Description
Looking to impress your guests or add a nostalgic touch to your holiday dessert spread? This Old-Time Mincemeat Pie is the ultimate answer. Rich, spiced, and wrapped in a golden flaky crust, it’s a flavorful blend of dried fruits, citrus, and warming spices, all simmered into a sticky-sweet filling. Whether you’re looking for a unique holiday dessert, a vintage pie idea, or an easy make-ahead baking recipe, this pie delivers tradition and taste in every bite. A perfect choice among holiday food ideas, classic pies, and make-ahead desserts.
Ingredients
1 cup finely chopped beef or 1/2 cup suet (or use butter for vegetarian version)
1 1/2 cups finely chopped tart apples
1 cup raisins
1 cup currants
1/2 cup chopped dried figs or dates
1/2 cup chopped candied citrus peel
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses or dark corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Juice and zest of 1 orange
1/4 cup apple cider or brandy
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
6–8 tablespoons ice water
1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine beef/suet, apples, raisins, currants, figs, citrus peel, and sugar over medium heat.
2. Add molasses, spices, salt, citrus juice/zest, and cider or brandy. Simmer on low for 30 minutes until thick and glossy. Cool completely or refrigerate overnight.
3. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add ice water gradually until dough forms. Split in two, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
4. Roll one disc into a 12-inch circle and press into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim edges. Roll the second disc for the top crust.
5. Fill bottom crust with mincemeat. Cover with top crust, seal, crimp edges, cut vents, and brush with egg.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbling.
7. Cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before serving.
8. Serve warm or at room temp, with whipped cream or ice cream.
Notes
Prepare the filling a day ahead for deeper flavor.
Always let the filling cool completely before assembling the pie.
Use a pastry brush and egg wash for that perfect golden crust.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Traditional / British-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg