17 of our favourite winter baking recipes

Maggie Beer shares a hearty, delicious braised beef pie recipe that can also be made with gluten-free pastry.

Light sponge meets decadent caramel sauce in this comforting winter dessert recipe created by chef Annie Smithers.

From the buttery, flaky pastry to the creamy chicken and vegetable filling, this chicken pie makes the perfect winter lunch or dinner and is guaranteed to please even the fussiest of eaters.

This decadent, layered creation features a layer of velvety mascarpone cream sandwiched between two moist layers of cake. It’s all topped off with a delicate crown of candied orange.

When plain old toast or porridge just won’t do, these moreish bacon and eggs pies make for a warm and fulfilling breakfast, brunch or even lunch.

Is there anything more decadent than a chocolate pudding? Topped with raspberries, this warm chocolate pud from Tilly Pamment is gooey, delicious and simple to make.

This traditional Maltese dish combines two classic comfort foods – pasta and pastry – to create a hearty, wholesome and delicious pie the whole family is guaranteed to enjoy. “Nanna’s timpana was a staple at family get-togethers as well as a regular dish at home,” says Tamarah Pienaar, who shares her grandmother’s special recipe.

This winter-warming chocolate pudding is topped with espresso toffee sauce, a dust of icing sugar and a generous dollop of thick cream.

You can’t go wrong with a fresh scone and hot cup of tea on a chilly winter’s morning or afternoon. Doreen Taylor’s date scones disappeared at ladies’ guild suppers and sold out at church fetes.

This delicious recipe combines the tartness of whole-baked Bravo apples with almonds, cardamom and buttery goodness – all topped with a good serving of cream.

This heirloom spinach pie recipe has sustained Josephine Smith’s family for more than 30 years. A hearty vegetarian dish that is as delicious as it looks.

Is there anything quite so warming as spicy notes of cinnamon in a freshly baked treat? This recipe has been passed down through generations by Delphine Perrett, who is remembered for her flair for baking.

While you can’t go wrong with a classic apple pie, blackcurrants give this go-to cool-weather dessert a tangy twist and rich purple colour.

A humble vegie pasty is the perfect cold-weather lunch. Hearty and delicious, they can be eaten piping hot from the oven or even cold. Its versatility makes it a great lunchbox or picnic staple.

A flavour-packed pie is the best comfort food after a long day, says Steve Cumper, and we tend to agree. Topped with crispy potatoes, this chicken, leek and cheddar pie is a crowd pleaser.

Salty, earthy gorgonzola and sweet, creamy leeks make for a delicious pairing in this comforting tart recipe created by Steve Cumper.

In this classic winter crumble, apples and rhubarb make for a slightly tart filling that pairs perfectly with the golden Anzac biscuit top. Serve hot out of the oven with vanilla ice cream and savour each spoonful.