Mini Maple Pecan Pies

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter, sugar and vanilla together until light and creamy.

Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat gently then with the mixer running, slowly add the eggs to the bowl and mix well.

Sift the flour into the bowl and mix just until the dough comes together. Turn out onto a floured surface and gently pat the dough together. Divide it in half and shape into 1cm thick disks then wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Take the dough out of the fridge 30 minutes before you need it. Preheat oven to 180C (fan forced). Grease 2 24-hole mini muffin tins with butter and set aside.

On a floured surface, roll the dough out to 3-4mm thickness and cut into rounds. Gently press the rounds into the greased tin and bake for 15 minutes or until just golden.

Transfer to a wire rack to rest while you make the filling.

In a large bowl, toss the pecans in the cornflour. Add the brown sugar, cream, butter, vanilla and the eggs and mix until combined.

Place the pastry cups on a tray lined with baking paper and divide the mixture between the cases. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden.

Transfer to a wire rack and quickly brush the tops with maple syrup and leave to cool.