Winter desserts don’t get any better than baked apple tarts. Try this version with rich cream cheese.

Prep Time : 0:45 | Cook Time : 0:15 | Total Time : 1:00 | Serving : 4 person.

Ingredients

• Melted butter, to grease

• 125ml (1/2 cup) maple syrup

• 80g butter

• 4 small (about 530g) green apples, cored, each cut into 12 wedges

• 125g mascarpone

• 150ml double cream

• Ground nutmeg, to serve

Pastry

• 150g (1 cup) plain flour

• 100g chilled butter, chopped

• 2 teaspoons icing sugar

• 3 teaspoons water

Method

• Step 1

  To make the pastry, process the flour, butter and icing sugar in a food processor until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the water and process until the dough just comes together. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth.

• Step 2

  Preheat oven to 180ºC. Brush four 11cm (base measurement) fluted tart tins, with removable bases, with melted butter. Divide the pastry into 4 portions. Use a lightly floured rolling pin to roll out 1 portion on a lightly floured surface. Line 1 tin with pastry. Trim excess. Repeat with remaining portions. Place on a baking tray. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Step 3

  Meanwhile, place the maple syrup and butter in a large frying pan. Bring to the boil, stirring, over medium heat. Add the apple, in a single layer, and cook for 5 minutes each side or until tender. Set aside to cool completely.

• Step 4

  Gently combine mascarpone and cream in a bowl. Divide the mascarpone mixture among tarts and spoon over apple and syrup. Sprinkle with the nutmeg.