Mary Berry Manchester Tart is a delightful dessert that combines a crisp pastry base with a luscious filling of raspberry jam, creamy custard, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut. This classic British treat is perfect for any occasion and is relatively simple to prepare, taking about an hour from start to finish. Its nostalgic flavors and appealing presentation make it a crowd-pleaser every time.
What is Mary Berry Manchester Tart Recipe
The Mary Berry Manchester Tart Recipe is a traditional English dessert that features layers of shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, and desiccated coconut. It’s a nostalgic dish, often evoking memories of school dinners and family gatherings.
Other Mary Berry Tart Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Classic British Dessert: A nostalgic treat that brings back childhood memories.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with easily accessible ingredients.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
- Versatile: Can be served warm or cold.
- Customizable: Easy to add your twist with different jams or toppings.
Ingredients Needed for Mary Berry Manchester Tart
For the Pastry:
- 1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup (225g) raspberry jam
- 2 cups (500ml) whole milk
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- ½ cup (50g) desiccated coconut, toasted
- 1 banana, sliced (optional)
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Manchester Tart
- Prepare the Pastry: Combine flour, butter, and sugar, then mix until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add egg yolk and water to form a dough.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll Out the Pastry: Roll the dough to fit a 9-inch tart tin, then trim the edges.
- Blind Bake: Line with parchment paper, add baking beans, and bake for 15 minutes. Remove beans and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Spread the Jam: Evenly spread the raspberry jam over the cooled pastry base.
- Make the Custard: Heat milk and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks, then combine with milk and cook until thickened.
- Pour the Custard: Pour the custard over the jam layer and smooth the surface.
- Toast the Coconut: Sprinkle toasted coconut over the custard layer.
- Chill the Tart: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Manchester Tart
- Fresh Berries: Serve with a mix of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the tart’s richness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Adds a creamy contrast to the tart flavors.
- Hot Tea or Coffee: Perfect beverage pairings to balance the sweetness.
- Custard Sauce: Drizzle additional custard sauce for extra indulgence.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Manchester Tart
- Chill the Pastry Dough: Ensures a crisp, flaky crust.
- Use High-Quality Jam: Enhances the overall flavor of the tart.
- Cook Custard Gently: Prevents curdling and ensures a smooth texture.
- Toast the Coconut: Add a nutty, aromatic layer to the tart.
- Refrigerate Before Serving: Helps set the layers properly.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensures the best taste and texture.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Manchester Tart
- Different Jams: Try strawberry, apricot, or blackcurrant jam.
- Chocolate Layer: Add a thin layer of melted chocolate between the jam and custard.
- Nut Topping: Sprinkle chopped almonds or hazelnuts instead of coconut.
- Citrus Twist: Add lemon or orange zest to the custard.
- Berry Mix: Use a mix of berry jams for a unique flavor.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Manchester Tart Recipe
- Refrigerate Promptly: Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Cover with Plastic Wrap: Prevents the tart from drying out.
- Consume Within 3 Days: Ensures freshness and optimal flavor.
- Freeze Portions: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Label and Date: Helps keep track of storage time.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Manchester Tart Recipe
- Room Temperature: Allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
- Oven Method: Reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Avoid Microwave: This can cause the custard to become rubbery.
- Serve Chilled: This tart can also be enjoyed straight from the fridge.
- Garnish Freshly: Add fresh toppings after reheating.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugars: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
What type of pastry is used for Mary Berry Manchester Tart?
The Mary Berry Manchester Tart uses a shortcrust pastry as its base. This type of pastry is ideal for its crisp texture, providing a sturdy foundation that perfectly complements the creamy custard and raspberry jam layers.
How do you prevent the custard from curdling?
To prevent the custard from curdling, cook it over medium-low heat and stir constantly. Gradually combining the hot milk with the egg mixture also helps to avoid sudden temperature changes, ensuring a smooth and creamy custard.
Can you make Mary Berry Manchester Tart in advance?
Yes, you can make Mary Berry Manchester Tart in advance. Prepare the tart and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. This makes it a convenient option for parties and gatherings, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time.
What is the best way to toast the coconut for the topping?
The best way to toast the coconut for the topping is to spread it evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even toasting, and remove from the oven once it turns golden brown. Let it cool before sprinkling over the tart.
What is Manchester Tart made of?
Manchester Tart is made of several key ingredients: a shortcrust pastry base, a layer of raspberry jam, creamy homemade custard, and a topping of toasted desiccated coconut. Some variations may include a layer of sliced bananas under the custard for added flavor.
Final Words
Mary Berry Manchester Tart is a timeless dessert that brings a touch of British charm to your table. With its layers of crisp pastry, sweet jam, creamy custard, and toasted coconut, it’s a treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a casual get-together, this tart is guaranteed to be a hit. Happy baking!
Other Popular Baking Recipes
- Nigella Rhubarb Tart
- Mary Berry’s Portuguese Custard Tarts
- Nigella Plum Tarte Tatin
- Nigella Lawson Portuguese Custard Tarts
Mary Berry Manchester Tart
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
The Mary Berry Manchester Tart Recipe is a traditional English dessert that features layers of shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, and desiccated coconut. It’s a nostalgic dish, often evoking memories of school dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup (225g) raspberry jam
- 2 cups (500ml) whole milk
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- ½ cup (50g) desiccated coconut, toasted
- 1 banana, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry: Combine flour, butter, and sugar, then mix until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add egg yolk and water to form a dough.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll Out the Pastry: Roll the dough to fit a 9-inch tart tin, then trim the edges.
- Blind Bake: Line with parchment paper, add baking beans, and bake for 15 minutes. Remove beans and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Spread the Jam: Evenly spread the raspberry jam over the cooled pastry base.
- Make the Custard: Heat milk and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks, then combine with milk and cook until thickened.
- Pour the Custard: Pour the custard over the jam layer and smooth the surface.
- Toast the Coconut: Sprinkle toasted coconut over the custard layer.
- Chill the Tart: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
