Festive, rich & fruity Christmas Vegan Mincemeat steeped in boozy deliciousness! If you're looking for a mincemeat without suet recipe then I've got you covered! This is a Christmas staple that is really easy to make & can be used in all of your festive baking. It's also perfect for gifting.
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I wasn't actually planning on making my own Vegan Mincemeat recipe, but when I published my Festive Mincemeat Tart a few weeks ago it became apparent that a lot of people aren't really sure what it is or how to use it.
As a Brit, I've grown up eating mincemeat in Vegan Mince Pies and other festive baked goods like Christmas Cake every Christmas and I didn't realize that it wasn't as widespread here in Canada or the U.S.
I actually used store-bought mincemeat for my tart recipe and I found it pretty easy to find a suet free variety here. Some of you have let me know that you are struggling to get hold of it though, and that is what gave me the idea of making my own.
Like most things, store bought is nice but nothing can beat homemade. I can really testify to that now I have tasted my own!
What is mincemeat?
Mincemeat is a combination of dried fruits, citrus fruits, nuts, spices and alcohol and is used to fill festive pies and tarts.
Why is mincemeat called mincemeat when there is no meat in it?
Historically mincemeat did actually contain meat, and although modern-day versions don't contain it anymore, non-vegan versions do usually contain suet.
Click here to read a bit more about their medieval history and see an example of a very traditional recipe (there are many references to meat in the text so don't click through if you will be offended).
Suet is often made from animal fat which means that regular mince pies are not always suitable for vegetarians. And although you can buy vegetarian suet these days, I prefer not to use suet in my recipe as I don't like the oiliness it gives the mincemeat and it detracts from the flavour of the fruit and alcohol. It's way better without!
So if you're wondering if mincemeat is vegan, the answer is, it depends. Always check the ingredients if you are buying it. A few store bought varieties are vegan and obviously my vegan mincemeat is a mincemeat without suet recipe and is 100% vegan.
What ingredients are in vegan mincemeat?
My vegan and meatless mincemeat recipe uses a combination of dried fruit, nuts, spices, grated apple, oranges, lemons and then as a little twist, some fresh rosemary. The rosemary flavour isn't too obvious but it adds a lovely little something.
Then as if all that fruity, spicy deliciousness isn't enough, along comes a very generous glug of port. If it didn't say "Christmas" before it certainly does once that's added!
I don't use any suet or oil in this recipe. It really doesn't need it.
Most store bought mincemeats have palm oil in the ingredients. By making my recipe you have yourself palm oil free mincemeat!
What alcohol do you use in mincemeat?
The alcohol used in traditional mincemeat is usually brandy although I prefer to use port. It tastes richer and more festive. You can however swap the port out for brandy or use a combination of the two. Rum and sherry also work well.
How to make vegan mincemeat
(For detailed measurements and instructions, see the printable recipe card).
It's really easy to make. Here's how it's done in 3 easy steps:
Step 1 - Combine all of the ingredients except the port.
Step 2 - This is where my recipe differs from most. Now we warm the fruit mixture in the oven on a very low temperature before adding the alcohol. This step intensifies the flavours beautifully and is well worth the extra time.
Step 3 - Once it has been warmed through then cooled, the alcohol is added. Doing it this way means it has a really great boozy kick and none of the alcohol evaporates. It is Christmas after all!
Variations
I recommend following my recipe as closely as possible for the best results but there are a few changes you can make to put your own spin on it:
Switch the alcohol for apple juice, although it won't be as tasty and obviously won't be boozy if you do this
- Use any combination of dried fruits in any quantities as long as you keep the total amount the same. Dried apricots and dates are a great addition.
- Skip the rosemary
- Omit the nuts to make it nut-free
- Add any other nuts instead of almonds. Walnuts or pecans would work well
- Add some lime zest instead of oranges and lemons or as well as
- Use port, brandy, rum or sherry. A combination of port and rum is nice
Storing mincemeat
Store freshly made jars of vegan mincemeat in the fridge for up to 4 weeks.
You can store it for up to a year though and it gets better and better with time. I always make extra and stash it away for Christmas the next year because it ends up tasting amazing. Note, only store it for extended periods if you used the alcohol. Alcohol acts as a preservative. If you use apple juice you will need to use it within 4 weeks or freeze it.
To store for up to a year (I've even stored it for 2 years with no problems) you will need to sterilize the jars.
How to sterilize jars - Wash the jars in very hot soapy water, rinse them in hot water to be sure any soap residue is gone, then place on a metal baking tray in a 350°F (175 °C) oven for 10 minutes. Remove them from the oven and fill the jars with the mincemeat immediately while they are still hot, being careful not to burn yourself. Seal tightly with a lid. Store in a cool dark place like the basement, under the stairs cupboard, or back of the closet, or the back of a cupboard where it won't be disturbed.
