Mincemeat is a classic Christmas preserve. It is full of dried fruit, apple and of course delicious Christmas spices like cinnamon and ground ginger. In my Christmas recipes using mincemeat round up, I’ve pick my top favourite recipes that use mincemeat to try this winter.
Make your own mincemeat. I have a vegan slow cooker mincemeat recipe and a cranberry mincemeat recipe. Both are delicious and both work incredibly well.
This Slow Cooker Mincemeat uses a classic recipe packed with dried fruits, spices, nuts. citrus and brandy. With only one simple swap from the traditional ingredients, it becomes the perfect vegetarian and vegan mince pie filling. It really isn’t Christmas in the UK without the heady aroma of mince pies and you won’t regret levelling up by making your own filling.
Making your own cranberry mincemeat for mince pies at Christmas is so easy. This luxury mincemeat recipe mixes together beautiful flavours of fresh apple, dried fruit, brandy, nuts, and fresh cranberries (dried cranberries work too). Based on a traditional mincemeat recipe this recipe works not only for mince pies but makes a great Christmas gift too.This is a take on a classic British mincemeat recipe.
Categories
- Mincemeat Traybakes
- Cake recipes using mincemeat
- Mince Pies
- Mincemeat sharing desserts
- Family friendly mincemeat recipes
Top Questions
How long does Christmas mincemeat last?
Can I use mincemeat from last year?
Can you freeze Christmas mincemeat?
How do you moisten dry mincemeat?
Can I add brandy to a jar of mincemeat?
What can I add to store bought mincemeat?
How do you eat mincemeat?
How long does Christmas mincemeat last?
Christmas mincemeat will last for years! Once you have made your mincemeat, place it in a jar while hot jar. Then once it’s fully cooled, be sure to properly store the Christmas mincemeat in a cool, dark cupboard and it will last for many Christmases to come.
Once open use within a few months and store in the fridge.
Mincemeat Traybakes –recipes using mincemeat
These Almond and Mincemeat Bars consist of two layers of delicious crumbly biscuit sandwiched together with sweet mincemeat and topped with crunchy flaked almonds.
This brownie recipe is not only a delicious Christmas bake but also the perfect way of using half a jar of sweet mincemeat. It’s delicious and indulgent as you would expect with a brownie recipe that includes real chocolate in the mixture.
What can possibly be better than mince pies and a cake in one? It is a soft and moist cake filled with mincemeat and Christmas spices to create a truly delicious mincemeat cake.
Other recipes to try;
Can I use mincemeat from last year?
Yes, you can mincemeat from last year. If properly stored your mincemeat will last for years. Just be sure to keep it in a cool and dark place. A perfect pantry staple.
If the mincemeat from last year is open, but still in the fridge, have a look and smell it to see if it’s still usable. It should be fine but if there is any mould or it smells off then don’t use it.
Loaf and Cake recipes using mincemeat
The cakes really couldn’t be easier to make – all the ingredients are mixed in one bowl (my favourite kind of recipe!) so it takes mere minutes to put together. Perfect for this time of year when we are all so busy!
Mince Pie Cupcakes – Almond cupcakes with a festive mincemeat centre and topped with brandy buttercream. This recipe is another ‘nearly-a-mince-pie’, for anyone that fancies a twist.
Deliciously moist Mincemeat & Almond Cake which is perfect served as an afternoon treat or warm as a comforting dessert. How would you eat yours?
Other recipes to try;
- Mincemeat Bundt Cake by Sew White
- Mincemeat & Banana Loaf Cake by Fuss Free Flavours
- Apple Mincemeat Cake by Gluten Free Alchemist
- Easy Mincemeat Loaf Cake by Apply to Face Blog
- Fig and Mincemeat Christmas Bundt Cake by Tin and Thyme
Can you freeze Christmas mincemeat?
Yes, you can freeze mincemeat for up to 3 or 4 months. It will keep for longer if you keep it in the cupboard rather than freezing it.
If you do want to freeze your mincemeat, I would suggest freezing it in small batches so easy to defrost when you need it. Freezing it in freezer bags or sandwich bags to make it easier to defrost. Don’t freeze the jars as they might break.
Recipes using Mincemeat – new ways to make Mince Pies
Puff Pastry Mince Pies are a flaky update on a British Christmas classic. Packed with traditional fruity mincemeat and topped with sugar crusted star shaped lids, my easy pie making method not only minimises waste but bakes up to look simply stunning.
