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Home » Bakes, Cakes & Desserts

Vegan Mince Pies With Homemade Mincemeat

Published: Dec 1, 2022 · Modified: Sep 20, 2024 by Lauren Woodger · Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links -This means I receive a commission for purchases made through those links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · Leave a Comment

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Drawing of a bottle of milk with a line through it.
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Pinterest image for vegan mince pies.

These Vegan Mince Pies With Homemade Mincemeat are jam-packed full of fruit, spice and the essence of Christmas! They taste delicious warm, straight from the oven.

6 mince pies on a red plates with some Xmas garland decor in background.

You know Christmas is round the corner when the mince pies and Brussels sprouts come out! It seems strange that we love them so much but wouldn’t dream of eating this popular Christmas treat at any other time of the year!

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The credit for this recipe belongs to my mother in law, like the egg & dairy free cupcakes she spent ages developing and testing, she has kindly done the same with these vegan mince pies and even made her own homemade mincemeat, jam packed with spiced fruit. (Vegan too of course!).

Being vegan, they are dairy & egg free and as the mincemeat doesn’t contain suet, they can easily be adapted to be gluten-free too simply by swapping to gluten free pastry.

Making your own pastry & mincemeat from scratch is easier than you may think and nothing tastes as good as homemade! These mince pies are so delicious you will want to make more so I suggest doubling up on the recipe amount.

 Why not place them in a beautiful box with a bow and gift some to a vegan friend as a thoughtful Xmas present?

For more vegan baking delights, check out these vegan Oreo chocolate brownies too!

Jump to:
  • 🤔What is Mincemeat?
  • 🥘 Ingredients Needed & Substitutions
  • ⚡ Variations
  • ✏️ How to Make- Step-By-Step Instructions
  • 💡 Tips & Tricks
  • 🥡 Storage, Reheating & Freezing
  • 💬 Recipe FAQs
  • 🎄 More Festive Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

🤔What is Mincemeat?

According to Wikipedia, their definition of mincemeat is that it’s a mixture of chopped dried fruit, distilled spirits, spices and often beef suet. Long ago, mincemeat actually included meat too, normally beef or venison and mince pies were known as mutton or Xmas pies.

By the mid 20th century most mincemeat recipes didn’t contain meat anymore and the beef suet was usually replaced with vegetable shortening, although this recipe doesn’t use suet at all!

🥘 Ingredients Needed & Substitutions

Shopping list for vegan mince pies

For the Pastry

  • Self-Raising Flour - Swap this for gluten free flour if you need the recipe to be gluten free.
  • Dairy-Free Butter - I would advise using a dairy-free butter block rather than a spreadable butter. I have used Flora Plant Butter for this recipe. (the unsalted version). 
  • Icing Sugar - Also known as powdered sugar.

For the Mincemeat

  • Dried Fruit - You can mix this up and use what you like! I have used dried apricots, raisins, dates and glacé cherries, but you can also use currants, candied citrus peel, cranberries or figs.
  • Spices - I have used cinnamon and ground ginger which scream Christmas to me. All spice and nutmeg can also be used.
  • Apple - This is grated and adds moisture and flavour to the mincemeat.
  • Alcohol - This is optional but I feel this really intensifies and lifts the taste of the mincemeat. I have used whiskey but brandy or rum will also work.
  • Caster Sugar - Used to sprinkle on top of the mince pies before cooking.

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for quantities.

✋ Double check all packaging for allergens ✋

⚡ Variations

  • ✔️ Pastry Shapes - I have gone for the traditional look, but why not use these cute star cookie cutters  for the lids for an extra festive version?
  • ✔️ Pastry Flavour -  Add some grated orange zest and add to the pastry for a surprising zing!

✏️ How to Make- Step-By-Step Instructions

If you are not making your own pastry you can skip the pastry step, but this sweet shortcrust pastry is so quick and easy to do and it tastes so much nicer!

⬇️ Here you will find an overview of how to make the recipe. For full information on ingredients and quantities please see the recipe card at the bottom of the page ⬇️

Hoemade mincemeat in a saucepan being stirred with a wooden spoon.

Step 1: Make The Pastry

Start by sieving the flour and icing sugar together in a large mixing bowl.

