Mary Berry Apple Crumble Recipe

The Mary Berry Apple Crumble is a timeless British dessert loved for its perfect balance of sweet, tangy apples and buttery, golden topping. It’s one of those simple, comforting puddings that fills your kitchen with a warm aroma and brings everyone to the table.

With a crisp crumble layer and tender baked apples underneath, this classic dish is ideal for Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or cozy evenings at home. Serve it with custard, cream, or ice cream for the ultimate treat.

What Is Mary Berry Apple Crumble?

Mary Berry’s Apple Crumble is a traditional British dessert made with sliced apples baked beneath a crumbly mixture of butter, flour, and sugar. The apples turn soft and slightly caramelized while the topping bakes to a light golden crisp. Mary’s version is simple yet delivers the perfect texture—crumbly on top and soft beneath, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry All-in-One Chocolate Cake
• Mary Berry Pineapple Upside Down Cake
• Mary Berry Flapjacks
• Mary Berry Carrot Cake Traybake

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Simple ingredients – All made from basic pantry staples.
• Quick to prepare – Minimal effort, maximum flavor.
• Comfort food classic – Perfect for cool evenings and family meals.
• Versatile – Works with many types of fruit beyond apples.
• Easy to scale – Great for both small servings or crowd-sized portions.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Apple Crumble

For the apple filling:

• Cooking apples – 900g (about 4 large, peeled, cored, and sliced)
• Caster sugar – 75g (adjust to taste)
• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
• Ground cinnamon – ½ tsp (optional but recommended)

For the crumble topping:

• Plain flour – 175g
• Butter – 110g (cold and diced)
• Light brown sugar – 75g
• Rolled oats – 25g (optional, for extra crunch)

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Medium ovenproof baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry blender or fingertips for rubbing in butter
• Measuring scale and spoons
• Oven mitts
• Serving spoon

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Apple Crumble

Step 1: Preheat and prepare apples

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F. Peel, core, and slice the apples evenly. Toss them with sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a bowl, then transfer to your baking dish.

Step 2: Make the crumble topping

In a large bowl, add flour and butter. Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in brown sugar and rolled oats if using.

Step 3: Assemble the crumble

Evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture over the apple layer. Do not press it down; leaving it loose creates that lovely crumbly texture.

Step 4: Bake until golden

Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling at the edges.

Step 5: Serve warm

Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with warm custard, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic finish.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Apples turned mushy – Used firm cooking apples like Bramley or Granny Smith next time.
• Crumble too dry – Added an extra tablespoon of butter for a richer texture.
• Topping sank into apples – Made sure apples weren’t too wet before topping.
• Undercooked base – Covered loosely with foil halfway through to prevent over-browning while apples softened.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry’s Apple Crumble

• Use half the sugar or replace it with maple syrup or honey.
• Swap plain flour for wholemeal flour for added fiber.
• Use olive oil spread instead of butter for a lighter version.
• Add nuts or seeds for healthy fats and crunch.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Apple Crumble

• Apples – Try pears, plums, or a mix of apples and blackberries.
• Butter – Substitute with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine.
• Brown sugar – Use coconut sugar or light muscovado sugar.
• Flour – A gluten-free all-purpose blend works well, too.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Apple Crumble

• Warm custard – Classic and creamy, a perfect pairing.
• Vanilla ice cream – Cold and smooth against the warm crumble.
• Whipped cream – Light and airy for balance.
• Caramel drizzle – Adds extra sweetness and depth.
• Greek yogurt – A tangy alternative to balance the sweetness.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Apple Crumble

• Use firm apples – They hold shape and prevent a mushy filling.
• Keep butter cold – Cold butter creates a crispier crumble.
• Don’t overmix the topping – You want small, uneven crumbs for texture.
• Adjust sweetness – Taste your apples before adding sugar; some varieties are sweeter.
• Let it rest – Cooling for 10 minutes helps the juices thicken.
• Add oats or nuts – For extra texture and flavor.
• Serve warm, not hot – Enhances flavor and allows topping to set slightly.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Apple Crumble

• Add berries – Mix blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a fruity twist.
• Nutty crumble – Add crushed almonds, walnuts, or pecans to the topping.
• Spiced version – Add nutmeg, cloves, or ginger for extra warmth.
• Caramel apple crumble – Drizzle caramel sauce over apples before baking.
• Crumble bars – Press some of the crumble mixture at the base and bake for handheld treats.
• Mini portions – Make individual servings in ramekins for a dinner party dessert.

Storing Mary Berry Apple Crumble the Right Way

• Room temperature – Keeps well for up to 24 hours covered.
• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze – Freeze baked crumble for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat before serving.
• Avoid moisture – Keep covered to maintain the crisp topping.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Apple Crumble (If Needed)

• Oven method – Warm at 160°C (320°F) for 10–15 minutes until hot and crisp.
• Microwave method – Heat a single portion for 40–50 seconds (topping may soften).
• From frozen – Thaw overnight, then reheat gently in the oven until warmed through.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Sugars: 27g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 4g

Print

FAQs

How do I stop the crumble topping from becoming soggy?

To keep your crumble topping crisp, avoid overloading the apple layer with juice. Use firm cooking apples and sprinkle a little flour or oats over the fruit before adding the topping. Bake uncovered so the topping can brown and stay crunchy.

Why is my apple crumble too dry after baking?

A dry crumble usually means not enough butter was rubbed into the flour or it baked for too long. Make sure the topping resembles coarse breadcrumbs before baking and remove it once golden brown to maintain moisture in the fruit.

Can I prepare Mary Berry’s apple crumble in advance?

Yes, you can assemble it a few hours ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake. If you want to make it a day early, bake it completely, let it cool, and reheat in the oven before serving to restore the topping’s crispness.

Should I cook the apples before baking the crumble?

No, there’s no need to pre-cook the apples for this recipe. The apples soften naturally during baking, creating a tender filling with a hint of bite. Just slice them evenly to ensure they cook through at the same rate.

Wrapping It Up

The Mary Berry Apple Crumble is comfort food at its finest—warm, buttery, and perfectly balanced with tender apples and a crunchy topping. It’s easy to prepare, easy to love, and endlessly customizable.