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!
Bruce Nelson says
Okay, the stress to get mincemeat for Christmas is off, found some in a bulk place. For some reason it has become hard to find here (Toronto Canada), All the usual sources are out of stock or discontinued. I am going to make your recipe for next year. Figs - any particular variety? One source I have sells "black mission", the other "Fancy Calamyrna". Does it make a difference? Similarly with currants: one source lists "currants", the other gives a choice of "Zante Currants" (currants & sunflower oil) or "Dried Black Currants" (black currants, sugar/fructose, sunflower oil).
A Virtual Vegan says
It doesn't matter. Just use whatever ones you like best.
Bruce Nelson says
Thank you.
Bruce Nelson says
How would you adjust this recipe to use frozen cranberries, blueberries & cherries instead of the dried ones? (Why? Because I already have the frozen ones, and my wife wants them out of the freezer!)
A Virtual Vegan says
Sorry but I wouldn't advise using frozen fruit. Mincemeat needs to be made with dried fruit. It would end up too wet and sloppy and would have no texture. It also wouldn't keep as well.
Bruce Nelson says
Thank you for your prompt reply.
Carol Murden says
I make muffins and fruit loafs with mincemeat and can't buyvjarred mincemeat all year long. I am going to substitute 100g of dried blueberriescwith dried apricots and 80 g of cherries and 80g of dried figs with mixed peel. I have other fruit on hand. Going to buy Apple Brandy as well. What are your thoughts on these changes
Carol
Melanie McDonald says
As long as you use roughly the same total quantity of dried fruit it will be fine. You can use whatever ones you like. I'm sure it will be delicious with Apple Brandy. Hope you enjoy the mincemeat!
Bruce Nelson says
I am puzzled. Knowing how alcohol is produced (animal byproduct), why would a pure vegan use drink it or cook with it?
A Virtual Vegan says
Some alcohol is fined with animal products but there is plenty that isn't. Almost all spirits are vegan and plenty of wines and beers are too. It's not hard to find from any liquor store.
Sally says
This mince meat recipe is gorgeous! I used sherry and replaced almonds with walnuts. I could eat it with a spoon. Trying to keep my hands off it so it can soak up the sherry and then I can’t wait to make mince pies for Christmas. Really appreciated the fahrenheit and cups measurements so I didn’t have to convert all that myself. I am going to print this recipe off and stick it in my Joy of Cooking to keep forever. If my American friends and family weren’t so perturbed by dried fruit and booze in a jar I’d be giving it as gifts, it’s way easier to make than I thought it would be!
Valeria says
Hi, can I just clarify would you use the same amount of brandy instead of port? I don't want to make them too boozy :D
A Virtual Vegan says
Yes the same amount is fine. Don't worry, it doesn't taste too alcoholic. The strength of the alcohol balances with all of the sweetness nicely. Hope you enjoy it!
sharon says
Amazing, amazing amazing! I made this about 3 weeks ago and have made tarts ( your recipe) with it and also had it on toast and it truly is Christmas in a jar. I cannot imagine another Christmas without it.
Thank you!
A Virtual Vegan says
I'm so pleased you're enjoying my Christmas recipes! I agree... Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without some!
Angelica says
Tastes amazing! I’m supposed to use this as filling for the mince pies but the mixture feels so wet. This is my first making these pies so I’m not sure what I’m looking for. Thank you!
A Virtual Vegan says
It is wet when you first make it. You need to let it sit in the jars for a day or so (or longer) and the fruit will absorb the moisture. Then it will be kind of jammy and not liquidy.
Carla says
Hello! I was wondering if it is ok to store the mince meat in an airtight plastic container in the fridge for about a week? I want to make the mince meat in advance but I don’t own any glass jars :(
A Virtual Vegan says
That will be fine. I've kept it in all sorts of things when I've run out of jars! You can freeze it too if you want to keep it longer.
shelley Kersey says
Hello Melanie,
Thank you so much! I just made this today. It looks, smells and tastes amazing. I subbed dried apricots for the blueberries and cherries, and used port. I was a chicken and did not put rosemary in but next time I will now that I know the recipe is so great. Happy holidays to you and your family!
