If you’re looking for something truly special to bring the festive spirit into your kitchen, this Mince Pie Crumble Bars Recipe is an absolute winner. These bars combine that classic homemade mincemeat flavor with a rich, buttery oat crumble base and topping. I love this recipe because it’s a fun twist on traditional mince pies—plus, slicing them into bars makes sharing with family and friends a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just diving into holiday treats, you’ll find this recipe both comforting and delightfully easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Traditional Flavors: The homemade mincemeat filling is packed with classic dried fruits and warming spices that evoke all the cozy holiday feels.
- Easy Bar Format: No fiddly individual pies here — bake it as one tray and slice into perfect shareable bars.
- Crumble Crunch: The buttery oat crumble base and topping add amazing texture and keep every bite interesting.
- Customizable Alcohol-Free Option: Use apple juice instead of brandy for family-friendly fun without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right mix of dried fruits, spices, and buttery crumble elements is key here. I always look for good quality dried fruits for the filling—makes such a difference. The rolled oats add that perfect hearty crunch to the base and topping, and the lemon zest really brightens everything up.
- Raisins: Look for plump, dark raisins for a sweet, chewy kick.
- Currants: These little berries pack an intense fruity punch that balances nicely.
- Sultanas: Sweet and tender, they blend well with the other dried fruits.
- Dried cranberries: I love the tartness they add—it cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
- Mixed peel: Provides that traditional citrus tang you want in mincemeat.
- Cooking apple (finely chopped): Adds moisture and natural sweetness to the filling.
- Unsalted butter: Use cold butter cubed for the crumble so you get that perfect texture when baked.
- Light brown soft sugar: Its caramel notes deepen the flavor, I find it makes the crumble extra delicious.
- Ground cinnamon and mixed spice: Essential for warming, festive spices that smell heavenly.
- Lemon zest: Fresh zest gives a bright zing that wakes up the whole recipe.
- Brandy or apple juice: Brandy adds richness and depth, but I always keep apple juice handy for an alcohol-free version.
- Rolled oats: For that crumbly, chewy base and topping texture.
- Plain flour (plus extra for dusting): Provides structure without overpowering the buttery crumble.
- Baking powder: Helps lighten the crumble mixture just enough for the right bite.
Variations
I’ve played with this recipe a bit over the years, sometimes swapping ingredients based on what I have on hand or dietary preferences. Feel free to make this recipe your own—you’ll be amazed at how adaptable it is.
- Gluten-Free Version: I once swapped plain flour for a gluten-free blend, and the texture was just as satisfying—just add a touch more oats for structure.
- Vegan Adaptation: Using vegan butter and substituting the brandy with apple juice works perfectly for dairy-free and vegan diets.
- Extra Nutty Crunch: Toasted chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) stirred into the crumble add an awesome texture upgrade that my family adores.
- Spice Twist: If you like it spicy, add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg for a deeper holiday vibe.
How to Make Mince Pie Crumble Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Homemade Mincemeat Filling
Start by combining all your dried fruits—raisins, currants, sultanas, dried cranberries, and mixed peel—in a large bowl. Add the finely chopped cooking apple, spices, lemon zest, and sugar. Pour over the brandy (or apple juice) and mix everything well. I like to let this mixture sit for at least an hour, so the fruit absorbs the liquid and spices fully—a little patience here really makes the flavors sing!
Step 2: Make the Oat Crumble Base and Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, plain flour, baking powder, and light brown sugar together. Then, add your cold, cubed butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until you get a coarse, crumbly texture. Don’t overwork the mixture—small lumps of butter are what help create that perfect crumble when baked.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Dust a baking pan with flour and press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture evenly into the base. Spread the mincemeat filling evenly over this layer, then sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes—I’ve learned that slightly underbaking can result in a soggy base, and overbaking dries out the filling.
Step 4: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow the bars to cool fully in the pan to let the layers set properly. This is key for clean cutting—trying to slice them while warm can make a sticky mess. Use a sharp knife dusted with a little flour, and gently cut into squares or bars, depending on your preference.
Pro Tips for Making Mince Pie Crumble Bars Recipe
- Fruit Soaking: Let your dried fruit soak in the brandy or juice overnight if you have time—it really amplifies the flavor depth.
- Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter for the crumble is very cold; this prevents it from melting too soon and ensures a crisp topping.
- Cutting Technique: Use a sharp serrated knife and a slow sawing motion to keep bars clean and neat.
