The Ultimate Healthy Fruit Mince Pies

The ultimate healthy fruit mince pies with a simple oatmeal shortbread crust and a delicious carrot and apple mince filling are the perfect Christmas treat. They're gluten-free, dairy-free and bursting with fruit and veggies!

It’s almost Christmas and I’m all about the festive things! Spending evenings watching home alone, eating mince pies and sipping gingerbread lattes is all I want to do right now! It’s so fun and really delicious!

The most classic christmas treat are fruit mince pies, and they are my favourite too! 

Every year my nanna buys a tray of them but this year I wanted to make my own homemade version with a healthy veggie twist. Lets just say they were an ABSOLUTE SUCCESS! So good I had to share them with you too!!

A healthier fruit mince pie recipe

Traditionally, British mince pies are made with pastry filled with fruit mince meat made of dried fruit, sugar and alcohol (usually rum or brandy).

However, these mince pies are full of nourishing ingredients, with no refined sugar. To start they have a lovely oatmeal shortbread crust that is so easy to make and totally fool proof!). To make a healthier mincemeat filling I’ve added finely grated carrot, chopped apples and omitted the alcohol. You still get the great taste of mincemeat, but with a sneaky dose of veggies and lighter fruit filling. It’s so yummy, I can eat it straight from the pot! They are filled with warming spiced flavours which is like heaven in a mouthful. I hope you guys will love them as much as we do, they really are a treat.

Ingredients you'll need:

• Oat flour – the crust of the pies is made out of wholegrain oat flour. Use certified gluten-free oat flour if needed. You can also sub with wholemeal spelt flour.
• Egg – you’ll need one egg to form the pastry for the pie crusts.
• Coconut oil – to make the dairy-free oatmeal shortbread crust we use melted coconut oil for moisture. But you can definitely substitute melted butter, vegan butter or macadamia nut oil if you prefer.
• Honey or maple syrup – the pie crust is lightly sweetened with a little honey. You can easily sub maple syrup if you prefer.
• Apples – to make the fruit mince filling. I prefer sweet varieties like as pink lady or royal gala as they will create the perfect balance of flavour.
• Carrot – my secret ingredient in the healthy fruit mince pies. We add 1 finely gated carrot to the fruit mince. And trust me, no one will know!
• Dried fruit – for the fruit mince filling. I like to use 1 cup raisins and ½ cup dried cranberries.  Howver dried dates, saltanas and apricots would be lobvely too.
• Orange – one whole orange is needed to make the fruit mince filling. ½ cup juice and 1 tablespoon finely grated zest.
• Cinnamon + ginger – a dash of cosy spices for a delicious flavour. 
• Vanilla extract 

How to make the ultimate healthy fruit mince pies

• Fruit mince: Combine the apples, carrot, dried fruit, spices, vanilla, orange juice + zest, spices and water ion a pot. Simmer for 45 minutes. It should be soft and gooey, rest until cold or you can make this the day ahead.

• Pastry: In a large bowl combine the oat flour, egg, oil and egg. Mix well with fingers. Slowly add water and kneed with hands to form a soft dough. It will start to firm up*
• Form the crust: Roll out the pastry between 2 sheets of baking paper and cut into circles large enough to cover the base and sides of your muffin holes. Use your hands to press them down around the sides, creating a cup. Stab the bottom of each crust with a fork so it can breathe while baking.
• Fill the crusts: Fill the crusts with 1 heaped tablespoon of the fruit mince.

• Stars: Roll out rest of the pastry and cut out in the shape of stars.Arrange stars over the top of the mince pies.
• Bake: Place the muffin tins in the oven for 30 minutes or until lightly golden.
• Remove from the tin: Allow the carrot and apple fruit mince pies to cool completely in the muffin tin before removing from the pan. To remove them, gently run a butter knife around the edges of the crust, then gently flip out onto your hands.

How to make ahead

To save time you can easily prepare the fruit mince filling in advance. Cook as directed and store in the fridge for up to 3 days before adding to the pie crusts. This also allows the flavours to further develop even more. I like to make the filling the day before Christmas Eve then bake the pies on Christmas Eve so they are ready for the big day!

Storing and Freezing Tips

• Refrigerator: once your healthy fruit mince pies are completely cooled, place them into a large airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Enjoy straight from the fridge!
• Freezer: let them cool completely first, then place into large zip lock bags. Make sure they are not stacked on top of each other, then place on a flat shelf so they freeze separated. Freeze for up to 1 month. To defrost, allow your carrot and apple fruit mince pies to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Other healthier Christmas recipes from the blog

Healthy Gingerbread Truffles (Vegan + Gluten-Free)

Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Donuts

If you try this healthy carrot fruit mince pies recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.

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