Cost per serving: £0.87
Cooking time: 10–15 minutes
Appliances: Air fryer or oven
Dietary: Diabetic-friendly, low waste, simple ingredients
A Comfort Breakfast with Ancient Roots
Breakfast doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.
This warm fruit and custard bowl costs less than £1 per serving. It takes just minutes to make, and blends ancient orchard ingredients with a little modern creativity.
It’s sweet, creamy, and comforting, yet naturally light . A perfect start for cold mornings or when you want warmth without heavy sugar.
Ingredients (Serves 1)
6 blueberries
8 raspberries
1 small apple, chopped (skin on for fibre)
100ml light or low-sugar custard
Method
Prepare the fruit:
Add the chopped apple, blueberries, and raspberries to a small silver foil tray.
You can lightly spray with low-fat cooking oil if you want extra shine, but it’s not essential.
Cook the fruit.
Place the tray in the air fryer at 180°C (or oven at 190°C) for 5 minutes. until the berries start to soften and release their juice.
Add the custard:
Pour the custard over the warm fruit. Return the tray to the air fryer for another 8 minutes. until the custard thickens and bubbles lightly at the edges.
Stir and serve.
Once cooked, gently mix the fruit and custard together. The berries will swirl through the cream, creating a rich marbled colour. Serve warm straight from the tray or pour into a small bowl.
Taste & Texture
The heat caramelises the fruit slightly, giving it a deep jammy sweetness that balances the creamy custard.
The apple stays firm, adding texture, while the berries burst with colour. Purple, red, and gold — like something from an autumn feast.
️
History Note.. Apples Through the Ages
Apples have grown in Britain since the Neolithic era, though early types were wild crab apples tart and small.
The Romans later introduced sweeter varieties, and by the Anglo-Saxon period, orchard apples were common across Mercia and Wessex.
Stewed apples and berries were eaten with grains, honey, or curds. Simple meals that warmed the body before work in the fields.
This modern take, baked with custard, keeps that same comfort alive 1,500 years later.
💷 Under £1 Breakdown (approx.):
1 apple – 25p
6 blueberries – 15p
8 raspberries – 20p
100ml light custard – 27p
Total: £0.87 per portion
💡 Storage Tip:
Cool leftovers and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Eat cold or reheat gently.
Health Benefits of Warm Fruit & Custard
This simple £1 breakfast looks indulgent., But it’s full of natural goodness and balance ideal for steady energy and gentle digestion.
Apple – Fibre & Heart Health High in soluble fibre (pectin) which helps stabilise blood sugar and support digestion. Has antioxidants that reduce cholesterol and inflammation.
The natural sweetness means you don’t need extra sugar.
Blueberries – Brain & Blood Sugar SupportRich in anthocyanins, the deep-blue plant compounds that improve blood flow and memory.
Shown in studies to help balance blood glucose levels especially helpful for type 2 diabetes.
Low-calorie but nutrient-dense: vitamin C, K, and manganese.
Raspberries – Fibre & Gut
Health One of the highest-fibre fruits keeps you full and aids digestion. Has natural anti-inflammatory compounds and vitamin C.
Their low glycaemic index makes them a smart fruit choice for diabetics.
Light Custard – Protein & Comfort.
Provides a small amount of protein and calcium for bone strength.When made with low-fat milk and reduced sugar, it adds creaminess without spiking blood sugar.The warmth helps soothe digestion, especially in colder weather.In balance:
Natural fruit sugars are moderated by the fibre and protein from the custard.
Quick, filling, and kind to the stomach ideal for slow mornings or a light recovery meal.
Every ingredient is budget-friendly and rooted in traditional British produce.
Further Recipes :
StormborneLore 