To freeze - Mincemeat can also be frozen for up to 6 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to cool it completely first. If you want to keep if for a long time though I highly recommend keeping it in sterilized jars in a dark place over freezing because that way the flavour gets better and better. If you freeze it the mincemeat will be preserved but it won't get better. Defrost mincemeat in the fridge overnight.
Success Tips
- Don't skip warming the fruit mixture in the oven. It really intensifies the flavour!
- Be sure to sterilize the jars or to freeze if keeping for more than 4 weeks
- Time really makes a difference, so make this recipe ahead if you can. It gets so much more flavourful if you stash it away in a dark place for a few months or years!
How to use vegan mincemeat
Mincemeat is a really versatile addition to your Christmas menu.
Here are some ways to use it:
- The obvious way to use my Vegan Mincemeat is in Vegan Mince Pies.
- You can also use it in my Festive Mincemeat Tart
- In my Vegan Christmas Shortbread
- It makes a lovely addition to muffins and other baked goods
- Use it as an alternative to jam in thumbprint cookies, or as an alternative to dates in date squares.
- Add a layer to my Baked New York Cheesecake for a festive dessert.
- You can also use it to make a speedy Christmas cake or pudding
- Stuff baked apples with it
- Add to apple pie or strudel filling
- with vegan custard
- Warmed it and use to top pancakes, waffles or dairy-free vanilla ice-cream
How to gift
Jars of vegan mincemeat make a great festive gift. I recommend sterilizing the jars as per my instructions above if you are gifting it though, so the recipient doesn't have to hurry to use it.
Simply fill some mason jars then buy some Christmas ribbon to tie around the top. Maybe add a pretty tag and a print out of my vegan mince pies recipe.
WARNING: Please bear in mind that this recipe contains a substantial amount of alcohol. As such it is not suitable for children. Although the alcohol content in a single portion of it probably isn't too much, please take it into consideration if you are going to be driving, operating heavy machinery, carrying out any other important tasks or eating a lot if it all in one go! If gifting be sure to let the recipient know.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Use apple juice instead but be sure to read my recommendations for storage if you do.
For more Christmas inspiration, check out Vegan Christmas Dinner Menu, Shopping List and Timeline. I have planned the entire meal for you down to the tiniest detail!
Recipe
Vegan Mincemeat
Author:WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT
Ingredients
- 300g / 2 slightly heaped cups raisins , (see recipe notes regarding substitutions for the dried fruits listed)
- 160g / 1 slightly rounded cup currants
- 140g / 1 slightly rounded cup dried cranberries
- 100g / ½ cup dried blueberries
- 80g / ½ cup dried cherries
- 80g / ½ cup dried figs , chopped
- 140g / 1 cup slivered almonds , (you can omit to make the recipe nut free)
- 2 lemons zest and juice
- 2 oranges zest and juice
- 1 large apple , grated
- 225g / 1½ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary chopped finely
- 375mls / 1.5 cups port , brandy, rum or sherry can be used instead but I think port give the best rich flavour. For an alcohol free version sub the port for unsweetened apple juice.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Set oven to 200°F (93 °C)
- Put all of the ingredients except the port in a large ovenproof bowl or casserole and mix together well.
- Cover tightly with tin foil or a lid and place in the oven. Leave to warm in the oven for 90 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
- Add the port and stir really well.
- Transfer the mixture into clean jars. Be sure to sterilize them if you will be storing for an extended period. See recipe notes below for how to sterilize.
NOTES
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NUTRITION
This recipe was originally published on December 8th, 2016. I've updated it with some new information and am now republishing it for you. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for following A Virtual Vegan!
Eli says
Have made this for the first time and it's divine! Thank you so much for the recipe. I have struggled to find mincemeat that is oil free and this was perfect!
A Virtual Vegan says
I'm really pleased you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a couple of reviews. It's much appreciated!
Rachel says
This is the most delicious mincemeat. I have made it for two years in a row now. Everybody loves the mince pies I bring. They are especially good warmed up! Thank you for this awesome recipe!
A Virtual Vegan says
I'm really pleased you are enjoying it Rachel. Thank you!
Cami Jo Hafner says
Made this...can't stop eating it!!! Tastes just like from my childhood; even better! Haven't even made it into tarts yet, LOL!
A Virtual Vegan says
Ha ha! That's a good problem to have. I'm really pleased you are enjoying it so much!
Bridget says
I had a question about the rosemary. Are you using fresh or dried? Thank you for any information, I appreciate it. I've lived in the US all my life, but my mom has made mince pies as long as I can remember. As a vegan, I'm looking to update my moms version for this holiday season. Thanks so much!
A Virtual Vegan says
Fresh is best for flavour, and so you don't end up with any sharp bits. I've just clarified that in the recipe. Hope you enjoy it!
luc says
The last time I had mince pie was 40 years ago.
Just made your recipe. Plus your crust.
It is a time machine.
And better than my best souvenir...
