Mary Berry Christmas Chutney Recipe

This Mary Berry Christmas Chutney is a festive, richly flavored condiment that brings together dried fruits, warm spices, apples, and vinegar to create the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It’s ideal for holiday gatherings, cheese boards, gifting, and serving alongside roasted meats. With its deep, aromatic profile and simple stovetop method, this chutney is a must-make for the Christmas season.

What Is Mary Berry Christmas Chutney?

Mary Berry’s Christmas Chutney is a slow-cooked mixture of fruits, vinegar, sugar, and spices that transforms into a thick, glossy, and fragrant preserve. It’s sweet, tangy, slightly spiced, and pairs beautifully with festive dishes and cheese platters.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Christmas Red Cabbage
• Mary Berry Ruby Red Cabbage
• Mary Berry 4 Egg Pavlova
• Mary Berry Highland Pie

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Perfect for Christmas cheese boards and roast dinners.
• Long shelf-life, making it excellent for homemade gifts.
• Simple stovetop method with minimal prep.
• Balanced flavors—sweet, tangy, fruity, and warm.
• Flexible recipe that lets you use various dried fruits.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Christmas Chutney

• 500g apples, peeled and chopped
• 250g raisins or sultanas
• 150g dried cranberries
• 150g dried apricots, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 250g light brown sugar
• 300ml malt vinegar or cider vinegar
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp mixed spice
• ½ tsp salt
• Zest of 1 orange
• Juice of 1 orange

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Large saucepan or preserving pan
• Wooden spoon
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Sterilized jars with tight lids
• Heatproof funnel (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Christmas Chutney

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Chop apples, apricots, and onions. Measure dried fruits, spices, and vinegar.

Step 2: Combine in a Large Pan

Add apples, onion, raisins, cranberries, apricots, spices, sugar, orange zest, and orange juice to the pan.

Step 3: Add Vinegar and Mix Well

Pour in the vinegar and stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Bring to a Boil

Heat over medium-high until the mixture starts bubbling.

Step 5: Simmer Gently

Reduce heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring often, until thickened and glossy.

Step 6: Check Consistency

When the mixture holds its shape on a spoon and no excess liquid remains, it’s ready.

Step 7: Spoon Into Sterilized Jars

Fill warm, sterilized jars using a funnel. Seal while hot.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Let the chutney cool before storing it in a cool, dark place.

Step 9: Rest for Best Flavor

Allow at least one week for flavors to mature before serving.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Chutney too runny: Cooked longer until thickened.
• Overly sharp vinegar taste: Let jars mature for a week to mellow the flavor.
• Fruits sticking to the bottom: Stirred more frequently and lowered the heat.
• Chutney too sweet: Added extra vinegar and orange zest to balance.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Christmas Chutney

Use reduced sugar, swap brown sugar for coconut sugar, add extra apples for natural sweetness, and choose unsweetened dried fruits. You can also reduce salt and use cider vinegar for a lighter flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Christmas Chutney

• Raisins: Use sultanas or currants.
• Dried apricots: Swap with dried figs or dates.
• Brown sugar: Replace with demerara or coconut sugar.
• Malt vinegar: Use cider vinegar for a milder finish.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Christmas Chutney

• Cheddar cheese – Classic and tangy.
• Cold meats – Ham, turkey, or leftover roast beef.
• Crusty bread – Adds texture and warmth.
• Charcuterie boards – Complement cured meats.
• Roast chicken – Sweet and savory harmony.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Christmas Chutney

• Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent sticking.
• Stir frequently as the mixture thickens.
• Ensure proper sterilization for long shelf life.
• Let the chutney mature for a deeper flavor.
• Cut fruits evenly so they cook uniformly.
• Adjust spices carefully—too much can overpower.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Christmas Chutney

• Add chilli flakes for heat.
• Mix in chopped dates for richness.
• Use mixed dried berries for extra tartness.
• Add nuts like chopped walnuts when serving.
• Stir in a splash of port for festive depth.

Storing Mary Berry Christmas Chutney the Right Way

• Room temperature: Up to 6–12 months in sealed jars.
• Refrigerate after opening: Keeps 4–6 weeks.
• Store in a dark cupboard for the best quality.

How to Reheat Christmas Chutney (If Needed)

Chutney is typically served cold, but if warming:

• Stovetop: Heat gently on low for 2–3 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm for 10–15 seconds.
• Add a splash of water if it thickens too much.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: 135
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Sugar: 27g
• Fiber: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 80mg

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FAQs

Why did my Christmas chutney turn out too runny?

Chutney stays runny when it hasn’t simmered long enough. Keep cooking it uncovered until most of the liquid evaporates. The chutney is ready when you can drag a spoon across the bottom of the pan and the mixture holds its shape without liquid pooling.

How do I reduce the strong vinegar taste in chutney?

A sharp vinegar flavor softens as the chutney matures. Let the chutney rest in sealed jars for at least one week before serving. Adding a little extra sugar or orange zest also helps balance acidity.

Why is my Christmas chutney sticking to the bottom of the pan?

Sticking happens when the heat is too high or the mixture becomes thick. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir frequently, especially during the final 20 minutes of cooking.

Can I use different dried fruits for this chutney?

Yes, the recipe is very flexible. You can swap raisins for sultanas, apricots for dates, or cranberries for mixed dried berries. Just keep the overall weight of the dried fruits the same for proper consistency.

Wrapping It Up

This Mary Berry Christmas Chutney is festive, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. Its sweet, tangy, and warmly spiced blend makes it a standout addition to any holiday table.