12 inventive mincemeat recipes (that aren’t mince pies)

Did mincemeat ever have meat in?

The practice of mixing shredded meat with spices and sweet ingredients such as honey and fruit developed in the medieval era, as a result of trade and the Crusades. This ‘mincemeat’ would be cooked in a hard pastry case – it was a means of containing the meat in the oven, but soon the pastry became an edible part of the pie. These were expensive ingredients, so they were saved for feast days such as Christmas. By the 17th century mince pies were a Christmas fixture. As sugar production in the West Indies boomed, sweet treats became more popular until by the 19th century mince pies rarely contained beef. The use of beef suet persisted but vegetarian suet is common these days. We do have a recipe for old-fashioned beef mince pies, if you fancy trying them!

How to make mincemeat

This recipe makes enough for 3 x 375g jars. In a bowl, mix together 110g sultanas, 170g each raisins and currants, 170g grated bramley apples, 110g suet, 200g soft brown sugar, 100g finely chopped mixed peel, 65g blanched and chopped almonds, ½ tbsp mixed spice, the zest and juice of 1 orange, and a large splash of brandy. Wash some clean jars in warm soapy water, rinse and dry in a low oven. Spoon the mincemeat into the sterilised jars and seal – they’ll keep for 12 months. If you’re organised enough, make it a few weeks ahead, so that it develops a good depth of flavour.

We have lots of flavoured variations to try too, including cherry mincemeat, spiced rum butter mincemeat and rum and pineapple mincemeat.

12 inspired mincemeat recipes

Mince pie biscotti
These mince pie biscotti by The Hebridean Baker (Coinneach MacLeod) make great use of a jar of mincemeat and are perfect for dunking into your tea or coffee during the festive season. They also make a great, budget-friendly food gift.

“While I do whip up a few batches of my homemade mincemeat in the festive season, you’ll also find me in the supermarket in January, snagging jars from the discount aisle for mere pennies,” says Coinneach. “These mince pie biscotti will bring a touch of festive cheer, even long after the decorations have been packed away till next year.”

Mince pie apple crumble
Apple crumble gets a festive makeover in this easy make-ahead dessert recipe. Mincemeat and a spiced almond crumble topping bring the festive vibes.

Mincemeat and custard bundt cake
Bundt cakes look wonderfully festive with minimal effort – the special tin does all the hard work. We’ve filled this decadent festive cake with mincemeat and custard then drizzled with rum and citrussy orange icing.

Giant mince pie tart
Get in the festive spirit with a GIANT mince pie tart. It makes a beautiful Christmas dessert and is a joy to make and share with loved ones.

Air fryer mini mince pie turnovers
Even the simplest mince pie tastes better than anything shop-bought when it’s freshly baked – or in this case, air-fried. These turnovers require just four ingredients and half an hour of your time: the perfect last-minute snack for festive entertaining.

Mince pie old fashioned
Turn your mincemeat into a cocktail! This versatile Christmas cocktail recipe makes a fabulous drink, as well as a flavoured butter to use in festive baking and an extra-boozy mincemeat for mince pies.

Spiced rum mincemeat cheesecake
This boozy Christmas pudding mincemeat cheesecake looks impressive as a festive dessert but is really simple to make. Spiced rum and orange juice add oomph.

Mince pie crumble traybake
This tasty traybake combines two of the most comforting winter treats: mince pies and crumble! This traybake is perfect for sharing – a great recipe to take into work or bring to a festive gathering.

Royal mincemeat pie
This giant, meringue-topped showstopping dessert put an epic twist on the classic mince pie. Prepare the pastry and filling ahead of time for an easy-to-make sweet that will impress your guests.

Mince pie loaf cake with streusel filling
This mince pie streusel loaf cake makes a great alternative Christmas cake – and has a hidden surprise in the middle. This festive showstopper has a lovely moist mincemeat centre, surrounded by a buttery custard-enriched sponge. The reassuring sweetness of the cake goes beautifully with the rich fruit.

Eccles pie star wreath
This eccles cake-style star wreath combines mincemeat with lancashire cheese and puff pastry to create a beautiful centrepiece.

Mincemeat brownies with brandy butter icing
Chocolatier Paul A Young‘s Christmas brownies are dotted with sweet and boozy mincemeat and topped with whipped brandy butter icing. A proper festive treat!

Discover more of our favourite Christmas baking recipes.