Orange, cranberry and almond mince pies
Introducing our delicious Orange, Cranberry and Almond Mince Pies, a festive treat packed with flavor. Be enchanted as vibrant, tangy cranberries mingle with delicious store-bought ground beef to create a symphony of flavors on your palate.
But the magic doesn’t stop there! Take this delicacy to a new level by making your own almond pastry from scratch. With its buttery richness and subtle nuttiness, our simple but divine almond pastry perfectly complements the tart cranberries and sweet ground meat, creating a truly unforgettable sensory experience.
Treat yourself to the ultimate Christmas dessert, where traditional flavors meet modern twists and pure joy is created in every bite. These Orange, Cranberry and Almond Mince Pies are sure to amaze and delight those lucky enough to enjoy them during the most wonderful time of the year.
Ingredients
- 200g very cold butter, diced
- 400g flour, plus some flour for dusting
- 100g ground almonds
- 100g golden powdered sugar
- Zest 2 oranges
- 2 tbsp milk (or use orange juice)
- 100g frozen cranberries
- 400g jar of high quality minced meat
- a handful of flaked almonds
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar, plus dusting
- 200 ml can of crème fraîche
Preparation steps
- Mix the butter, flour and ground almonds in a food processor until the butter has disappeared.
- Stir in the sugar and half of the orange peel.
- Add the milk and continue stirring until a coarse dough forms.
- Place the dough on the work surface and press together into a smooth disc.
- Knead the dough once or twice if necessary.
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes.
- The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Sprinkle some flour on the work surface.
- Roll out the dough to about the thickness of a £1 coin.
- Cut out 24 circles using an 8cm cookie cutter.
- Line the holes of 2 x 12-hole bun tins with the dough circles.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6.
- Mix cranberries and minced meat.
- Pour the cranberry-minced meat mixture into the pastry cases.
- Sprinkle each mince pie with flaked almonds.
- The cakes can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- Bake the cakes for 18-20 minutes or until the dough and almonds are golden brown.
- To serve, dust the cakes with a little powdered sugar.
- Stir 2 teaspoons of powdered sugar and the remaining orange peel into the crème fraîche.
- To serve, spoon the crème fraîche mixture onto each cake.
Nutritional Information
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbohydrates | Sugar | fiber | protein | Salt |
| 249 | 14g | 7g | 29g | 17g | 1g | 3g | 0.15g |
Equipment and tools
To make these delicious Orange, Cranberry and Almond Mince Pies you will need the following equipment and tools:
- mixing bowl
- Fork or pastry cutter
- rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Minced meat cake tin or muffin tin
- tablespoon
- Sieve
- Oven
- Cooling rack
Allergen information
The recipe for mince pies with oranges, cranberries and almonds may contain allergenic ingredients. Please note the following allergen information:
- Butter: Contains dairy products
- Flour: May contain gluten
- Ground almonds: May contain nuts
- Golden Powdered Sugar: No known allergens
- Milk: Contains dairy products
- Frozen Cranberries: No known allergens
- Ground meat: Depending on the brand, may contain gluten, nuts and other allergens
- Almond flakes: May contain nuts
- Powdered Sugar: No known allergens
- Crème fraîche: Contains dairy products
Storage and leftovers
These orange, cranberry and almond mince pies are best enjoyed fresh from the oven. If there are any leftovers, follow these storage instructions:
- Allow the mince pies to cool completely.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- You can store them at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- If you prefer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, place them in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
- Before serving, sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- For even more enjoyment, serve it with a dollop of crème fraîche on top.
The health benefits of orange, cranberry and almond mince pies
When it comes to holiday treats, mince pies are a staple. But why settle for regular mince pies when you can treat yourself to a healthier option? These Orange, Cranberry and Almond Mince Pies not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but also pack a ton of nutritional benefits. With the combination of oranges, cranberries and almonds, these mince pies offer a delicious mix of flavors and nutrients.
1. Oranges – full of vitamin C
The zest of two oranges used in this recipe not only gives the mince pies a tangy and refreshing taste, but also provides a healthy dose of vitamin C. Oranges are known for their high vitamin C content, which boosts your immune system and Collagen formation promotes healthy skin and supports iron absorption.
2. Cranberries – Antioxidant powerhouses
Adding 100g of frozen cranberries to these mince pies not only gives them a bright red color but also provides a range of health benefits. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, especially flavonoids, which help protect the body from free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease.
3. Almonds – Nutrient powerhouses
Including 100g of ground almonds in the recipe not only adds depth and texture, but also offers numerous nutritional benefits. Almonds are a fantastic source of healthy fats, proteins, fiber and several important vitamins and minerals. They are particularly rich in vitamin E, magnesium and monounsaturated fats, which contribute to heart health and overall well-being.
4. Minced meat – a surprisingly nutritious filling
A 400g jar of good quality minced meat is the centerpiece of these mince pies. Although the name suggests otherwise, traditional ground meat is actually made from a mixture of dried fruits, spices, and sometimes suet. Dried fruits such as raisins and sultanas provide natural sweetness and are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. The spices used, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, not only enhance the flavor but also provide potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
5. Crème Fraîche – A creamy and low calorie option
To balance the sweetness, a 200ml container of crème fraîche is recommended with these mince pies. Crème fraîche, a French-style cultured cream, offers a creamy and tangy flavor without being overly heavy. Compared to traditional whipped cream, crème fraîche has fewer calories and fat and still provides delicious creaminess.
So this holiday season, treat yourself to these Orange, Cranberry and Almond Mince Pies. Not only will they satisfy your festive cravings, but they will also provide your body with a range of nutrients and antioxidants. Enjoy the taste and benefits!
