Apple charlotte recipe mary berry

Apple Charlotte Recipe Mary Berry

I. Introduction

Mary Berry is a well-known figure in British cooking. She has inspired many home cooks with her easy and tasty recipes. As a famous chef and TV star, she greatly shapes modern British food. One of her favorite desserts is Apple Charlotte. This warm and comforting dish mixes sweet apples with bread. The recipe shows how cozy and classic traditional British desserts can be. It also includes some fun facts, nutritional information, and a vegan version for those with different dietary needs.

II. Mary Berry’s Unique Approach & Historical Context

Mary Berry is known for using great ingredients. In her Apple Charlotte recipe, she focuses on using fresh, seasonal apples, which are important for getting the best flavor and texture. Apple Charlotte dates back to the early 1800s and is believed to have started in England. It is named after Queen Charlotte, who was married to King George III. Over the years, it has become a favorite dessert in many British homes.

Mary Berry’s recipe respects the traditional roots of Apple Charlotte while adding her personal touch. She often incorporates techniques that enhance the dish’s flavor, such as caramelizing the apples and using a light sponge or brioche for the crust instead of standard bread. This approach not only honors the dish’s history but also makes it accessible and enjoyable for modern palates.

III. Notices on Ingredients & Equipment

Ingredients

Cooking Apples: 1kg (such as Bramley or Granny Smith, peeled and chopped)
Butter: 75g (for greasing and cooking the apples)
Granulated Sugar: 100g (plus extra for sprinkling)
Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (optional, for flavor)
Thick White Bread: 8 slices (preferably day-old)
Eggs: 3 large (beaten)
Milk: 150ml
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (optional)

Equipment

Large saucepan
Wooden spoon
20cm round cake tin or pudding basin
Mixing bowl
Cling film
Whisk

IV. Recipe Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients, ensuring the apples are peeled and chopped. Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan oven) or 200°C (conventional).

Cook the Apples: In a large saucepan, melt 75g of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped apples, 100g of sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and slightly caramelized. After this, Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Prepare the Bread: While the apples cool, trim the crusts off the slices. After this, Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice slightly. Grease the cake tin or pudding basin with butter.

Line the Tin: Line the bottom and sides of the tin with the flattened bread slices, overlapping them slightly to ensure there are no gaps. Ensure that the bread comes up above the edge of the tin.

Combine the Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the cooled apples and stir to combine.

Fill the Tin: Pour the apple mixture into the lined tin, pressing down gently. Fold the overhanging bread over the top of the apples to cover them.

Bake: Cover the tin with cling film and bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Remove the cling film for the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up.

Serve:
Once baked, allow the Apple Charlotte to cool for a few minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. Serve warm with custard or cream.

V. Flavor Profile & Nutritional Information

The Apple Charlotte features a delightful combination of sweet, caramelized apples enveloped in soft, buttery bread. The addition of cinnamon enhances the warmth of the dish, making it a comforting dessert.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving, based on approximately 8 servings):

Calories: 220
Fat: 8g
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Sugar: 10g
Fiber: 2g

(Note: Nutritional information may vary based on which specific ingredient brands and measurements.)

VI. Tips for a Perfect Apple Charlotte

Troubleshooting Common Issues: If your Apple Charlotte is too soggy, ensure the apples are cooked until just tender and allow any excess moisture to evaporate before filling the tin.
Enhancing Flavor and Texture: Consider adding a handful of raisins or currants to the apple mixture for added sweetness and texture.
Suggesting Variations: Experiment with spices such as nutmeg or allspice for a unique flavor twist. You can also use different types of apples for varied sweetness and tartness.

VII. Alternative Recipes