- Avoid Overbaking: Remove bars as soon as the crumble topping turns golden to keep the filling moist and luscious.
How to Serve Mince Pie Crumble Bars Recipe
Garnishes
I love dusting the bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving—it adds a festive, snowy look. Sometimes I add a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent touch that balances the rich fruitiness.
Side Dishes
These bars are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with warm mulled wine or hot spiced cider really elevates the experience. If serving at a holiday brunch, a fresh fruit salad or simple yogurt with honey makes a lovely contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I’ve arranged the bars on a wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary and cinnamon sticks scattered around—it looks rustic and inviting. You could also wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with festive twine to give as cute edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay moist and tasty for up to 4 days. Sometimes I’ve kept them in the fridge if my kitchen is warmer; just bring them to room temp before serving so the crumble topping perks back up.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time, freeze the cooled bars in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for about 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
To enjoy warm bars, pop them in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for around 10 minutes. This revives the crumble’s crispness while warming the fruity filling to gooey perfection—just like fresh out of the oven!
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought mincemeat instead of making my own filling?
Absolutely! Using store-bought mincemeat is a great shortcut and works perfectly in this recipe. Just spread it evenly over the crumble base before adding the crumble topping. You might want to reduce added sugar slightly if your mincemeat is already sweetened.
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Is it necessary to use brandy in the filling?
Not at all. The brandy adds warmth and depth, but you can substitute equally with apple juice or another fruit juice to keep the recipe alcohol-free while still maintaining delicious flavor.
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Can I make the crumble base gluten-free?
Yes! Replace plain flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend and maybe increase the oats a little to maintain the texture. The crumble will still be wonderfully crumbly and tasty.
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How do I store leftover mince pie crumble bars?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to three months. Always thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Mince Pie Crumble Bars Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to treats during the holiday season because it hits all the right nostalgic notes but with a fun and easy twist. I absolutely love how it fills my kitchen with that classic winter spice aroma and how every bite is a perfect combination of chewy fruit, sweet spice, and buttery crumble. I promise, once you try this, it’ll be your family’s favorite too—perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging in your own cozy moments. So grab your apron and give it a go; I can’t wait to hear how much you love it!
Print
Mince Pie Crumble Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 120 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 140 min
- Yield: 16 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully delicious mince pie crumble bars featuring a rich homemade mincemeat filling made with a mixture of dried fruits, spices, and brandy, sandwiched between a buttery oat crumble base and topping. Perfect for festive occasions or cozy treats.
Ingredients
Mincemeat Filling
- 75 g raisins
- 75 g currants
- 75 g sultanas
- 75 g dried cranberries
- 50 g mixed peel
- 150 g cooking apple (finely chopped)
- 75 g unsalted butter
- 125 g light brown soft sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 150 ml brandy (or apple juice for alcohol free)
Crumble Base & Topping
- 175 g rolled oats
- 200 g plain flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 150 g light brown soft sugar
- 175 g unsalted butter (cold & cubed)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Mincemeat Filling: In a large bowl, combine the raisins, currants, sultanas, dried cranberries, mixed peel, finely chopped cooking apple, light brown soft sugar, ground cinnamon, mixed spice, and lemon zest. Melt the unsalted butter gently and add it along with the brandy (or apple juice) to the fruit mixture. Stir everything together well and cover, allowing the mixture to soak and develop flavors for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Make the Crumble Dough: In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, plain flour, baking powder, and light brown soft sugar. Add the cold cubed unsalted butter and rub it into the dry ingredients using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some pea-sized lumps remaining.
- Assemble the Bars: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly dust a 20×30 cm (8×12 inch) baking tin with flour and press half of the crumble mixture evenly into the base of the tin, ensuring a firm and even layer. Spread the prepared mincemeat filling evenly on top of the base layer. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the filling as a topping, covering it well but still allowing some fruit to peek through.
- Bake: Place the baking tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the tin to set before cutting into bars.
- Serve: Once cooled, cut the mince pie crumble into 16 equal bars. These bars are perfect for festive celebrations and can be served at room temperature or slightly warmed with cream or custard.
Notes
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days and also freeze well for longer storage.
- For an alcohol-free version, substitute the brandy with apple juice or orange juice.
- You can customize the dried fruit mix according to your preference or seasonal availability.
- Allow the mincemeat mixture to soak overnight to enhance the flavors before baking.
- Use cold butter for the crumble to ensure a crisp, flaky texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 1 piece)
- Calories: 408 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 16 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 63 mg
