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–+ servings
Vegan Mince Pies christmas recipe placintele cu fructe uscate

Vegan Mince Pies

Buttery vegan shortcrust pastry filled with a rich, brandy-spiked mince of Medjool dates, raisins, currants and prunes, warmed with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. A festive Christmas classic, made entirely plant-based and on the table in about 35 minutes of hands-on work.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Choose Serving Size 5

Ingredients 

For the dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup vegan butter cut into small pieces
  • 4 Tbsp water ice cold

For the mince:

  • ½ cup Medjool dates pitted
  • ½ cup raisins
  • ½ cup currants
  • ½ cup prunes
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ½ cup coconut oil
  • ¼ cup almonds ground
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 Tbsp orange zest
  • ½ tsp cinnamon ground
  • ½ tsp cloves ground
  • ½ tsp nutmeg ground
  • 2 Tbsp brandy

Instructions

  • To make the mince:
  • Add all the mince ingredients to a food processor and blend until combined and homogeneous. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  • To make the dough:
  • Put the flour into a large bowl, then add the salt and the vegan butter.
  • Rub the ingredients together with your fingertips until the mixture forms small crumbs. Add the ice-cold water and mix to form a firm dough.
  • Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
  • Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in foil or cling film and chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes.
  • Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface.
  • Using cookie cutters, cut out an equal number of circles and stars.
  • Grease a mince pie tray (or a muffin tray) with a bit of oil.
  • Press a circle into the bottom of each hole, fill with the mince and cover with a pastry star.
  • Bake for about 20 minutes, until golden.
  • Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

The mince filling can be made 1-2 weeks ahead and kept in an airtight container in the fridge — the flavour only gets better. The brandy is optional: swap it for the same amount of orange or apple juice for an alcohol-free version. Note that the filling contains almonds and pine nuts. Store baked pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.