Home
Recipes
Vegan Bakes
Vegan Pies & Tarts
Vegan Mince Pies Recipe

Vegan Mince Pies Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade vegan mince pies with this easy baking recipe. Featuring a dairy-free shortcrust pastry that's perfectly crumbly and a rich, spiced fruit filling, these traditional holiday treats are better than any store-bought version. Perfect for Christmas celebrations!
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Serves:
12 mince pies
An overhead shot of freshly baked vegan mince pies arranged on a rustic wooden serving board, their golden-brown shortcrust tops glistening with a light dusting of powdered sugar. A cross-section view reveals the rich, dark fruit mince filling studded with currants, raisins, and candied citrus peel. Soft natural light streams across the scene, highlighting the flaky texture of the pastry and the jewel-like pieces of fruit in the filling. Several whole star anise, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices are artfully scattered around the board, while a vintage cake fork rests alongside a half-eaten pie showing the perfect ratio of buttery pastry to spiced filling.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the pastry:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">280g plain flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">175g cold vegan butter, cubed (such as Naturli or Flora Plant)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g caster sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp cold water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the filling:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">400g vegan mincemeat (store-bought or homemade)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 apple, peeled and finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Zest of 1 orange</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp brandy or orange juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For finishing:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Plant milk for brushing</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp icing sugar for dusting</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">12-hole muffin tin</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry cutters (one 9cm round, one 7cm round or star-shaped)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Rolling pin</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Make the pastry by placing the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold cubed vegan butter and rub in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. The key to flaky pastry is keeping everything cold and handling the dough as little as possible, which prevents the fat from melting before baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Stir in the caster sugar, then add the cold water and vanilla extract. Bring the dough together with a knife initially, then use your hands to form a smooth ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough as this will develop the gluten and make your pastry tough rather than tender.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Wrap the dough in reusable food wrap or place in an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and the fat to firm up again, ensuring your pastry will be beautifully short and crumbly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>While the pastry is chilling, prepare your filling by combining the mincemeat, diced apple, orange zest, and brandy or orange juice in a bowl. The fresh apple adds texture and lightness to the rich mincemeat, while the citrus and brandy enhance the festive flavors.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/400°F/Gas Mark 6). Lightly grease your 12-hole muffin tin with a small amount of vegan butter to ensure easy removal after baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Remove the chilled pastry from the refrigerator and roll out on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thickness. Using the larger cutter, cut out 12 circles for the bases and press these gently into the muffin tin holes. The pastry should come slightly up the sides of each hole.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Fill each pastry case with about 1-2 tablespoons of the mincemeat mixture, being careful not to overfill (leave about 5mm from the top) as the filling will bubble up during baking and could spill over.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Re-roll the remaining pastry and cut out 12 lids using the smaller cutter (either rounds or festive stars). Place these on top of the filled cases. If using round lids, press the edges gently with a fork to seal, and prick the tops with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Brush the tops of the pies with a little plant milk - this creates a lovely golden sheen during baking that mimics the effect of an egg wash in traditional recipes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly. You'll know they're ready when you can see a slight caramelization around the edges of the pastry.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Allow the mince pies to cool in the tin for 5 minutes (they'll be very hot!), then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The short cooling time in the tin allows the pastry to set enough to be moved without breaking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Once cooled, dust generously with icing sugar just before serving for that classic festive finish. These vegan mince pies will keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or can be frozen for up to 3 months. To refresh before serving, warm gently in the oven for 5 minutes at 160°C.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Vegan Mince Pies Recipe?

Traditional vegan mince pies require plain flour, vegan butter, caster sugar, water, vanilla, salt for pastry, and a filling of vegan mincemeat, apple, orange zest, and brandy or orange juice. They're finished with plant milk for brushing and a dusting of icing sugar.

How to cook Vegan Mince Pies Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Vegan Mince Pies by making a cold vegan butter pastry, chilling it properly, then rolling it out to line a muffin tin. Fill with spiced fruit mincemeat mixture, top with pastry lids, brush with plant milk, and bake at 200°C for 15-20 minutes until golden. Dust with icing sugar before serving for that classic festive finish.

Can I make fruit mincemeat filling from scratch rather than using store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade vegan mincemeat is easy to prepare with mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants), chopped apple, orange and lemon zest, brown sugar, mixed spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of brandy or orange juice. Simmer together then cool completely before using.

Why does my shortcrust pastry fall apart when I'm rolling it out?

Crumbly pastry typically means it's either too cold or too dry. Let it warm slightly at room temperature before rolling. If too dry, add a few drops of cold water. Always roll between two sheets of parchment paper and handle minimally to prevent the vegan butter from warming.

How can I make these festive treats gluten-free?

Simply substitute the plain flour with a good quality gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. You may need to add an extra tablespoon of water as gluten-free flours tend to absorb more moisture. The filling is naturally gluten-free already!

Want to try something else in ...

