Recipe for Vegan Mince Pies That Everyone Will Love

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in classic treats, and vegan mince pies are a delicious way to enjoy this festive favorite without any animal products. These delightful little pastries are filled with a spiced mixture of dried fruits and nuts, wrapped in a perfectly flaky, buttery vegan pastry.

Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply looking to try something new, this recipe offers a festive twist that will impress friends and family alike.

From the first bite, you’ll experience the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus that make mince pies so beloved. Plus, making them at home allows you to customize the filling to your liking and ensure every ingredient is wholesome and cruelty-free.

Ready to bring a bit of holiday magic to your kitchen? Let’s dive into this easy, satisfying vegan mince pies recipe that everyone will adore!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegan mince pies are a fantastic holiday treat for several reasons. Firstly, they capture all the traditional festive flavors without using any animal products.

The rich, fruity filling is packed with dried fruits like raisins and cranberries, combined with warming spices that create an irresistible aroma.

The pastry is tender and flaky, achieved using vegan butter and a little plant-based milk, which means you don’t have to compromise on texture or taste. They’re also easily customizable, allowing you to adjust sweetness levels or add nuts and seeds for extra crunch.

Finally, making these pies from scratch is fun and rewarding, perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting during the holidays.

Ingredients

• For the pastry:
• 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup (170g) vegan butter, chilled and cubed
• ¼ cup (60ml) cold plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• For the mince filling:
• 1 cup (150g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, dried cranberries)
• ½ cup (75g) chopped apples
• ¼ cup (40g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ⅓ cup (80ml) orange juice
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp molasses or maple syrup
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 tbsp brandy or rum (optional, for extra depth)
• To finish:
• Vegan milk or maple syrup for glazing
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Equipment

• Muffin tin or mince pie tin
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife or cookie cutters (star shapes work well for tops)
• Spoon or small ice cream scoop for filling
• Baking sheet (optional, to place under muffin tin)
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Prepare the mince filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the mixed dried fruits, chopped apples, orange juice, brown sugar, molasses (or maple syrup), spices, and zests. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the fruit softens, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in brandy or rum if using, and let cool completely.
2. Make the pastry: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and powdered sugar. Add the chilled vegan butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the cold plant-based milk: Gradually pour in the milk, mixing gently until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork it. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat your oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your muffin or mince pie tin.
5. Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles slightly larger than the muffin tin cups to form the bases. Press these into the tin cups evenly.
6. Fill the pies: Spoon the cooled mince filling into each pastry base, filling almost to the top but leaving a small border.
7. Create the tops: Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut star shapes or small circles from the remaining dough. Place them gently on top of each pie, pressing the edges to seal.
8. Glaze and bake: Brush the tops with vegan milk or maple syrup to help them brown beautifully. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp.
9. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven, let cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace with sunflower seeds for crunch.

Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for a slightly different spice profile.

If you prefer a sweeter pie, increase the brown sugar or molasses slightly in the filling.

These pies freeze well—store cooled pies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan mince pies are wonderful served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar. Pair them with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream to make the experience extra indulgent.

They also go perfectly alongside a cup of hot spiced tea, mulled wine, or your favorite holiday coffee. For a delightful brunch or dessert spread, include them with other festive vegan treats like Vegetarian Date Cake or your favorite warm vegan bread such as the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe.

Conclusion

Making vegan mince pies at home is a rewarding way to celebrate the holidays with a plant-based twist on a classic treat. The combination of fruity, spiced filling and buttery vegan pastry creates a festive dessert that everyone can enjoy, whether vegan or not.

Plus, they’re simple enough to prepare ahead of time and share with family and friends during cozy gatherings.

This recipe proves that you don’t need traditional ingredients like butter or suet to make delicious mince pies. With just a few pantry staples and a little love, you can create a batch of these delightful pastries that will become a holiday staple.

For more festive vegan recipes, don’t miss the flavorful Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or the creamy and versatile Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.

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