Homemade Brandy Mincemeat
You can make a small batch of brandy mincemeat for Christmas baking with apple, dried fruit, and fresh orange juice. It only takes about 25 minutes.
Nutrition Nutrition per portion
- Calories 82kcal 169kcal
- Fat 1.3g 2.6g
- Carbs 15.8g 32.4g
- Protein 0.6g 1.2g
- Fibre 1.4g 2.9g
Ingredients
Spoon measurements may change based on how you scoop the ingredients.
For the most accurate results and nutrition info, it’s best to use grams.
Method
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Why I Like this Recipe
I prefer chopped apricots instead of candied peel, especially in small mince pies where peel can overpower the flavour. Cranberries also add a nice change from just raisins. Making my own means I can keep these choices and use the same mix for Christmas baking and breakfast recipes.
Tips and Variations
- You can swap some of the raisins for sultanas or currants, just keep the total dried fruit weight the same.
- Try 60g of dried figs instead of apricots, but make sure to remove any hard stalks first.
- Choose a sweet eating apple if you want a milder fruit flavour.
- Swap some of the orange juice for lemon juice if you prefer a sharper filling.
Meal Storage
Let the mincemeat cool, then refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Store it in a clean, airtight container at 0 to 5°C and use within 3 days. Always use a clean spoon to take some out.
Freezer tips
Divide the cooled mincemeat into small freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for it to expand. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Let the mincemeat defrost overnight in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Christmas mincemeat is a sweet, spiced fruit filling for mince pies. This recipe uses apple, dried fruit, orange, butter, and brandy.
No. Apples and dried fruit contain natural sugars, and dried cranberries may have added sugar. There is no extra sugar or syrup added to the pan.
Yes. Replace the 45ml of brandy with 45ml of apple juice or extra orange juice. This is in addition to the 70g of orange juice already in the ingredients.
Yes. Simply use 15g of dairy-free block butter instead of regular butter.
Closing Note
This recipe uses a small amount of brandy, but most of the alcohol cooks off as the fruit simmers. Try this homemade mincemeat as a spiced filling in mince pies, baked oats, or crumbles. For more ideas for the festive table, browse our Christmas and New Year recipes.
- 🍃 Lighter
- ⏱️ Ready in 30
- 🍞 Lower Carb
- 🧊 Freezer Friendly
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