In my opinion, it’s not October until you’ve consumed something involving spiced apple. Plus, Cornwall is thriving with apples at the moment and the cooler temperatures have me craving warming, spicy sweet treats!

After a number of fresh autumn walks this weekend – involving scarfs, thick socks and a few showers of rain – I decided to pimp up one of my favourite recipes, to add an October kick. Traditionally a frangipane is served cold, but I think a slice with some homemade (vegan…) custard is just what the weather man ordered!

Spiced Apple Frangipane

Ingredients

For base

• 2/3 cup ground almonds
• 1 cup flour (I used organic wholemeal flour)
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 6 tbsp. oil
• 4 tbsp. cold almond milk

For filling

• 6 tbsp. vegan margarine
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 1/4 cup ground almonds
• 2 tbsp. cornflour
• pinch salt
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 2/3 cup plain almond or soy milk
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. almond extract
• 3-4 apples (whatever is good local to you)
• 1 tbsp. apple sauce, melted

Method

For base

1. Preheat the oven to 170 C

2. Mix together almonds, flour, sugar and salt. Slowly add the oil, and then stir in milk.

3. Lightly grease a baking tin, and press the mixture into the bottom and sides.

4. Par-bake for 15 minutes and before setting aside to cool.

 For filling

1. Mix together margarine, sugar, ground almonds, corn flour, cinnamon, and salt. Once combined, add the milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract and stir into a thick batter.

2. Spread the mixture evenly onto the base.

3. Peel the apples, remove the core and cut into slices. Layer on top of the frangipane mix, gently pressing them half way in. Sprinkle on some extra nutmeg or cinnamon to taste.

4. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is brown, and then set aside to cool. Once completely cool brush top of pears with melted jam.

5. Cool tart for at least another hour before slicing with a thin, sharp knife dipped in cold water.