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Festive, rich & fruity Christmas Vegan Mincemeat steeped in boozy deliciousness! A Christmas staple that is really easy to make & can be used in all of your festive baking. It's also perfect for gifting.

Jump to: What is mincemeat?

Why is mincemeat called mincemeat when there is no meat in it?

What ingredients are in vegan mincemeat?

What alcohol do you use in mincemeat?

How to make vegan mincemeat

Possible variations

Storing mincemeat

Success Tips

How to use vegan mincemeat

How to gift

Frequently Asked Questions

📖 Recipe

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 baked goods 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 recipe is.

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, scroll to my printable recipe card at the bottom of the page or click the "jump to recipe" button at the top of the page.

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!

Possible 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. Cover with a waxed disc that will fit the size of the jar then 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 fillings

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make mincemeat without alcohol? 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!

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📖 Recipe

Vegan Mincemeat Melanie McDonald Festive, rich & fruity Vegan Mincemeat steeped in boozy deliciousness! A Christmas staple that is really easy to make & can be used in all of your festive baking. It's also perfect for gifting! 5 from 12 votes Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 1 hr 30 mins Total Time 1 hr 45 mins Course Baked Goods, Dessert Cuisine vegan Servings 6 cups Calories 163 kcal Ingredients 1x 2x 3x 300g / 2 slightly heaped cups raisins , (see recipe notes regarding substitutions for the dried fruits listed) 300g / 2 slightly heaped cups raisins , (see recipe notes regarding substitutions for the dried fruits listed)

160g / 1 slightly rounded cup currants 160g / 1 slightly rounded cup currants

140g / 1 slightly rounded cup dried cranberries 140g / 1 slightly rounded cup dried cranberries

100g / ½ cup dried blueberries 100g / ½ cup dried blueberries

80g / ½ cup dried cherries 80g / ½ cup dried cherries

80g / ½ cup dried figs , chopped 80g / ½ cup dried figs , chopped

140g / 1 cup slivered almonds , (you can omit to make the recipe nut free) 140g / 1 cup slivered almonds , (you can omit to make the recipe nut free)

2 lemons zest and juice 2 lemons zest and juice

2 oranges zest and juice 2 oranges zest and juice

1 large apple , grated 1 large apple , grated

225g / 1½ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar 225g / 1½ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar

3 teaspoons ground all spice 3 teaspoons ground all spice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger

2 teaspoons fresh rosemary chopped finely 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. 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) 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. 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. 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. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Add the port and stir really well. 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. 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 Feel free to sub any of the dried fruit listed for whatever dried fruits you have on hand, just be sure to keep the total quantity the same - my suggestions do give a great combination of flavour and texture though. How to store Store freshly made jars of vegan mincemeat in the fridge for up to 4 weeks. You can store it for up to a year (or more) though. 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. Cover with a waxed disc that will fit the size of the jar then 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. WARNING: 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! NUTRITION Serving: 4 tablespoons Calories: 163 kcal Carbohydrates: 31 g Protein: 1 g Fat: 3 g Sodium: 8 mg Potassium: 84 mg Fiber: 2 g Sugar: 25 g Vitamin A: 150 IU Vitamin C: 5 mg Calcium: 20 mg Iron: 0.4 mg Nutritional information is provided for convenience & as a courtesy only. The data is a computer generated estimate so should be used as a guide only. Tried this recipe? Rate it & leave your feedback in the comments section below, or tag @avirtualvegan on Instagram and hashtag it #avirtualvegan Get my Top 10 reader's favourite recipes e-Cookbook FREE!

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!