Then chop the butter into small squares or “cubes” and rub the fat into the flour mixture with your hands until it resembles breadcrumbs.

Next you need to bring the mixture together. You will need to add some water to do this, probably about 3 tbsps but start off by adding one and then more if necessary.

 Using your hands, bring the mixture together into a ball shape.

Wrap in clingfilm and let it chill in the fridge for half an hour.

Pastry being cut out with a blue ribbed edge cutter.

Step 2: Make the Mincemeat

Chop all the dried fruit into small chunks, but big enough that there will still be some texture to the mincemeat. Grate the apple including the skin.

Add all of the ingredients to a saucepan with the water and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring regularly to avoid the mixture sticking to the bottom of the pan, until the mixture is all combined and softened.

Leave to cool completely before adding to the mince pies.

Mincemeat being spooned into a pastry case.

Step 3: Assemble

Roll out the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface to around 3 mm thick. 

You will need two sizes of cutters for the pies. Use the largest cutter (around 10 cm) for the bottom of the pie and the smaller one (around 7 cm) for the lid of the pie. Scroll to the equipment section further down to see which cutters I used.

Cut out 6 circles with the larger cutter and 6 circles with the smaller one. You may need to re-roll the pastry half way through.

Put the larger circles into a shallow muffin or mince pie tin and spoon in the cold mincemeat mixture.

Note: If you use a deeper muffin tin, you will need more pastry and mixture per pie, so the recipe will not make as many as stated.

Sugar being spooned on to top of mince pie before baking.

Brush around the edge of each pie with some water and stick the smaller pastry circle on top as a lid.

Use a fork to make 4 holes in the lid of each pie to allow the steam to escape.

Step 4: Bake

Sprinkle the tops of the pies with caster sugar and bake until golden.

💡 Tips & Tricks

  • ✔️ If you can, make the mincemeat a couple of days before making the pies to really allow the flavours time to infuse. The mixture will keep in a sterilised jar for a few months.
  • ✔️ Don’t use a spreadable dairy free butter, use the butter in a block. The spreadable versions normally have oil added to them to help them spread more easily and this can alter the texture of the pastry and it may not work as well.
  • ✔️ Chill the Pastry Ensure the pastry is well-chilled before rolling and cutting. This helps achieve a flaky and tender crust.
  • ✔️ Don't overfill the pastry cases as this will cause the mixture to burst out of the sides.
mince pies on a plate with one cut in half & being held so you can see the mincemeat inside.

🥡 Storage, Reheating & Freezing

If you are not eating the mince pies warm from the oven, pop them in an airtight container and leave on the kitchen side. They will keep like this for around a week.

To Re-heat

From fresh, either microwave for 15-20 seconds until hot or put in a pre-heated oven at 180˚C for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

From frozen, cook for 15-20 minutes at 180˚C.

Freezing

You can either freeze the pies before baking or after. To freeze before baking, freeze them in the baking tray and then bake from frozen in the tray, just add 5 minutes to the cooking time.

To freeze after baking, first of all, freeze the pies flat on a baking tray for an hour. This stops them sticking together, then pop in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to 3 months like this.

6 mince pies on a red plate with some Xmas garland decor in background.

💬 Recipe FAQs

What can I serve with mince pies?

These pies are gorgeous on their own, fresh from the oven and served with a mulled wine! You can also pair them with custard or ice cream for a festive dessert.

Are mince pies vegan?

Traditionally the pastry would contain egg and dairy and the mincemeat may even contain beef suet, so most mince pies including the standard ones you buy in the shops aren’t vegan. This recipe contains no animal products or derivatives so is fully vegan.

How do I ensure my vegan mince pies have a golden crust?

Brush the tops of the pies with non-dairy milk before baking for a golden, shiny finish.

🎄 More Festive Recipes

Check out these other tasty holiday recipes too!

  • A carved leg of lamb garnished with rosemary on a serving plate. There is a jug of gravy in the background.
    Slow Cooked Leg Of Lamb In Red Wine
  • Brussel sprouts with bacon and garlic in a white bowl.
    Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
  • A casserole dish filled with cooked red cabbage, garnished with a bay leaf.
    Slow Cooker Red Cabbage
  • close up of swede and carrot mash in a white bowl.
    Carrot And Swede Mash

If you loved this recipe, please leave me a 5🌟 rating or comment below. I really do appreciate it. 😊

📖 Recipe

6 mince pies on a red plate with some Xmas garland decor in background.

