rolled pastry into the tart tin, pressing it into the edges and trimming any excess. Use a fork to prick the base lightly.

4. Blind Bake the Pastry

1. Prepare for Blind Baking: Line the pastry with baking parchment and fill it with baking beans or rice.
2. Bake the Crust: Place the tart tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment and beans, then bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.

5. Make the Butterscotch Filling

1. Caramelize the Sugar: In a saucepan, heat the caster sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts into a smooth, amber-colored caramel.
2. Add Butter: Carefully add the butter to the caramel and stir until fully melted and combined.
3. Incorporate Cream: Gradually pour in the double cream while stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble up, so proceed with caution.
4. Add Vanilla and Salt: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt if using. Mix until smooth.
5. Cool Slightly: Allow the butterscotch filling to cool slightly before pouring it into the blind-baked tart shell.

6. Assemble and Bake the Tart

1. Pour the Filling: Carefully pour the warm butterscotch mixture into the prepared tart shell, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake the Tart: Return the tart to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges.
3. Cool: Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool completely in the tin on a wire rack.

7. Serve the Tart

1. Remove from Tin: Once cooled, carefully remove the tart from the tin.
2. Slice and Serve: Slice the butterscotch tart and serve it as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart

• Whipped Cream: Adds a light and airy contrast to the rich tart.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm, creamy filling.
• Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing tartness.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle extra caramel sauce for an indulgent touch.
• Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the sweetness of the butterscotch.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Good-quality butter and cream make a noticeable difference in the richness of the filling.
• Prevent Overcooking: Keep a close eye on the butterscotch filling to prevent it from burning. Remove it from heat as soon as it reaches a smooth consistency.
• Chill the Pastry: Ensure the pastry dough is well-chilled before rolling to achieve a flaky texture.
• Blind Bake Thoroughly: Properly blind baking the crust prevents it from becoming soggy once the filling is added.
• Allow to Cool Completely: Let the tart cool fully before slicing to ensure the filling sets properly.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart

• Chocolate Butterscotch Tart: Add a layer of melted chocolate on top of the butterscotch filling before baking for a chocolatey twist.
• Nutty Butterscotch Tart: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the filling for added crunch.
• Butterscotch and Banana Tart: Layer sliced bananas over the filling before baking for a fruity addition.
• Spiced Butterscotch Tart: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the butterscotch filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Fruit-Topped Tart: Arrange fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears on top of the baked tart for a beautiful presentation.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart

• Refrigeration: Store the tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The tart can be served chilled or at room temperature.
• Freezing: The tart can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Room Temperature: If you prefer, you can store the tart at room temperature for up to 2 days, especially if it’s not too warm.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart

• Oven: Reheat individual slices in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 5 minutes to enjoy them warm and the pastry crispy.
• Microwave: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a quick treat. Be careful not to overheat, as the filling can become too soft.
• Room Temperature: Allow the tart to come to room temperature for a softer filling and crumbly pastry.

How Can I Make Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart Healthier?

• Reduce Sugar: Cut down the amount of caster sugar in the filling or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
• Whole Wheat Pastry: Use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream instead of double cream to make the tart dairy-free.
• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts into the filling for added protein and healthy fats.
• Portion Control: Make smaller tart sizes to enjoy the rich flavors without overindulging.

Nutrition Value (per slice)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Sugar: 25g
• Fiber: 2g

FAQs

Can I freeze Mary Berry’s butterscotch tart?

Yes, you can freeze Mary Berry’s butterscotch tart. Wrap the slices individually in cling film and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.

Why is my butterscotch tart filling too runny?

A runny filling can result from not cooking the butterscotch mixture long enough or adding too much cream. Ensure you simmer the filling until it thickens to a smooth, pourable consistency. Measuring ingredients accurately also helps achieve the right texture.

Can I make butterscotch tart without double cream?

Yes, you can substitute double cream with heavy cream or a combination of milk and cream to achieve a similar consistency. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but the filling may be less rich.

How long do Mary Berry butterscotch tarts stay fresh?

Mary Berry butterscotch tarts can stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature if stored in an airtight container. Refrigerating the tart extends its freshness to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the tart for up to 2 months.

Final Words

The Mary Berry Butterscotch Tart is a luxurious and satisfying dessert that beautifully showcases the rich flavors of butterscotch within a crisp pastry shell. Its elegant presentation and irresistible taste make it a standout choice for any dessert table. Serve it at a special gathering or enjoy a slice as a personal treat, and delight in its deep, caramelized flavors and smooth, creamy filling.

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