You need

about 500g apples, peeled, cored and sliced

30ml soft brown sugar

OR

1 can unsweetened pie apples (385g)

If using fresh apples, place the slices in a saucepan with the sugar and about 50ml water and cook gently until the apples are just tender.

Using a baking dish with about 1 liter capacity, place the apples in the base.

For the Almond topping you need

125g butter at room temperature

125g castor sugar

5ml vanilla extract

2 extra large eggs, lightly beaten with a fork to mix the yolk and white

150g ground almonds

Optional: 20g flaked almonds

To prepare

Preheat the oven to 180⁰C

Using an electric beater (preferred) or a food processor , beat the butter, sugar and vanilla and the sugar no longer feels grainy.

Gradually add the eggs, beating continuously.

Finally add the almonds and mix well.

Spread the mixture over the apples.

Optional: sprinkle the flaked almonds on top.

Bake for about 50 minutes in a fan oven or 60 minutes in a conventional oven or until the mixture is firm to touch in the center and pale gold.

Serve on its own, vanilla ice cream or with whipped cream.