Mary Berry Apple Sauce Recipe

Mary Berry Apple Sauce is a smooth, gently sweetened, and lightly spiced condiment that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or simple desserts. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires only a handful of ingredients, and delivers a fresh apple flavour that tastes far better than anything from a jar. With its silky texture and warm aroma, this sauce adds a comforting touch to Sunday roasts, festive meals, and everyday dishes.

It also stores well, making it a handy recipe to batch-prep and enjoy throughout the week.

What Is Mary Berry Apple Sauce?

Mary Berry Apple Sauce is a classic British-style purée made by simmering apples with sugar, butter, and a little liquid until they soften into a smooth, fragrant sauce.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Sweet Shortcrust Pastry
• Mary Berry Mincemeat Cake
• Mary Berry Plum Tarte Tatin
• Mary Berry White Sauce

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Naturally sweet flavour – Fresh apples give a bright, crisp taste.
• Quick to prepare – Ready in less than 20 minutes.
• Perfect with roast meats – Especially pork dishes.
• No additives – Just clean, wholesome ingredients.
• Great for batch cooking – Freezer-friendly and long-lasting.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Apple Sauce

• 4 large Bramley apples, peeled, cored, and chopped – Softens into a silky purée.
• 25g unsalted butter – Adds richness and smooth texture.
• 2 tablespoons caster sugar – Sweetens the sauce gently.
• 3 tablespoons water or apple juice – Helps the apples break down.
• Pinch of cinnamon (optional) – Adds mild warmth.
• Squeeze of lemon juice – Balances sweetness.

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Medium saucepan – For gentle simmering.
• Wooden spoon – Helps stir without mashing prematurely.
• Sharp knife – For prepping apples.
• Peeler – Speeds up preparation.
• Stick blender or potato masher – Depending on smooth or chunky preference.

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

Step 1 — Prepare the apples

Peel, core, and chop the apples into evenly sized pieces to help them cook at the same rate.

Step 2 — Add ingredients to the pan

Place apples, butter, sugar, and water or apple juice into the saucepan.

Step 3 — Simmer until soft

Cover and cook on low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples collapse.

Step 4 — Blend or mash

Purée with a stick blender for a smooth sauce, or mash by hand for a rustic texture.

Step 5 — Adjust flavour

Add lemon juice and cinnamon if using, then taste and adjust sweetness as needed.

Step 6 — Serve warm or chilled

Enjoy immediately or allow to cool before storing.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Sauce too thick – Adding extra water loosened it perfectly.
• Too sharp in flavour – A little more sugar balanced the tartness.
• Apple’s browning during prep – Tossing with lemon juice kept the colour bright.
• Overcooked apples – Lower heat prevented burning at the bottom.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Apple Sauce

• Reduce sugar or omit completely for a natural version.
• Swap butter with a small drizzle of olive oil.
• Add peeled pears for a sweeter, fibre-rich blend.
• Use apple juice instead of sugar for natural sweetness.
• Keep the sauce slightly chunky to retain more nutrients.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Apple Sauce

• Replace Bramley apples with Granny Smith for tang or Gala for sweetness.
• Use brown sugar for a deeper flavour.
• Add nutmeg instead of cinnamon for warmth.
• Swap butter with plant-based spread to keep it dairy-free.
• Replace water with cider for a stronger apple aroma.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Apple Sauce

• Roast pork – The classic combination.
• Pork chops – Complements savoury seasoning.
• Roast chicken – Adds sweetness to mild meat.
• Yoghurt or porridge – Turns it into a simple breakfast.
• Pancakes or waffles – A fruity topping alternative.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Apple Sauce

• Choose cooking apples for smooth results.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Blend while warm for the smoothest texture.
• Taste before sweetening since apples vary.
• Add cinnamon sparingly to keep the flavour balanced.
• Cool fully before freezing.
• Use fresh apples for the best aroma.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Apple Sauce

• Add vanilla for a dessert-like flavour.
• Stir in cloves for a spiced version.
• Mix in berries for colour and sweetness.
• Add maple syrup for a caramel-like finish.
• Stir in raisins for a chunkier sauce.

Storing Mary Berry Apple Sauce the Right Way

• Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
• Divide into small portions for easy reheating.
• Keep covered to prevent flavour absorption.
• Defrost overnight for the best texture.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Apple Sauce (If Needed)

• Warm on the stovetop over low heat.
• Microwave in short bursts, stirring between each.
• Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~95
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Fibre: 2g
• Sugar: 16g

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FAQs

How do I stop my apple sauce from turning too brown?

Apples darken when exposed to air, so adding a small squeeze of lemon juice right after chopping helps keep the colour light. Cooking the apples gently with the lid on also protects their brightness.

Why is my apple sauce too watery?

Excess liquid comes from using apples with high moisture. Simmer the sauce uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow the liquid to reduce, or blend it slightly longer to thicken the texture.

Can I make apple sauce smooth without a blender?

Yes, a potato masher works well. Cook the apples until they are very soft, then mash thoroughly. For an even smoother finish, push the sauce through a fine sieve.

How do I make apple sauce sweeter without adding more sugar?

Choose naturally sweet apples like Gala or Golden Delicious, or replace some water with apple juice. Both options increase sweetness without extra granulated sugar.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry Apple Sauce is a simple, wholesome recipe that adds a warm, comforting touch to a wide range of dishes. With its smooth texture and fresh apple flavour, it’s a versatile condiment that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Follow the steps above for a reliable result every time.