## Mary Berry’s Speedy Apple & Pear Tart: A Festive Delight Ready in Under an Hour!
This holiday season, impress your guests with a delicious dessert that’s surprisingly quick and easy to make. Mary Berry’s apple and pear tart is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for winter gatherings or any special occasion. The secret? Ready-made puff pastry! This shortcut allows you to create a stunning, impressive tart in under an hour, leaving you more time to enjoy your celebration.
The recipe itself is straightforward, even for novice bakers. Mary Berry’s instructions are designed for simplicity and speed, ensuring a stress-free baking experience. The tart’s delightful combination of sweet apples and pears, complemented by tangy lemon curd, creates a flavor profile that’s both sophisticated and comforting. The golden-brown puff pastry provides the perfect textural contrast, adding a satisfying crunch to the soft fruit filling.
Why this recipe is perfect for busy hosts:
*
Speed:
The entire process, from start to finish, takes less than an hour.*
Prep Ahead:
Assemble the tart up to three hours before baking, allowing you to focus on other preparations for your event.*
Simplicity:
Utilizing ready-made puff pastry eliminates the need for time-consuming pastry making.*
Impressive Presentation:
This tart is visually stunning, making it a centerpiece-worthy dessert.*
Serves Six:
Perfect for smaller gatherings or as a delightful treat for a family dinner.Ingredients:
* 200g Bramley apples, peeled, cored, and roughly diced (Bramley apples provide the perfect tartness, but other cooking apples can be substituted)
* Two ripe pears, peeled, cored, and roughly diced (Conference or similar pears work well)
* Four heaped tablespoons of lemon curd (adds a zesty tang that balances the sweetness of the fruit)
* 500g ready-made puff pastry (look for high-quality puff pastry for the best results)
* One free-range egg, beaten (for egg wash, ensuring a beautiful golden-brown finish)
* 30g demerara sugar (provides a lovely caramelisation and sweetness)
Method:
1.
Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 220°C/200°C Fan. Place a baking tray in the oven to heat while it preheats; this will create a crispier base.2.
Combine Fruit & Curd:
In a bowl, gently mix the diced apples and pears with the lemon curd, ensuring the fruit is evenly coated.3.
Roll & Shape:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a 33cm circle. Carefully transfer it to a sheet of baking paper.4.
Assemble the Tart:
Mound the apple and pear mixture in the center of the pastry, leaving a 7.5cm border. Brush the pastry edge with the beaten egg.5.
Create the Crust:
Fold the pastry edge over the filling, twisting and crimping to create a decorative border. Ensure a secure seal to prevent leakage.6.
Egg Wash & Sugar:
Brush the entire crust with the remaining beaten egg, then sprinkle generously with demerara sugar. This adds both visual appeal and a delicious crunch.7.
Bake to Perfection:
Carefully transfer the tart (on the baking paper) to the hot baking tray in the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.8.
Serve & Enjoy:
Once cooled slightly, dust with icing sugar and serve warm, either on its own or with a dollop of cream or ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.This Mary Berry recipe is more than just a tart; it’s a shortcut to festive baking success. Enjoy the compliments (and the delicious dessert!)
