Looking to add a delicious and festive treat to your holiday menu? Look no further than this mouthwatering Vegan Mince Pies recipe. Packed with flavor and plant-based goodness, these pies are the perfect way to indulge in a classic holiday treat while staying true to your vegan lifestyle. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to enjoy a cozy night in, these pies are sure to be a hit with friends and family. So grab your apron and get ready to create a batch of delectable vegan mince pies that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Vegan Pastry
To make vegan mince pies, you will need the following ingredients for the pastry:
- All-purpose flour
- Vegan butter or margarine
- Icing sugar
- Plant-based milk
Mincemeat Filling
For the delicious mincemeat filling, gather the following ingredients:
- Mixed dried fruits
- Chopped apples
- Chopped almonds
- Demerara sugar
- Lemon zest
- Orange zest
- Mixed spice
- Brandy or orange juice
Toppings
To add the finishing touches, you will need these toppings:
- Non-dairy milk (for brushing)
- Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
- Icing sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Preparing the Vegan Pastry
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and icing sugar.
- Add the vegan butter or margarine and mix until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Gradually pour in the plant-based milk while stirring with a fork.
- Use your hands to bring the mixture together and form a dough.
- Wrap the dough in cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Making the Mincemeat Filling
- In a separate bowl, mix together the mixed dried fruits, chopped apples, chopped almonds, Demerara sugar, lemon zest, orange zest, and mixed spice.
- Add the brandy or orange juice to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Cover the bowl with cling wrap and let the mincemeat filling sit for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Assembling the Mince Pies
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry dough to a thickness of about 0.5cm.
- Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles that are slightly larger than the size of the muffin tin holes.
- Gently press each pastry circle into the muffin tin holes, ensuring there are no gaps or tears.
- Spoon a generous amount of the mincemeat filling into each pastry case.
- Using a smaller cookie cutter, cut out smaller pastry circles to create lids for the mince pies.
- Place the pastry lids on top of the filling and press down the edges to seal.
- Brush the tops of the mince pies with non-dairy milk and sprinkle coarse sugar over them for added texture and sweetness.
Baking the Mince Pies
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the mince pies from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes.
- Carefully transfer the mince pies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage
Serving suggestions
Serve your vegan mince pies warm or at room temperature. Dust them with icing sugar for an extra festive touch. These sweet treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a delightful dessert.
Storage guidelines
To keep your mince pies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them for longer, you can refrigerate the mince pies for up to a week.
Tips and Variations
Gluten-free options
If you follow a gluten-free diet, you can easily adapt this recipe by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to check that all the other ingredients, such as the margarine and spices, are also gluten-free.
Adding spices or nuts
If you enjoy experimenting with flavors, feel free to add your favorite spices or nuts to the mincemeat filling. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are popular choices that can add warmth and depth to the filling. Similarly, adding chopped pecans or walnuts can provide a delightful crunch.
Substituting mincemeat ingredients
If you don’t have all the ingredients for the mincemeat filling, don’t worry! You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand. Dried cranberries, raisins, currants, or sultanas can be used instead of mixed dried fruits. You can also substitute the apples with pears or omit the almonds altogether for a nut-free version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mince pies suitable for vegans?
Yes, with this vegan mince pie recipe, you can indulge in these festive treats without any animal products. The vegan pastry and mincemeat filling are completely plant-based.
Can I make the pastry in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pastry dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake the mince pies, simply roll out the dough and proceed with the instructions.
How long will the mince pies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these mince pies should stay fresh for up to 3 days. However, they are best enjoyed within the first day or two when the pastry is at its prime.
Can I freeze the mince pies?
Yes, you can freeze the mince pies for later enjoyment. Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the oven before serving.
Conclusion
Now that you have this fabulous vegan mince pies recipe, you can delight in the festive flavors of the holiday season without any animal products. With its buttery pastry, fruity mincemeat filling, and delightful toppings, these vegan mince pies are sure to become a favorite among friends and family. Enjoy the process of making these delicious treats and share them with loved ones for a joyous and inclusive celebration. Happy baking!