Good work.
luc
A Virtual Vegan says
Thank you. I'm so pleased you are enjoying them!
Heather says
I have an extensive intolerance to food. This’ll mincemeat is gorgeous. I can have small amounts and enjoy the recipe. Hank you for sharing your ideas. I am definitely not allowed alcohol so used apple juice. The mixture was very moist even when cooked so I only added a small amount of apple juice. Which suited my intolerance. This morning I tried making filo pastry mince pies. Good job my neighbours love the pies too. I could eat all of them but don’t want to suffer from over indulgences. Once again. Many thanks for the recipe. PS sh....... I have a small amount left to have with my porridge on Christmas Eve. Happy festive season everyone.
pauline says
Do I need jars to store this or can it be frozen...I want to make it now to use for mince pies on christmas eve?. thanks
A Virtual Vegan says
It will be much better if you store it in jars. The flavours will continue to develop between now and Christmas and it will taste amazing!
Simona Matthews says
Great. I prep this for coming Christmas
We are not vegan but just tired of all fats in too much food..
I used coconut oil instead of butter in the dough thought :))
Thanks
Simona
Biff says
We're so pleased with your delicious moist mincemeat.
It was really straightforward. However we have eaten So many mince pies now and it's still November!
A Virtual Vegan says
Ha ha! You'll have to make more. You can never have too many mince pies! I'm so pleased you are enjoying it.
jgBoston says
Oh and the extra mincemeat was amazing on top of oatmeal for breakfast. Sooo amazing and I had always been fearful of mincemeat not knowing what it was. Thank you!!!
A Virtual Vegan says
I love it on oatmeal too! If you make the mincemeat again you should try this. It's so good! https://avirtualvegan.com/festive-mincemeat-tart/
jgBoston says
Oh my goodness this was amazing! I had never had mincemeat but my boyfriend really wanted this for Christmas; his daughter is vegan and this was a roaring success!! I didn't have enough currants so subbed in more of the other dried fruit to make up the grams. I was so tired when I made it and used 1/3 cup rather than 1/2 when measuring the sugar so I decreased sugar by 1/2 cup, but it was still wonderful. And finally I also didn't have port; I subbed apple brandy and grand marnier as it was what I had on hand and only 1 cup at that. Soooo amazing!
A Virtual Vegan says
I'm so glad you all enjoyed it! I bet it was awesome with apple brandy and grand marnier! Thank you so much for stopping by to leave feedback. i really appreciate it!
Jill says
Superb recipe. Even better than traditional varieties that aren't vegan!
Sue says
I have just found your site and facebook page and signed up for your newsletter. I just wanted to say THANK YOU for converting cups to grams and listing substitutes. Being a Brit I work in grams (or ounces) and find conversions difficult and as a teetotaler, I appreciate the substitute for the port in this recipe. I look forward to seeing more of your recipes.
A Virtual Vegan says
I'm so glad you found me and you are very welcome. I am a Brit living in Canada so I grew up using grams & ounces. Now I'm here I love to use cups as it's often quicker and easier but for some recipes where accuracy is key, weighing is so important. Plus most of my friends and family are back in the UK so for them and all of my readers like you who are there, I include both. I hope you enjoy the mincemeat. I have some in a dark cupboard that I made with lots of port last year and I can't wait to crack it open and try it this year!
Alex says
I was just talking to my mom about getting some veganised mincemeat pies made for the holidays—the touch of rosemary in this sounds great. It's definitely getting to be an old-fashioned thing in Canada but it's still traditional...I know in one of his books Robertson Davies mentioned a superstition that eating 12 mincemeat tarts on Twelfth Night will grant you 12 months of luck in the new year but I've never been able to keep that many down, in spite of my best efforts!
A Virtual Vegan says
Thank you Alex! I like that theory. Perhaps we could make little mini ones then we might fit 12 in!
Angela says
Thanks for the lovely recipes Mel - this mincemeat looks quite decadent. Whoohoo : )
I live in Australia (originally from UK - we're called Poms here : ) ) and it's going to be hot :( (not the same) but I'll put on the air con and make these beauties...after all it's not Christmas without mince pies is it?
Merry Christmas to you and yours and I hope that 2017 brings you everything that your heart desires ; )
Love Angela X
A Virtual Vegan says
Hi Angela, Thank you for your lovely message from down under! You are so right that it isn't Christmas without mince pies. As it's so hot there you might struggle a bit with the pastry getting too warm. Be sure to use really, really cold coconut oil and work as quickly as you can. I am honoured that you are willing to suffer having the oven on in order to make them! Perhaps you could eat them with ice-cream afterwards to help cool you down ;O)
Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and your family :O)
Sarah says
I've never had mincemeat before, but I am so intrigued—mostly by the big glug of alcohol :) This looks really yummy!
A Virtual Vegan says
Thanks Sarah. A big glug of alcohol makes everything better!