Vegan Pies & Tarts

Try following recommended recipes

View all
A towering cylindrical Vegan Panettone captured from a slight angle to showcase its impressive height and domed top with characteristic "star" cracks. Soft natural window light accentuates the golden-brown crust and creates shadows that highlight its airy texture. A cross-section view reveals delicate honeycombed interior studded with colorful dried fruits—cherries, apricots, and citrus peel—contrasting against the tender yellow crumb. Styled on a rustic wooden board with scattered candied orange peel, star anise, and a dusting of powdered sugar. A linen napkin and vintage brass knife rest alongside, with a steaming cup of espresso suggesting the perfect Italian holiday pairing.
Vegan Bakes
Vegan Pies & Tarts

Vegan Panettone Recipe

A golden, dome-shaped Italian holiday bread studded with dried fruits and aromatic citrus zest that rises beautifully without eggs or dairy.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
50 mins
Serves:
1 loaf (12 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot of a golden-brown vegan apple galette resting on a weathered wooden board, its edges artfully folded over thinly sliced apples arranged in a spiral pattern. Soft natural light streams in from a nearby window, highlighting the glistening caramelized apple edges and crystallized sugar sprinkled across the crust. The pastry shows distinct flaky layers with tiny steam vents revealing the juicy apple filling beneath. Around the galette, scattered cinnamon sticks, star anise, and fresh apple slices create visual context, while a small jar of maple syrup sits nearby. A slice has been removed, revealing the tender apple filling and perfectly baked bottom crust that shows no signs of sogginess.
Vegan Bakes
Vegan Pies & Tarts

Vegan Apple Galette Recipe

A rustic, free-form tart with tender, flaky pastry wrapped around caramelized cinnamon-spiced apples, offering the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors in every satisfying bite.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
40 mins
Serves:
1 galette (8 slices)
View recipe
An overhead shot of freshly baked vegan madeleines arranged on a vintage French porcelain plate, their distinctive shell patterns facing upward, displaying perfectly golden-brown edges and pale yellow centers. Soft natural light streams through a nearby window, highlighting the characteristic bumps on each cake. A light dusting of powdered sugar creates a delicate contrast against the golden surface, while scattered lemon zest and a small bowl of lemon glaze sit alongside. In the background, a cup of herbal tea in fine china and fresh lemons suggest a perfect afternoon pairing, all staged on a weathered wooden table that enhances the warm, homemade feel of these plant-based French classics.
Vegan Bakes
Vegan Pies & Tarts

