Mary Berry Manchester Tart Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Heavenly Dessert

Ah, the Manchester tart – a classic British dessert that’s like a little slice of heaven in every bite. Now, I know this isn’t the quickest dessert to whip up, but trust me, the effort is absolutely worth it. What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity and affordability, yet it never fails to impress. So, if you’re craving something sweet, delightful, and budget-friendly, let’s gather all the ingredients to make the best Manchester tart, inspired by Mary Berry’s style, but with my personal twist.

How To Make Mary Berry Manchester Tart Recipe Overview:

This Manchester tart recipe is a delightful journey into classic British baking, with a flaky pastry base, a creamy custard filling, and a vibrant topping of jam, coconut, and cherries. The total cooking time is approximately 2 hours. and, including the preparation, baking, and chiling. This recipe yields about 8 generous servings, perfect for a family dessert or a gathering with friends. The combination of textures and flavors – buttery crust, smooth custard, and the sweet toppings – makes it a sure hit.

Ingredients

For The Pastry:

• 150g of cold butter, diced
• 1 large egg
• 2 ½ tbsp. of cold butter, diced
• 300g of plain flour

For The Custard:

• 75g of sugar
• 4 tbsp. of plain flour
• 1 ½ tsp. of vanilla extract
• 4 egg yolks
• 550ml of milk

For The Decoration:

• ⅔ cup of desiccated coconut
• 10 Maraschino cherries
• ⅔ cup of strawberry or raspberry jam

Instructions

Prepare the Pastry:

1. Sift the flour into a bowl. Add the diced butter and rub it in until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
2. Stir in the beaten egg, and gently knead to form a dough. Wrap in cling film. Now chill for 30 minutes.

Roll and Bake the Pastry:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Roll out the pastry on a floured surface and line a 9-inch tart tin. Prick the base with a fork.
3. Blind bake for 15 minutes, remove the beans/parchment and bake for another 10 minutes until golden.

Make the Custard:

1. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, flour, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
2. Heat the milk in a saucepan until just boiling, then gradually whisk into the egg mixture.
3. Pour the mixture back into the pan, stirring continuously until thickened. Cool slightly.

Assemble the Tart:

1. Evenly Spread the jam over the pastry base.
2. Pour the custard over the jam and let it set slightly.
3. Sprinkle with desiccated coconut and decorate with cherries.

Chill and Serve:

1. Chill the tart in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutritional Value (per serving)

Calories: 390 kcal

Carbohydrates: 50g

Protein: 6g

Fat: 18g

Saturated Fat: 11g

Cholesterol: 135mg

Sodium: 200mg

Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 25g

Tips:

1. Chill the Dough: Always chill the pastry dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling. This ensures a flakier crust.
2. Temper the Custard: Add hot milk slowly to the egg mixture for the custard to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth texture.
3. Let it Set: Allow the tart to chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving, to help the custard set and enhance the flavors.

Also Try: Traditional Mary Berry Bara Brith Recipe

How To Store:

Storing a Manchester Tart properly is essential to maintain its texture and flavor. Here are the steps to store it:

1. Cool Completely: Before storing, ensure the tart is completely cool. This prevents condensation inside the storage container, which can make the pastry soggy.

2. Refrigeration: Place the tart in an airtight container. If you don’t have a container large enough, you can cover the tart tightly with cling film or aluminum foil. This will help keep the tart fresh and prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.

3. Duration: The Manchester Tart can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The custard and pastry tend to soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed within this timeframe for optimal taste and texture.

4. Serving After Storage: When you’re ready to serve the tart again, you can eat it cold straight from the fridge. If you prefer it at room temperature, let it sit out for a short period before serving.

5. Freezing (Optional): If you need to store the tart for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the tart tightly in cling film and then in aluminum foil. You can keep it frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and add any decorations like coconut or cherries after thawing, to maintain their texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute any ingredients in the custard for a lactose-free version?

Yes, you can easily make this tart lactose-free. Replace the regular milk in the custard with a lactose-free milk alternative like almond, soy, or oat milk. Just be mindful that some milk alternatives might slightly alter the flavor profile of the custard.

How can I prevent my pastry from becoming soggy?

To avoid a soggy pastry base, you can ‘blind bake’ it first. This involves baking the pastry crust partially before adding the wet ingredients. Line the pastry with baking paper and fill it with baking beans or rice and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the beans and bake for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a crisp, golden base.

Is it possible to make this tart ahead of time for an event?

Absolutely! You can prepare the Manchester tart a day in advance. Fully assemble and chill it in the refrigerator. It’s actually beneficial as it allows the flavors to meld together and the custard to set properly. Just add the final decorations before serving.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free Manchester Tart, use a gluten-free flour blend for the pastry and check that your custard powder is gluten-free. Raspberry jam and desiccated coconut are naturally gluten-free. Ensure other ingredients like baking powder or vanilla extract are also gluten-free.

What are some variations I can try with this tart recipe?

There are several variations you can try. For a different twist, you can replace the strawberry or raspberry jam with apricot or blackcurrant jam. You could also experiment by adding a layer of sliced bananas on top of the jam before adding the custard for a fruity touch. Or, for a nutty flavor, sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts on top along with the coconut.

Conclusion

Creating a Manchester tart is a delightful experience that combines the joy of baking with the pleasure of savoring a truly classic dessert. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned baker, this recipe is straightforward and yields a delicious tart that’s sure to please everyone. Happy baking!