Mary Berry Canterbury Tart Recipe

When it comes to baking a dessert with both tradition and flavor, Mary Berry’s Canterbury Tart utterly nails it!

This tart combines a rich pastry base with a creamy almond custard, topped with fresh apples and an apricot glaze.

My family loves how the buttery crust pairs with the tangy lemon-infused custard. It’s sowuu BRIT-ish!

An important tip is to keep the butter cold when preparing the pastry to ensure a perfectly flaky crust.

How to Make Mary Berry Canterbury Tart

Ingredients

• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup Butter (cold, cubed)
• 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 Egg (beaten)
• 1/4 cup Raspberry Jam
• 2/3 cup Ground Almonds
• 2/3 cup Icing Sugar
• 1 Lemon (zested)
• 2 Eggs
• 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
• 1/4 tsp Almond Extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch tart tin.

Prick the base with a fork and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Step 2:

Line the pastry with parchment paper, then fill with baking beans or pie weights.

Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and paper, and bake for another 5 minutes until golden.

Step 3:

Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the base of the tart.

Mix ground almonds, icing sugar, lemon zest, eggs, heavy cream, and almond extract to form the filling.

Step 4:

Pour the almond filling over the jam layer in the tart shell.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and lightly browned on top.

Step 5:

Let the tart cool before removing it from the tin.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Chill the Pastry

Chilling the pastry before baking helps it maintain its shape and avoid shrinking during baking.

Always line the tin carefully for best results.

Use Fresh Ingredients

Use fresh ground almonds and lemon zest for the best flavor in your tart.

The freshness truly enhances the overall taste.

Be Patient with Cooling

Let the tart cool completely before slicing.

This helps the filling set properly and ensures clean and neat slices when you serve it.

Balance Flavors

If you like more tanginess, you can add a bit more lemon zest.

Balance the lemon with the sweetness of the jam to suit your taste preferences.

What to Serve with Mary Berry’s Canterbury Tart

Classic Tea Pairing

You can’t go wrong with pairing Mary Berry’s Canterbury Tart with a cup of strong black tea or Earl Grey.

The rich flavors of the tart match perfectly with the comforting warmth and slight bitterness of the tea.

A splash of milk can add a creaminess that complements the tart’s texture beautifully.

Fresh Whipped Cream

One simple addition that pairs well with the tart is lightly whipped cream.

The smooth and slightly sweet cream contrasts nicely with the sharpness of the apples and the pastry’s sweetness.

You can even add a touch of vanilla to your cream for a fragrant touch.

Vanilla Ice Cream

For a bit of indulgence, serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside your tart.

Its cold and creamy texture is a wonderful contrast to the baked flavors and adds a refreshing element to the dish.

It’s an easy way to enhance the overall dessert experience.

Spiced Poached Pears

For something a bit different, try serving spiced poached pears with the tart.

The pears bring a warm and spicy element that pairs well with the tart’s fruitiness.

Simmer them in cinnamon and star anise for an aromatic surprise.

Roasted Pecans

Adding a side of roasted pecans gives a nutty, crunchy texture that plays off the buttery crust of the tart.

Their toasty flavor adds a savory contrast and additional depth to your dessert.

Lightly coat them in a touch of salt for further taste.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to try a new twist on Mary Berry’s Canterbury Tart?

Let’s explore some fun options to mix things up a bit!

Ingredients Swap

You can replace the apples with pears for a different fruity taste.

If you’re in the mood for something more tropical, consider using peaches or plums instead.

Each option brings a unique flavor to the tart!

Jam Choices

Switch out blackcurrant jam with raspberry or strawberry jam for a sweeter change.

Apricot jam also adds a lovely touch of tanginess.

The jam choice can really alter the overall taste of your tart.

Texture Tweaks

Try sprinkling a handful of chopped nuts over the filling for added crunch.

Toasted almonds or walnuts work particularly well with the creamy filling.

These small changes can enhance the tactile experience of each bite!

Flavor Boosters

For a hint of spice, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard.

A splash of almond extract can boost the nuttiness of the tart.

These small additions can transform the flavor profile dramatically.

How to Store Leftover Canterbury Tart

Refrigerator Storage

To keep your Canterbury Tart fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.

It should be kept in the refrigerator where it will remain tasty for around three to four days.

The cool temperature helps preserve the texture and flavor of the tart, so don’t skip this step.

Freezing for Longer Storage

If you need to keep the tart for longer than a few days, freezing is a great option.

Wrap the tart securely in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer.

This method keeps it safe for up to three months, ensuring you have a tasty treat available anytime.

Labeling and Organizing

When you store your tart in the fridge or freezer, label it with the date.

This helps you keep track of how long it’s been stored and organize your leftovers neatly.

Trust me, knowing how long it’s been kept makes enjoying your dessert stress-free!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Soggy Pastry Base

Make sure to bake your pastry blind before adding any filling.

This step stops the base from becoming soggy as it helps to cook the crust properly.

Overfilling with Jam

Avoid adding too much blackcurrant jam as tempting as it might be to add extra!

Too much jam can make the tart too sweet and might lead to overflowing during baking.

Uneven Apple Slices

Cut the apples into neat, even slices to ensure they cook evenly.

Uneven slices might result in some pieces being undercooked or overcooked, affecting the tart’s texture.