Name: Mince Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: Raisins (1/2 cup); Dates, Cut Small (1/2 cup); Apples (3, Diced); Lemon (1, Juice + Rind Grated); Orange (1 medium, Juice + Rind Grated); Walnuts, Chopped (1/2 cup); Honey (1 cup); Flour (3 tbsp + 2 1/2 cups); Butter Flavored Crisco (1 cup); Salt (1 tsp); Cold Water (5-6 tbsp)

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Mince Pie, a classic holiday treat, fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that melds sweet, spiced warmth and nostalgia. Picture it: a beautifully baked pie, its golden crust cradling a rich blend of dried fruits and zesty citrus, exuding a fragrance that dances through the air. As the pie cools, the anticipation builds—its shiny filling glistening like jewels, inviting a slice.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Mince Pie
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Mince Pie

I can still recall my first time tasting mince pie at my grandmother’s house, the laughter echoing around the table as we eagerly passed around slices, each bite reminding us of cherished family gatherings. It’s a dessert that whispers of tradition and togetherness, perfect for celebrating the season with loved ones. Whether you’re gathering for a festive holiday party or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, this mince pie recipe brings joy and warmth. So preheat that oven and let’s create a delicious centerpiece that will make your holidays brighter and sweeter!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a fragrant pie ready to wow your family in less than an hour.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet raisins, nutty walnuts, and zesty citrus creates a delightful explosion of flavors in each bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden, flaky crust and shimmering filling make this pie not only tasty but also a beautiful centerpiece for your table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for dessert, a midnight snack, or even breakfast with your morning coffee!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable with vegan butter and gluten-free flour for those with dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Raisins (1/2 cup): Adds natural sweetness and chewy texture. For a twist, try sultanas or currants.
Dates, Cut Small (1/2 cup): Provide deep, caramel-like sweetness. Medjool dates are perfect, but any soft variety will work.
Apples (3, Diced): Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor that cuts through the sweetness.
Lemon (1, Juice + Rind Grated): The zesty brightness lifts the richness of the filling. Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
Orange (1 medium, Juice + Rind Grated): Adds a fragrant citrus echo that complements the other fruits beautifully.
Walnuts, Chopped (1/2 cup): For a crunchy texture and nutty depth. Feel free to substitute with pecans if you prefer.
Honey (1 cup): Natural sweetener that binds the filling. Maple syrup can be an alternative for a unique flavor.
Flour (3 tbsp + 2 1/2 cups): The extra flour helps thicken the filling and keeps the crust flaky. Use all-purpose flour unless gluten-free is needed.
Butter Flavored Crisco (1 cup): Essential for a rich, flaky crust. You can use unsalted butter if you prefer a more traditional flavor.
Salt (1 tsp): Balances flavors throughout the pie.
Cold Water (5-6 tbsp): This helps bring the crust together without overworking it, keeping it tender.

How to Make Mince Pie

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot for the **mince pie**. While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients, because a well-prepared kitchen makes all the difference!

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, incorporate 1 cup of the butter flavored Crisco until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is vital for achieving that flaky, tender crust we all adore.

Stir in Cold Water: Gradually add in the cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently. Stop when the dough just holds together. Over-mixing can lead to tough crusts, and we definitely want to avoid that!

Divide and Roll: Divide the dough into two equal parts. On a well-floured surface, roll out one half into a circle about 1/8-inch thick. Lightly place it into your pie pan, gently pressing it against the bottom and sides.

Prepare the Top Crust: Roll out the second half of the dough in the same manner and set it aside for now while we prepare the filling. Keeping it covered will help prevent it from drying out.

Mix the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, toss together the raisins, chopped dates, diced apples, zest and juice from both the lemon and orange, chopped walnuts, and honey. Add in the 3 tablespoons of flour to help bind everything together while balancing the moisture from the fruits.

Load the Pie: Pour this luscious filling into the crust you placed in your pie pan. Wet the edges of the crust with a little water, then carefully place the second rolled-out dough over the filling. Pinch the edges to seal and trim any excess dough.

Cut Slits and Bake: With a butter knife, make a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking. This prevents the pie from becoming soggy. Now it’s time to slide it into your preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that, lower the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes.

Storing & Reheating

After cooling, you can store your mince pie at room temperature for up to two days, ensuring it’s in a cool place to maintain freshness. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil and refrigerate, where it can last for 4 to 5 days. If you’d like to save it for later, you can freeze the pie for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, until warmed through. Just know that the texture might be a touch softer after freezing, but a little warmth brings back that cozy flavor!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your ingredients are at the right temperature: Butter flavored Crisco should be cold to keep the crust flaky!
If the dough is too crumbly, it may need a couple more drops of cold water. Just remember to add it slowly.
When rolling out dough, practice patience—flour your surface well to prevent sticking, and keep the thickness even for an optimal bake.
Don’t skip on the slits in the top crust. This release of steam will help prevent sogginess!
If your pie is browning too fast, tent it with foil to prevent burning while the filling cooks through.

As you embark on making this lovely mince pie, you’ll revel in the rich flavors and tradition each slice represents. There’s something truly special about creating beloved holiday recipes from scratch. Experiment with the filling or enjoy it as is; either way, the joy you bring to your table will resonate with everyone who shares a piece.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make mince pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and the pie crust a day in advance. Store the filling in the fridge and assemble your pie the day you plan to bake it for the freshest taste. If freezing, it’s best to freeze it unbaked, allowing for maximum freshness when baked later.

What can I use instead of honey?

If honey isn’t available or if you prefer another sweetener, consider using maple syrup or agave nectar. Just remember that both alternatives will lead to a slightly different flavor profile, but they’ll still blend beautifully with the fruits.

Can I make this mince pie gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Many blends are designed to mimic the characteristics of all-purpose flour, and they work beautifully in pie crusts.

How can I tell when my pie is done baking?

Your mince pie is complete when the crust is golden brown, and you can see the filling bubbling up slightly through the slits you made on top. The fragrant aroma wafting through your kitchen is another sure sign that it’s ready to be enjoyed!

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Mince Pie

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British

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Description

This Mince Pie is a delightful blend of dried fruits and spices, offering an irresistible flavor with simple preparation. Perfect for any holiday table!

Ingredients

Raisins (1/2 cup)
Dates, Cut Small (1/2 cup)
Apples (3, Diced)
Lemon (1, Juice + Rind Grated)
Orange (1 medium, Juice + Rind Grated)
Walnuts, Chopped (1/2 cup)
Honey (1 cup)
Flour (3 tbsp + 2 1/2 cups)
Butter Flavored Crisco (1 cup)
Salt (1 tsp)
Cold Water (5-6 tbsp)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Combine flour and salt in a bowl, then cut in Crisco until crumbly.
Gradually add cold water until the dough holds together.
Divide the dough and roll out one half to fit a pie pan.
Prepare the second half for the top crust after rolling it out.
Mix the filling ingredients, including raisins, dates, apples, zests, walnuts, and honey.
Pour the filling into the pie crust, cover with the second crust and seal the edges.
Cut slits in the top crust, bake for 20 minutes at 400°F, then reduce temperature to 375°F and bake for another 25 minutes.

Notes

For variations, try using pecans instead of walnuts and alternative sweeteners like maple syrup.
Keep cold water handy to adjust the dough consistency as needed, ensuring it remains tender.