Perfectly seasonal Christmas Mince Pies made with a gluten free cherry-almond pastry. These traditional pies are made extra special with a cinnamon-spiced crumble topping.
These Filo Pastry Mince Pie Rolls are a delicious twist on the classic British festive treat. Extra crispy and spiked with cranberry sauce, they’re easy to make, easy to bake and easy to eat.
Other recipes to try;
- 20 Minute Mincemeat Palmiers by Casa Costello
- Vegan Mince Pies with Almond Pastry by Cook Veggielicious
- Puff Pastry Mince Pie Swirls by Jo’s Kitchen Larder
How do you moisten dry mincemeat?
If your mincemeat is dry, you can add some more alcohol, citrus juice or water to moisten the dry mincemeat. This will also enhance the flavour of your homemade mincemeat. Brandy is the perfect way to moisten dry mincemeat.
Can I add brandy to a jar of mincemeat?
Yes, you can absolutely add brandy to your mincemeat. Brandy is a deliciously warm and rich spirit perfect for a jar of mincemeat.
Add the brandy while you cook the mincemeat. Cooking the brandy through with the dried fruit, will combine with all the flavours to make a delicious homemade mincemeat.
Mincemeat sharing desserts
This mincemeat puff pastry Christmas tree is so easy to make and is possibly the best Christmas party sharing food. The sticky and fruity mincemeat is filled with Christmas spices and smells incredible when baking in the oven. This easy recipe turns the humble mince pie into a Mince pie Christmas tree with puff pastry.
These mincemeat Madeleines are a delicious, light alternative to mince pies; prepare the batter ahead, and you can produce fresh Madeleines in minutes.
Christmas scones – brandy scones with mincemeat and marzipan. A festive twist on a classic afternoon tea treat or a perfect way to celebrate December birthdays.
Other recipes to try;
- Mincemeat Apple Crumble by Farmersgirl Kitchen
- Mincemeat Icecream by Gluten Free Alchemist
- Leftover Christmas Pudding Ice Cream by Sew White
What can I add to store bought mincemeat?
You can add your own brandy or other spirits to store-bought mincemeat. You can also add dried cranberries, dried apricots or your favourite chopped nuts to the mincemeat.
Family-friendly mincemeat recipes
Easy Mincemeat Muffins are packed full of traditional Christmas flavours and super simple to make. Perfect for cake sales and festive treats at the drop of a snowflake. A great way to use up any leftover mincemeat too.
If you love mince pies or you’re looking for ideas with what to do with a leftover mincemeat, then you need this puff pastry mincemeat pinwheels recipe. Perfect for family baking, making as a Christmas party food or just having with a cup of tea. These puff pastry mincemeat twists pair very well with a mulled wine too.
Mincemeat thumbprint Cookies by Curly’s Cooking
All the tasty flavours you’d expect from a mince pie but quicker and easier! These Mincemeat Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect treat to rustle up over Christmas.
Other recipes to try;
- Apple and Mincemeat Puff Pastry Swirls by Sneaky Veg
- Christmas Amaretti Biscuits by Charlotte’s Lively Kitchen
- Mincemeat Streusel Muffins by Farmersgirl Kitchen
- Mincemeat Muffins by Something Sweet Something Savoury
Leftover mincemeat recipes
How do you eat mincemeat?
You can eat mincemeat in any of your favourite Christmas recipes. Try adding it to your favourite mince pies, or any one of these recipes listed in this mincemeat recipes round up.
I have at least three jars of mincemeat in my cupboard! I’ll definitely be trying out some of these delicious bakes!
So many great ideas!! I’m definitely adding the mincemeat pinwheels to my baking list this holiday season.
They are so easy and so delicious.
Oh wow, this looks so delicious. My family is going to devour it!
Such a wonderful collection of recipes for the holidays! I especially love the Mincemeat Brownies and Filo Pastry Mince Pie Rolls.
They are delicious, aren’t they?
This is an amazing list!! Saving all these! Thank you!
Your Christmas Cranberry Mincemeat looks soooo good!
It’s definitely gonna spice up my holidays! Thanks!
I’m glad you like the look of it. I hope you enjoy making it and eating it too.
I’ve got 3 jars of mincemeat that is approx 3years old its bought in a jar and not been opened it’s been kept at the back of the food cupboard and I came across them by accident….I want to use them I luv mince pies….Are they safe to use… ???
Oh absolutely. Give it a smell test to be sure and if there is any signs of mould I would pass. I have just used a jar which is 3 years old and was perfect.