Shelley
A Virtual Vegan says
I'm really pleased you like it! The rosemary is so subtle. Not overpowering at all. It just adds a certain something. It's still great without it though. Hope you enjoy baking with it!
sophie says
Do you have to seal the cans properly to store for long periods of time? eg in boiling water to make lids pop?
A Virtual Vegan says
I never do and it keeps fine. I'm English and we don't tend to "can" like people in the US. We just sterilize everything, and that's what I do with this. I sterlize, fill them up, do the lids up and store them somewhere dark and cool. The alcohol and sugar preserve it perfectly. I've kept it for over a year like that and it was fine.
It freezes well too if you prefer. Canning it certainly wouldn't hurt though if you wanted to.
MJ says
Is there any way I can use frozen fruits for the cranberries, blueberries and cherries?
I did use to make my own mincemeat many years ago (before vegan) and it used lots of apples too.
A Virtual Vegan says
I wouldn't. Frozen fruit isn't very flavourful and they are too wet. They don't have any texture and they wouldn't absorb the flavours. Mincemeat really needs to be made with dried fruit. There is an apple in this recipe though. You could get away with adding 2 apples instead of one if you wanted. No more than that though or you might alter how it keeps and the balance of flavours.
MJ says
Thank you very much for your speedy reply. Getting the dehydrated fruits today and anxious to make this.
CH says
Can you give more information on the "waxed" disk to fit the jar? I don't understand what that is... is it purchased or made?
A Virtual Vegan says
Don't worry about those. I used to use them when I made it but for the last few years I haven't and it's been absolutely fine. I just removed those details from the post.
Angie says
I have just made the recipe and having cooled the fruit mixture I have added the brandy. It smells delicious but there now seems to be a lot of liquid, even after mixing, should I add this to the jars or strain it off?
A Virtual Vegan says
No don't strain it off otherwise you will have wasted the brandy and all of the flavour. The liquid will get absorbed by the fruit as the mincemeat sits in the jars.
Bob says
Have never had Mincemeat let alone Vegan Mincemeat, yet am interested in doing a more personalized and palatable variation.
Not a fan of Raisins, Currents or Figs and also allergic to Orange, Lime, Lime and other citrus fruit juice (would something like Apple Cider Vinegar suffice?).
Like the idea of using Dates, Pears and Berries in general though can Ginger be used?
Also when using the mincemeat in mince pies or other recipes, what could be the best way to give the mincemeat a smoother or pureed Fruit Jam/Preserve-like texture?
Otherwise open to going with a traditional vegan mince pie with my own vegan mincemeat mix to start off with, though particularly drawn to the idea of an iced mince pie in the style of a Cherry Bakewell (assuming the latter is not too complicated).
Stav says
thank you for the wonderful recipe!
question about the all spice- do you refer to a spice mixture of clove-nutgmeg-cinnamon or to the jamaican berry stuff? Never heard about it until now :P
A Virtual Vegan says
I do mean the spice made from the dried berries from the allspice tree. You'll find jars of it in the spice section of grocery stores. I've never found one that doesn't sell it. Its smell/taste is reminesecent of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg and it adds a deep, warm flavor. It's so good!
Bruce Nelson says
This is the "Jamaican berry stuff". Jamaicans sometimes refer to it as "pimento". When the English first came to Jamaica and tasted it, they called it allspice, because it tasted like a mix of cinnamon/nutmeg/clove.
Gayle says
Do you not add any liquid to the mixture that is warming in the oven for 90 minutes?
A Virtual Vegan says
No. The liquid gets added after. You are just warming it to develop the flavours and let them all mingle. Just follow the recipe as it's written and you'll be fine!
Lolita says
This was off the charts delicious, and simply tastes like Christmas! I used it in your vegan mince pie recipe and brought it to a party, and they were devoured!
A Virtual Vegan says
Thank you so much Lolita!