Vegetarian Traditional Mince Pie

Delight in the festive flavors of a homemade *Vegetarian Traditional Mince Pie*, where buttery, golden pastry cradles a rich and spiced filling packed with dried fruits, zesty citrus, and warming spices. Perfect for the holiday season, this recipe replaces traditional suet with vegetarian-friendly alternatives like grated coconut oil, ensuring everyone at the table can savor these classic treats. With the optional splash of brandy adding a touch of indulgence, this timeless dessert pairs beautifully with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy finish. Ideal for sharing, these easy-to-make mince pies are a must-have addition to your holiday baking repertoire.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 300 grams All-purpose flour
• 150 grams Unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons Caster sugar
• 3 tablespoons Cold water
• 250 grams Dried mixed fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas)
• 50 grams Dried cranberries
• 1 medium Grated cooking apple
• 50 grams Vegetarian suet or grated chilled coconut oil
• 100 grams Soft brown sugar
• 1 orange Zest and juice of an orange
• 1 lemon Zest and juice of a lemon
• 1 teaspoon Mixed spice
• 0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon Nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons Brandy (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the pastry: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and caster sugar. Add the unsalted butter, cubed, and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingertips until the texture resembles breadcrumbs.

Step 2

Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3

Prepare the vegetarian mincemeat filling: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the dried mixed fruits, cranberries, grated apple, vegetarian suet (or grated coconut oil), soft brown sugar, orange zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, mixed spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 4

Gently heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved, and the suet has melted. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to merge. If using brandy, stir it in once the mixture has cooled slightly, then set aside to cool completely.

Step 5

Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.

Step 6

Roll out the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm (1/8 inch) thickness. Use a round cutter (about 9cm or 3.5 inches in diameter) to cut out 12 pastry circles for the base, and a smaller cutter (about 7cm or 2.75 inches in diameter) for the lids.

Step 7

Place the larger pastry circles into the prepared muffin tin, pressing gently to fit. Spoon about 1 heaping tablespoon of the mincemeat mixture into each pastry base.

Step 8

Dampen the edges of the pastry lids with a little water and place them over the filling, pressing around the edges to seal. Cut a small slit or decorative shape in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.

Step 9

Bake the mince pies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.

Step 10

Allow the pies to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11

Dust with powdered sugar before serving, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1412.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4441.3

Total Fat 184.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 100.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 332.1mg	0%
Sodium 121.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 662.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.3g	0%
Total Sugars 364.0g
Protein 43.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 421.3mg	0%
Iron 20.9mg	0%
Potassium 3299.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.0%

Protein: 3.8%

Carbs: 59.2%