Vegan Mincemeat Tart

beautifully spiced vegan mincemeat tart featuring a flaky, buttery crust, a rich fruit filling, and a delicate almond-glazed topping—this festive dessert is the perfect addition to any holiday table. With warm spices, citrus undertones, and a touch of crunch from almonds, this tart captures the comforting flavors of traditional mincemeat while remaining completely plant-based.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flaky, buttery vegan crust – A perfectly crisp pastry without the need for dairy.
• Rich and spiced mincemeat filling – A combination of dried fruits, apples, and warm spices creates a deep, festive flavor.
• Naturally sweetened – Uses coconut sugar, maple syrup, and fruit for a more wholesome dessert.
• Easy to make ahead – Prepare the filling in advance for a stress-free holiday bake.
• Dairy-free and egg-free – Ideal for plant-based diets while delivering all the flavors of a classic mincemeat tart.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup vegan butter, chilled and cubed
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar
• 3-4 tbsp ice water
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Mincemeat Filling:

• 1 cup dried mixed fruits (raisins, cranberries, and chopped dates)
• 1/2 cup chopped apples
• 1/4 cup almonds, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp almond milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Directions

1. Preheat the oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a tart pan.
2. Make the crust – In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and coconut sugar. Cut in chilled vegan butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for 15 minutes.
3. Roll out and pre-bake the crust – Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and press it into the tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork and bake for 10 minutes.
4. Prepare the filling – In a saucepan over medium heat, combine dried fruits, apples, almonds, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, orange juice, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Cook for 10 minutes until thickened, then remove from heat.
5. Bake the tart – Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust, spreading evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
6. Make the glaze – Whisk together powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. Cool and decorate – Once the tart has cooled, spread the glaze over the top and sprinkle with sliced almonds. Allow to set before slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Variations

• Nut-free version – Omit almonds or replace them with sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative.
• Citrus boost – Add lemon zest for extra brightness in the filling.
• Gluten-free crust – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free tart.
• Extra spiced – Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for deeper warmth.
• Caramelized topping – Drizzle maple syrup over the almonds before baking for a sweet crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze the tart (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before glazing.
• Reheating: Warm slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes if desired.

FAQs

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Yes, the crust and filling can be made a day in advance. Assemble and bake when ready.

What type of dried fruits work best?

A mix of raisins, cranberries, and chopped dates offers a balance of sweetness and tartness.

Can I use store-bought mincemeat?

Yes, but check the ingredients to ensure it is vegan.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Pre-baking the crust and allowing the filling to cool slightly before adding it helps keep the crust crisp.

Can I use a different glaze?

Yes, a simple maple glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar works well.

What can I serve with this tart?

It pairs beautifully with dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream.

Can I make this into mini tarts?

Yes, divide the dough and filling into small tart pans, reducing the bake time by 5 minutes.

Why is my crust too crumbly?

If the dough is too dry, add a little more ice water until it holds together.

Can I use coconut oil instead of vegan butter?

Yes, but it may slightly alter the texture of the crust.

How do I get clean slices?

Allow the tart to cool completely before slicing, and use a sharp knife for clean cuts.

Conclusion

This Vegan Mincemeat Tart is a festive, spiced dessert that embodies the warmth and flavors of the holiday season. With a flaky, buttery crust and a naturally sweet fruit filling, this tart is a delightful plant-based alternative to traditional mincemeat pies. Whether served at a holiday gathering or enjoyed with a cup of tea, this recipe is sure to impress.