Christmas Mincemeat Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious Ideas

The festive season is the perfect time to indulge in classic holiday treats, and nothing says Christmas quite like rich, flavorful mincemeat. Traditionally, mincemeat recipes include suet and sometimes meat, but our vegetarian Christmas mincemeat recipe offers a delightful twist—packed with dried fruits, warming spices, and a splash of brandy to keep things festive and moist.

This homemade mincemeat is incredibly versatile, whether you’re baking it into pies, tarts, or simply enjoying it spread on toast with butter. It’s a wholesome, plant-based alternative that doesn’t compromise on the nostalgic holiday flavor we all cherish.

Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a fantastic addition to your Christmas baking preparations.

In this post, I’ll guide you through every step of making your very own vegetarian mincemeat from scratch, share handy tips for customization, and suggest some delicious serving ideas. So, get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of Christmas spices and fruits, and let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian Christmas mincemeat recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. For starters, it’s completely plant-based, making it ideal for vegetarians and anyone looking to enjoy holiday treats without animal products.

The combination of dried fruits like raisins, currants, and cranberries with warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a rich, aromatic flavor profile that’s reminiscent of traditional mincemeat but lighter and fresher.

What’s more, this recipe is incredibly flexible and forgiving. You can adjust the sweetness or spice levels to suit your taste, and it keeps wonderfully in the fridge or freezer for weeks—perfect for prepping early during the busy holiday season.

Whether you use it in pies, Christmas pudding, or as a festive jam, this mincemeat adds a delicious, seasonal touch to any dish.

Ingredients

• 200g mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
• 100g dried cranberries
• 100g chopped dried apricots
• 100g chopped dates
• 50g chopped glace cherries
• 1 large cooking apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
• 100g brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 100ml apple juice
• 50ml brandy or orange juice (for a non-alcoholic option)
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground allspice
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
• 50g chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chopping board and sharp knife
• Glass jar or airtight container for storage
• Grater or zester

Instructions

1. Prepare the fruits: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits, cranberries, chopped apricots, dates, and glace cherries. Add the finely chopped cooking apple and lemon and orange zest to the bowl.
2. Add the liquids and sugar: Pour in the apple juice, brandy (or orange juice), lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the fruit mixture and gently mix everything together until well combined.
3. Cook the mincemeat: Transfer the fruit mixture into a medium saucepan and place it over low heat. Stir regularly with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking and cook gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the fruit softens and the mixture thickens. Avoid boiling vigorously to keep the texture nice and chunky.
4. Add the spices: Stir in the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the spices to infuse thoroughly.
5. Incorporate nuts (optional): If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans after the mincemeat has cooled slightly. This adds a lovely crunch and depth of flavor.
6. Cool and store: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mincemeat cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to a clean glass jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before using to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Enjoy or preserve: Your vegetarian mincemeat can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months, making it a handy ingredient for your Christmas baking projects.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, soak the dried fruits in brandy overnight before cooking. This gives the mincemeat a deeper, richer taste.

Variation: Swap the nuts for chopped almonds or hazelnuts depending on your preference. For a nut-free version, simply omit nuts altogether.

Sweetness adjustment: Feel free to reduce or increase the brown sugar depending on your taste and the sweetness of your fruits.

Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or a dash of star anise for a unique twist on the classic spice blend.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian mincemeat is incredibly versatile. Use it as a filling for traditional Christmas pies and tarts, or spread it generously on warm toast or crumpets for a festive breakfast treat.

You can also swirl it into oatmeal or Greek yogurt for a seasonal twist on your morning routine.

For a more indulgent option, try serving it alongside a slice of vegan Christmas cake or mix it into your favorite vegan ice cream recipe, such as the Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe. It also pairs beautifully with nutty baked goods like the Pecan Crackers Recipe, adding a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.

Conclusion

Making your own vegetarian Christmas mincemeat is a rewarding and festive way to elevate your holiday baking. This recipe captures all the traditional flavors of mincemeat but in a plant-based form that everyone can enjoy.

Its rich mixture of dried fruits, spices, and a hint of brandy creates the perfect balance of sweet and spicy notes that will warm your heart and kitchen during the holiday season.

Not only is it delicious, but this mincemeat also makes a thoughtful homemade gift when jarred beautifully and paired with a festive recipe card. Give it a try this year and impress your family and friends with a classic Christmas treat made with love and care.

For more cozy and comforting recipes, check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe and the hearty Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe to complete your holiday table!

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