Vegan Madeleines Recipe

Delicate, shell-shaped French cakes with crisp edges and tender centers, these vegan madeleines offer a subtle lemon-vanilla flavor with no compromise on the classic's elegant texture.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Serves:
24 madeleines
View recipe
{ "@context": "http://schema.org/", "@type": "Recipe", "name": "Vegan Mince Pies Recipe", "image": ["https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/67f19ab882e7325b0d63c86a/682748c62302dc122cc683bc_Leonardo_Phoenix_10_An_overhead_shot_of_freshly_baked_vegan_mi_0.jpeg"], "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Gurbir Aujla", "brand": "What's Baking?", "jobTitle": "Baker" }, "datePublished": "2024-06-01", "description": "Learn how to make the best homemade vegan mince pies with this easy baking recipe. Featuring a dairy-free shortcrust pastry that's perfectly crumbly and a rich, spiced fruit filling, these traditional holiday treats are better than any store-bought version. Perfect for Christmas celebrations!", "prepTime": "PT45M", "cookTime": "PT20M", "totalTime": "PT1H5M", "keywords": "vegan mince pies, Christmas baking, dairy-free pastry, festive treats, plant-based dessert", "recipeYield": "12", "recipeCategory": "Dessert", "recipeCuisine": "British", "nutrition": { "@type": "NutritionInformation", "calories": "285 calories", "carbohydrateContent": "42 g", "proteinContent": "3 g", "fatContent": "12 g", "saturatedFatContent": "4 g", "cholesterolContent": "0 mg", "sodiumContent": "140 mg", "sugarContent": "24 g", "servingSize": "1 serving" }, "recipeIngredient": [ "280g plain flour", "175g cold vegan butter, cubed (such as Naturli or Flora Plant)", "50g caster sugar", "1 tbsp cold water", "1 tsp vanilla extract", "Pinch of salt", "400g vegan mincemeat (store-bought or homemade)", "1 apple, peeled and finely diced", "Zest of 1 orange", "2 tbsp brandy or orange juice", "Plant milk for brushing", "2 tbsp icing sugar for dusting" ], "recipeInstructions": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Make the pastry", "text": "Place the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold cubed vegan butter and rub in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. The key to flaky pastry is keeping everything cold and handling the dough as little as possible, which prevents the fat from melting before baking." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Combine the dough", "text": "Stir in the caster sugar, then add the cold water and vanilla extract. Bring the dough together with a knife initially, then use your hands to form a smooth ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough as this will develop the gluten and make your pastry tough rather than tender." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Chill the dough", "text": "Wrap the dough in reusable food wrap or place in an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and the fat to firm up again, ensuring your pastry will be beautifully short and crumbly." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare the filling", "text": "While the pastry is chilling, prepare your filling by combining the mincemeat, diced apple, orange zest, and brandy or orange juice in a bowl. The fresh apple adds texture and lightness to the rich mincemeat, while the citrus and brandy enhance the festive flavors." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Preheat oven", "text": "Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/400°F/Gas Mark 6). Lightly grease your 12-hole muffin tin with a small amount of vegan butter to ensure easy removal after baking." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Roll and cut pastry", "text": "Remove the chilled pastry from the refrigerator and roll out on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thickness. Using the larger cutter, cut out 12 circles for the bases and press these gently into the muffin tin holes. The pastry should come slightly up the sides of each hole." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Fill the pastry cases", "text": "Fill each pastry case with about 1-2 tablespoons of the mincemeat mixture, being careful not to overfill (leave about 5mm from the top) as the filling will bubble up during baking and could spill over." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add pastry tops", "text": "Re-roll the remaining pastry and cut out 12 lids using the smaller cutter (either rounds or festive stars). Place these on top of the filled cases. If using round lids, press the edges gently with a fork to seal, and prick the tops with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Brush with milk", "text": "Brush the tops of the pies with a little plant milk - this creates a lovely golden sheen during baking that mimics the effect of an egg wash in traditional recipes." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Bake", "text": "Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly. You'll know they're ready when you can see a slight caramelization around the edges of the pastry." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Cool", "text": "Allow the mince pies to cool in the tin for 5 minutes (they'll be very hot!), then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The short cooling time in the tin allows the pastry to set enough to be moved without breaking." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Dust and serve", "text": "Once cooled, dust generously with icing sugar just before serving for that classic festive finish. These vegan mince pies will keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or can be frozen for up to 3 months. To refresh before serving, warm gently in the oven for 5 minutes at 160°C." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "152" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sophie Bennett", "datePublished": "2024-05-15", "reviewBody": "These vegan mince pies are extraordinary! They truly melt in your mouth and have that perfect festive flavor. My non-vegan family couldn't tell the difference and actually preferred these to traditional ones!", "name": "Festive Perfection", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Amir Patel", "datePublished": "2024-05-18", "reviewBody": "The balance of spices in these mince pies is spot on! I've made them three times already this season. The pastry is perfectly crumbly without being dry. A new holiday tradition in our home!", "name": "Perfect Spice Balance", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Elise Dubois", "datePublished": "2024-05-22", "reviewBody": "I was skeptical about vegan pastry but this recipe converted me instantly! The texture is beautiful and the fruit filling is rich and complex. Worth every minute of preparation time!", "name": "Vegan Pastry Convert", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Mateo Rodriguez", "datePublished": "2024-05-25", "reviewBody": "These freeze beautifully! I made a double batch ahead of Christmas and they were perfect when thawed. The orange zest in the filling adds a wonderful brightness that balances the rich fruit.", "name": "Freezes Perfectly", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Chiara Rossi", "datePublished": "2024-05-28", "reviewBody": "My guests were absolutely shocked when I told them these were vegan! The pastry is better than butter-based versions - so flaky and tender. I'll be making these every Christmas from now on!", "name": "Better Than Traditional", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What ingredients are used in Vegan Mince Pies Recipe?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Traditional vegan mince pies require plain flour, vegan butter, caster sugar, water, vanilla, salt for pastry, and a filling of vegan mincemeat, apple, orange zest, and brandy or orange juice. They're finished with plant milk for brushing and a dusting of icing sugar." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How to cook Vegan Mince Pies Recipe at home?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Learn how to cook Vegan Mince Pies by making a cold vegan butter pastry, chilling it properly, then rolling it out to line a muffin tin. Fill with spiced fruit mincemeat mixture, top with pastry lids, brush with plant milk, and bake at 200°C for 15-20 minutes until golden. Dust with icing sugar before serving for that classic festive finish." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I make fruit mincemeat filling from scratch rather than using store-bought?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Absolutely! Homemade vegan mincemeat is easy to prepare with mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants), chopped apple, orange and lemon zest, brown sugar, mixed spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of brandy or orange juice. Simmer together then cool completely before using." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Why does my shortcrust pastry fall apart when I'm rolling it out?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Crumbly pastry typically means it's either too cold or too dry. Let it warm slightly at room temperature before rolling. If too dry, add a few drops of cold water. Always roll between two sheets of parchment paper and handle minimally to prevent the vegan butter from warming." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can I make these festive treats gluten-free?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Simply substitute the plain flour with a good quality gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. You may need to add an extra tablespoon of water as gluten-free flours tend to absorb more moisture. The filling is naturally gluten-free already!" } } ] }