Vegan Mince Pies With Homemade Mincemeat

A vegan version of the traditional mince pie, made with homemade mincemeat packed full of fruit, spice and the essence of Christmas!
4 from 3 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour
Servings: 6 makes
Calories: 371kcal
Author: Lauren Woodger

Equipment

  • Mince Pie Tray
  • Cookie Cutters
  • Sieve
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pastry Brush
  • Saucepan

Ingredients

Mincemeat

  • 100 g ( 3.5 oz) Dried apricots chopped
  • 100 g ( 3.5 oz ) Raisins
  • 100 g ( 3.5oz )Dates chopped
  • 40 g ( 1.5oz )Glacé cherries chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon Ground ginger
  • 1 medium Apple grated
  • 250 ml ( 1 cup )Water
  • 1 tablespoon whiskey can be substituted for rum or brandy

Pastry

  • 285 g ( 10oz )Self raising flour can be substituted for gluten free flour
  • 145 g ( 5 oz )Flora plant butter or any dairy free butter block
  • 30 g ( 1oz ) Icing sugar
Metric - Us Customary

Instructions

  • Pre-heat the oven to 230˚C / 210˚ Fan.

To Make The Pastry

  • Sieve the flour and icing sugar together into a large mixing bowl.
  • Chop the butter into small squares or “cubes” and rub the fat into the flour mixture with your hands until it resembles breadcrumbs.
  • Using your hands, bring the mixture together into a ball shape.
    You will need to add some water to do this, probably about 3 tbsps but start off by adding one and then more if necessary.
  • Wrap in clingfilm and let it chill in the fridge for half an hour.

To Make the Mincemeat

  • Chop all the dried fruit into small chunks, but big enough that there will still be some texture to the mincemeat. Grate the apple including the skin.
  • Add all of the ingredients to a saucepan with the water and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring regularly to avoid the mixture sticking to the bottom of the pan, until the mixture is all combined and softened.
  • Leave to cool completely before adding to the mince pies.

To Assemble

  • Roll out the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface to around 3 mm thick.
  • You will need two sizes of cutters for the pies.
  • Cut out 6 circles with the larger cutter and 6 circles with the smaller one. You may need to re-roll the pastry half way through.
  • Put the larger circles into a shallow muffin or mince pie tin and spoon in the cold mincemeat mixture.
  • Brush around the edge of each pie with some water and stick the smaller pastry circle on top as a lid.
  • Use a fork to make holes in the lid of each pie to allow the steam to escape.
  • Sprinkle the tops of the pies with caster sugar and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Notes

Tips & Tricks
  • If you can, make the mincemeat a couple of days before making the pies to really allow the flavours time to infuse. The mixture will keep in a sterilised jar for a few months.
  • ✔️ Don’t use a spreadable dairy free butter, use the butter in a block. The spreadable versions normally have oil added to them to help them spread more easily and this can alter the texture of the pastry and it may not work as well.
  • ✔️ Chill the Pastry Ensure the pastry is well-chilled before rolling and cutting. This helps achieve a flaky and tender crust.
  • ✔️ Don't overfill the pastry cases as this will cause the mixture to burst out of the sides.
  • Use the largest cutter (around 10 cm) for the bottom of the pie and the smaller one (around 7 cm) for the lid of the pie.
 
Double check all packaging for allergens.

Nutrition

Calories: 371kcal | Carbohydrates: 85g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 524mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 621IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 2mg

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About Lauren Woodger

I’m Lauren, the creator of The Scatty Mum. As a mum to two kids with a history of food allergies and intolerances, I know how tough it can be to cook meals that are both safe and delicious.

That’s why I share easy, allergy-friendly recipes to help families enjoy stress-free mealtimes.

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Hey, I'm Lauren!

I’m Lauren, the creator of The Scatty Mum.

As a mum to two kids with a history of food allergies, I know how challenging mealtimes can be when you’re trying to please everyone.

That’s why I share easy, family-friendly recipes and meal planning tips to help busy families enjoy tasty, stress-free dinners that work for all dietary needs.

MORE ABOUT ME

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