Mary Berry Baked Apples Recipe

These Mary Berry Baked Apples are a warm, comforting dessert filled with sweet fruit, spices, and a buttery crumble-style centre. They are soft, fragrant, and beautifully caramelised, making them ideal for cosy evenings, autumn gatherings, Sunday lunches, or festive dinners.

The recipe uses classic British flavours—apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter—and relies on a simple oven-baking method that requires very little preparation. Once baked, the apples become tender and juicy, releasing natural syrup that pairs perfectly with cream, custard, or ice cream.

What Are Mary Berry Baked Apples?

Mary Berry’s Baked Apples are whole apples cored and filled with a spiced, buttery mixture before being baked until tender. As they cook, the apples soften, the filling melts, and everything blends into a warm, fragrant dessert. The technique is simple, but the result feels homely, traditional, and deeply satisfying.

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Minimal preparation – The oven does most of the work.
• Family-friendly dessert – Loved by children and adults alike.
• Naturally wholesome – Uses fruit as the main ingredient.
• Budget-friendly – Ideal for affordable, comforting desserts.
• Flexible with fillings – You can customise spices and dried fruits.
• Perfect for holidays – A classic for Christmas, autumn, or winter dinners.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Baked Apples

• 4 large cooking apples (such as Bramley or Honeycrisp)
• 40g butter, softened
• 50g soft brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 40g sultanas or raisins
• 1 tablespoon chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds, optional)
• 4 tablespoons apple juice or water (for the baking dish)
• Optional: honey or golden syrup for drizzling

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Apple corer or small knife
• Small mixing bowl
• Baking dish
• Spoon for filling apples
• Foil (if covering during baking)
• Oven mitts

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Baked Apples

• Core the apples: Remove the centre of each apple, leaving the bottom intact to hold the filling.
• Make the filling: Mix butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, sultanas, and nuts in a small bowl.
• Stuff the apples: Spoon the mixture firmly into each apple cavity.
• Arrange in a baking dish: Place apples upright and pour apple juice into the dish to prevent drying.
• Bake in the oven: Cook until the apples are soft, and the filling is bubbling.
• Serve warm: Add cream, custard, or ice cream if desired.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Apples collapsed while baking – Switching to firmer apples like Honeycrisp solved this.
• Filling leaked out – Leaving a thicker bottom when coring prevented this issue.
• Apples dried out – Adding more liquid to the dish kept them moist.
• Filling tasted bland – Increasing cinnamon and adding raisins boosted flavour.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry’s Baked Apples

• Replace brown sugar with a small amount of honey or maple syrup.
• Use chopped nuts and oats instead of butter-heavy fillings.
• Add fresh berries for natural sweetness.
• Serve with Greek yoghurt instead of cream or ice cream.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Baked Apples

• Swap sultanas for dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots.
• Replace cinnamon with mixed spice or nutmeg for variety.
• Use pears instead of apples for a softer, fragrant variation.
• Substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free dessert.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Baked Apples

• Warm custard – Creates a classic, creamy pairing.
• Vanilla ice cream – Melts beautifully over the hot apples.
• Pouring cream – A light, smooth accompaniment.
• Cinnamon yoghurt – Adds freshness and balance.
• Caramel sauce drizzle – Enhances sweetness and richness.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Baked Apples

• Choose firm apples to help them keep their shape during baking.
• Core gently so the bottom remains intact and holds the filling.
• Pack the filling tightly to prevent air pockets.
• Add a little liquid to the baking dish to keep the apples moist.
• Cover with foil initially if the apples brown too quickly.
• Check doneness early—large apples can bake at different speeds.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and warmth.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Baked Apples

• Add oats to the filling for a crumble-style texture.
• Mix in dark chocolate chips for a decadent version.
• Use orange zest to brighten the flavour.
• Add a spoonful of jam inside each apple for extra sweetness.
• Fill with almond paste or marzipan for a festive twist.
• Top with crushed biscuits for extra crunch.

Storing Mary Berry Baked Apples the Right Way

• Store cooled apples in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Keep for up to 3 days without losing flavour.
• Refrigerate with some of the baking liquid so they stay moist.
• Freeze without filling leakage by wrapping individually in foil.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Baked Apples (If Needed)

Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10–12 minutes until warm throughout. If reheating in the microwave, heat in short intervals to avoid bursting the fruit. Add a splash of apple juice if the apples seem dry.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~210
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 7g
• Fibre: 4g
• Sugars: vary depending on filling

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FAQs

What type of apples work best for baked apples?

Firm varieties such as Bramley, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady work best because they hold their shape while softening inside. Softer apples like Gala may collapse during baking.

How do I stop baked apples from bursting in the oven?

Avoid cutting too close to the bottom when coring the apples. Leaving a thick base helps the fruit stay intact and prevents the filling from leaking out as it cooks.

Why are my baked apples dry instead of soft and juicy?

Dry apples usually mean not enough liquid was added to the baking dish. Pouring apple juice or water around the apples keeps them moist and allows steam to soften them evenly.

Can I prepare baked apples ahead of time?

Yes. You can core and fill the apples, then refrigerate them for up to 12 hours before baking. Brush the apple surfaces with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry Baked Apples are a timeless dessert that brings together warmth, spice, and comfort in every spoonful. With easy preparation, flexible ingredients, and a deliciously soft texture, this dessert is perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. Serve them warm, customize the filling, and enjoy a classic recipe that never disappoints.