Discover Mary Berry’s Timeless Canterbury Tart Recipe

Canterbury tart, a beloved British delicacy, weaves magic through its simple yet enchanting composition.

This classic dessert whispers tales of generations past, nestled in tender, golden pastry.

Soft butter melts into a symphony of flavors that pirouette across taste buds with graceful ease.

Home bakers have long cherished this recipe as a culinary heirloom, passing down its delectable secrets.

Subtle nuances of traditional ingredients create a mosaic of comfort and nostalgia.

Regional baking wisdom breathes life into every crumbly, delightful bite.

Check out this timeless treat and let its delicate charm sweep you into a world of sweet, delicious memories.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 340 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients in Mary Berry’s Traditional Canterbury Tart

• All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for a more natural flavor and robust texture.
• Butter: Select high-quality, cold unsalted butter for a flakier pastry crust.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt to enhance the pastry's overall taste.

• Blackcurrant Jam: Look for a preserves with minimal additives and intense fruit flavor.
• Apples: Select firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith for perfect slicing and balanced sweetness.

• Eggs: Fresh, room-temperature eggs ensure smoother mixing and better integration.
• Sugar: Opt for fine granulated sugar for a silky smooth filling texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla extract for a richer, more authentic flavor profile.
• Ground Almonds: Select finely ground, fresh almonds for maximum nutty richness.
• Melted Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of the filling.

Baking Equipment for Mary Berry Canterbury Tart

• Mixing bowl: Medium-sized bowl for combining almond filling ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending eggs, sugar, and other filling components smoothly.
• Fork: Used for pricking pastry base before chilling.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out pastry evenly on a floured surface.
• 23cm (9-inch) tart tin: Specific pan for creating the perfect tart shape.
• Baking paper: Provides protection during blind baking process.
• Baking beans: Helps maintain pastry shape during initial baking.
• Knife: Useful for slicing apples thinly and evenly.
• Cooling rack: Allows tart to cool completely after baking.
• Oven: Primary cooking equipment for baking the tart.
• Measuring cups/spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Make Mary Berry’s Canterbury Tart

• Warm Up the Oven (Prepare)

Crank the oven to 190°C, setting the rack right in the middle for perfect baking vibes.

• Craft the Pastry Base (Create)

Roll out the pastry on a lightly dusted surface, gently draping it into a tart tin. Poke tiny holes with a fork and chill for half an hour to firm things up.

• Bake the Crust (Transform)

Cover the chilled pastry with baking paper and weight it down with baking beans. Bake for 15 minutes to set the foundation. Peek inside and remove the paper and beans, then pop back in for 5 more minutes until it turns a gorgeous golden hue. Let it cool completely.

• Layer the Flavor (Build)

Spread a luscious layer of blackcurrant jam across the cooled crust. Artfully arrange thin apple slices in a beautiful pattern that catches the eye.

• Mix the Almond Magic (Combine)

Whisk eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and ground almonds until the mixture becomes silky smooth and gloriously combined.

• Bake to Perfection (Complete)

Pour the almond mixture over the apple slices, making sure every inch is covered. Slide into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling sets and turns a stunning golden-brown.

• Serve and Savor (Enjoy)

Let the tart cool completely, allowing the filling to set just right. Slice and indulge in this heavenly blend of sweet jam, tender apples, and nutty almond goodness.

Ways to Tweak Traditional Canterbury Tart

Transform the classic recipe with these delightful tips and creative twists.

Replace blackcurrant jam with raspberry, apricot, or homemade marmalade for a personalized touch. Each variation brings a unique sweetness and character to the tart.

Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or chopped pistachios on top before baking to add crunch and extra nutty depth. These golden-brown additions provide a delicious textural contrast.

Substitute regular pastry with almond or gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions. The rich almond filling naturally supports this adaptation without compromising taste.

Use individual tartlet pans to craft cute personal-sized desserts perfect for dinner parties or afternoon tea. Smaller portions allow for elegant individual presentations that look professionally made.

Serving Mary Berry’s Classic Canterbury Tart

• Savor Solo Style: Enjoy this elegant tart as a standalone dessert with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea, letting the subtle almond and fruity notes complement each other perfectly.
• Dress Up the Slice: Garnish each serving with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to enhance the tart's subtle sweetness and add a creamy contrast.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the tart's rich almond and apple flavors with a chilled glass of sweet Riesling or a crisp Moscato, which will highlight the dessert's delicate fruit undertones.
• Create a Brunch Centerpiece: Present the tart as a stunning finale to a weekend brunch, slicing it carefully and arranging the pieces on a beautiful ceramic platter to impress your guests with its rustic elegance.

How to Store Leftovers from the Canterbury Tart

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store the tart in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, keeping its delicate texture and rich flavors intact.
• Refrigerate for Extended Enjoyment: Wrap the tart carefully in plastic wrap or place in a sealed container, lasting up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste experience.
• Freeze for Future Delight: Slice the tart into individual portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month, preserving its delectable almond and fruit essence. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Serving Temperature Perfection: Let the tart sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes after refrigerating or freezing. This gentle warming helps restore the tart's original texture and brings out the nuanced flavors of almonds, apples, and blackcurrant jam.

Gorgeous Canterbury Tart Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful mary berry’s traditional Canterbury tart showcases England’s rich culinary heritage with a buttery pastry shell filled with sweet, tangy lemon curd. Elegant simplicity makes this dessert perfect for afternoon tea or special gatherings you’ll savor to the last crumb.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 225 g (8 oz) sweet shortcrust pastry
• 3 large cooking apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 50 g (2 oz) ground almonds
• 2 large eggs
• 50 g (2 oz) caster sugar
• 50 g (2 oz) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsps blackcurrant jam
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Position a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 190°C/375°F (Gas Mark 5).
2. Pastry Crafting: Roll out pastry on a flour-dusted surface, draping it smoothly into a 23 centimeter tart tin. Prick the base with a fork and chill for 30 minutes to stabilize the foundation.
3. Blind Baking: Line the chilled pastry with parchment paper and ceramic weights. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and return to oven for an additional 5 minutes until achieving a golden-brown hue. Cool completely.
4. Flavor Base: Spread a generous layer of blackcurrant jam across the pastry, creating an even, glossy foundation.
5. Apple Arrangement: Layer thinly sliced apples in an elegant, overlapping pattern atop the jam.
6. Almond Cream Creation: Whisk eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and ground almonds into a silky, uniform cream.
7. Final Assembly and Baking: Pour almond cream over the apple slices, ensuring complete coverage. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the surface sets and turns a rich golden-brown. Cool thoroughly before serving.

Notes

• Chill Pastry First: Refrigerate the lined tart tin for 30 minutes to prevent shrinkage and create a crisp, flaky base that holds its shape perfectly.
• Blind Baking Technique: Use ceramic weights or dried beans during initial baking to prevent the pastry from rising and ensure an even, stable crust.
• Check Golden Color: Watch for a golden-brown surface when baking, which indicates the tart is perfectly cooked and has developed rich, caramelized flavors.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more consistent almond cream that blends effortlessly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg