Vegan Mincemeat Recipe That’s Easy and Delicious

Discover the magic of a classic holiday favorite reinvented for the vegan kitchen with this delightful vegan mincemeat recipe. Traditionally rich with suet and minced meats, our plant-based version captures all the warmth and festive flavors without any animal products.

This recipe blends a medley of dried fruits, fragrant spices, and a touch of citrus to create a luscious, deeply spiced filling that’s perfect for pies, tarts, or even spooned over oatmeal and yogurt.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to try something new and wholesome this season, this recipe is a must-try. It’s easy to make, stores well, and fills your kitchen with the cozy scents of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

Plus, it’s a wonderful way to incorporate nutrient-dense dried fruits and wholesome ingredients into your holiday treats. Let’s dive into why this vegan mincemeat will soon become a staple in your festive repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan mincemeat recipe is a beautiful blend of traditional flavors with a compassionate twist. Here’s why it stands out:

• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of dried fruits, apple, and warming spices creates a complex, satisfying taste that’s true to classic mincemeat.
• Versatile Use: Use it in pies, tarts, crumbles, or even as a spread on toast for a festive touch any time of day.
• Easy to Make: With no animal products or complicated steps, this recipe is straightforward and perfect for all skill levels.
• Make Ahead Friendly: It develops flavor beautifully when made in advance and stored for several weeks.
• Healthier Alternative: Packed with fiber-rich fruits and naturally sweetened, it’s a nourishing twist on a traditional treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raisins (preferably golden for a lighter color)
• 1 cup sultanas (or substitute with currants)
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/2 cup chopped dates
• 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional for crunch)
• 1 tablespoon shredded orange zest
• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed recommended)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 cup brandy or rum (optional, for traditional flavor)
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds (mixed with 6 tablespoons water, soaked as egg substitute)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
• Glass jar or airtight container (for storage)
• Small bowl (for soaking chia seeds)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chia egg: In a small bowl, combine the chia seeds with water and stir well. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes gelatinous. This acts as a binder and egg replacement in the recipe.
2. Chop the fruits and nuts: Finely chop the apple, dried apricots, and dates. Roughly chop the walnuts, if using. Place all dried fruits and nuts into a large mixing bowl along with the raisins and sultanas.
3. Add zest and liquids: To the bowl, add the orange zest, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, and brandy or rum (if using). Stir to combine, ensuring the dried fruits begin to soak and plump up.
4. Mix in the sugar and spices: Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly to coat the fruit mixture with the spices and sweeteners.
5. Incorporate the chia egg: Pour the chia gel into the fruit mixture and combine well. This will help bind the mincemeat together and give it a nice texture.
6. Cook the mixture: Transfer the entire mixture into a medium saucepan. Cook over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes until the fruit is soft and the mixture thickens.
7. Cool and store: Once cooked, remove from heat and let it cool completely. Transfer to a clean glass jar or airtight container. For best flavor, store in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before use, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
8. Use or preserve: Your vegan mincemeat is now ready to fill pies, tarts, or pastries. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months.

Tips & Variations

“To intensify the flavor, try soaking your dried fruits overnight in the brandy or rum before mixing. It adds a luxurious depth especially perfect for holiday baking.”

• Nut-Free Version: Simply omit the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a warming twist.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar to taste or try maple syrup for a different natural sweetener.
• Texture Tip: For a smoother mincemeat, pulse the fruit mixture briefly in a food processor before cooking.
• Make It Raw: Skip the cooking step for a raw version, just soak the fruits longer and blend slightly.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of vegan mincemeat lies in its versatility. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

• Classic Mince Pies: Use as a filling in vegan puff pastry or pie crusts for a festive treat.
• Tart Toppers: Spoon over vegan cheesecake or custard tarts for extra flavor and texture.
• Breakfast Boost: Add a spoonful to oatmeal, porridge, or vegan yogurt for a fruity, spiced start to your day.
• Sweet Toast Spread: Spread on warm toast or crackers with vegan butter or nut butter.
• Holiday Gifts: Jar it up and give as a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.

Conclusion

This vegan mincemeat recipe is a wonderful way to bring traditional holiday flavors into a compassionate, plant-based kitchen. It’s packed with wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients and offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy notes with warming spices.

Whether you’re baking for family, gifting friends, or simply indulging in a cozy snack, this mincemeat is sure to please both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Easy to prepare and even easier to love, it’s a recipe that can become a cherished part of your seasonal celebrations. For more inspiring vegan recipes that celebrate plant-based flavors, be sure to check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious, the delightful Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes, and our comforting Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Happy cooking and joyful eating!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Mincemeat Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious and wholesome vegan mincemeat perfect for pies and tarts. Made with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices for a festive treat.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup dried apples, chopped”, “1 cup raisins”, “1/2 cup dried cranberries”, “1/2 cup chopped walnuts”, “1/4 cup brown sugar”, “1/4 cup apple cider”, “2 tablespoons molasses”, “1 teaspoon ground cinnamon”, “1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg”, “1/4 teaspoon ground cloves”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine dried apples, raisins, cranberries, and walnuts in a bowl.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a saucepan, mix brown sugar, apple cider, molasses, and spices.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour the hot liquid over the dried fruit and nuts.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add lemon juice and vanilla extract, then stir well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let the mixture cool, then store in an airtight container.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180”, “proteinContent”: “3g”, “fatContent”: “7g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “28g”}}