Best Vegetarian Mince Pies Recipe for Festive Treats

When the festive season rolls around, nothing beats the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked mince pies filling your home. Traditional mince pies often contain suet or meat-based mincemeat, but our best vegetarian mince pies recipe is a delightful twist that keeps all the rich, fruity flavors intact without using any animal products.

These mince pies are perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking to enjoy a classic holiday treat with a compassionate and modern touch.

Our recipe uses wholesome ingredients like dried fruits, warming spices, and a buttery, flaky pastry that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or a festive party, these vegetarian mince pies are sure to impress with their perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make from scratch, giving you that homemade charm that store-bought versions just can’t match.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Our vegetarian mince pies deliver the perfect harmony of traditional flavors with a compassionate twist. The filling is packed with juicy dried fruits, zesty citrus, and a medley of warming spices that evoke the spirit of the holidays.

The pastry is buttery, flaky, and just the right thickness to hold the filling without overpowering it. These mince pies bake to a golden brown finish with a tender crumb and a beautifully festive look—ideal for sharing or gifting.

Best of all, this recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to add nuts for crunch or replace the sugar with a natural sweetener, these pies are forgiving and flexible.

Ingredients

• 200g mixed dried fruit (sultanas, currants, chopped dried apricots)
• 100g golden syrup or maple syrup for a vegan option
• 100g brown sugar
• 1 small apple, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 50ml orange juice
• 100g vegetarian suet or grated vegan butter
• 300g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
• 150g cold unsalted butter, cubed (use vegan butter for vegan pies)
• 2-3 tbsp cold water
• 1 egg, beaten (or plant-based milk for vegan glazing)

Equipment

• Muffin or tart tin (12-hole)
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and scales
• Sieve for flour
• Spoon or small ice cream scoop
• Basting brush for glazing
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit, brown sugar, apple, lemon zest and juice, orange juice, golden syrup, ground cinnamon, mixed spice, and nutmeg. Mix well to coat all the fruit evenly.
2. Cook the filling: Transfer the fruit mixture to a saucepan and heat gently over low-medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the fruit softens. This should take about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
3. Make the pastry: In a separate bowl, sift the plain flour and add the cold cubed butter. Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
4. Add suet or vegan butter: Stir in the vegetarian suet or grated vegan butter to the flour mixture for that classic mince pie texture.
5. Add cold water: Gradually add 2-3 tablespoons of cold water and mix gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking the dough to keep the pastry tender.
6. Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a ball, wrap in cling film, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F and grease your muffin or tart tin lightly.
8. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 3mm thickness. Using a round cutter slightly larger than your muffin tin holes, cut out 12 bases and gently press them into the tin.
9. Add the filling: Spoon the cooled mincemeat filling into each pastry case, filling them generously but leaving a little space at the top.
10. Cut lids: Cut out 12 smaller rounds or festive shapes (stars, hearts) from the remaining dough. Place these carefully on top of each filled pie and press the edges to seal.
11. Glaze the pies: Brush the tops with beaten egg or plant-based milk for a beautiful golden finish.
12. Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crisp.
13. Cool and serve: Remove the pies from the tin and transfer to a cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature with a dusting of icing sugar.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth of flavor, soak the dried fruit overnight in brandy or orange juice.

Use vegan butter and syrup to make these mince pies completely vegan-friendly.

Try adding chopped nuts or crystallized ginger to the filling for a delightful twist.

If you prefer a sweeter pastry, add a tablespoon of sugar to the dough mix.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve your vegetarian mince pies warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent holiday treat. They also pair beautifully with a cup of mulled wine or hot spiced cider to really get into the festive spirit.

For a dairy-free option, coconut cream works wonderfully as a topping, offering a subtle sweetness and creamy texture. You can also sprinkle a light dusting of icing sugar and a pinch of cinnamon over the pies before serving for an extra festive touch.

Make these pies ahead and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Just reheat gently before serving to enjoy that fresh-baked warmth.

Conclusion

Our best vegetarian mince pies recipe brings a classic holiday favorite to your kitchen with an inclusive and delicious twist. These pies are perfect for anyone looking to embrace festive flavors without compromising on dietary choices.

The rich, fruity filling combined with the flaky, buttery pastry creates a memorable treat that’s sure to become a seasonal staple.

By making them from scratch, you get full control over the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality in every bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, these mince pies deliver on taste, texture, and tradition.

Don’t forget to explore more festive recipes like our Christmas Cookie Shots Recipe or indulge in the creamy sweetness of Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe to round out your holiday menu. Happy baking and joyful feasting!

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