Ultimate Vegan Mince Pie Brownies: A Rich & Festive Christmas Dessert Recipe

Prepare to elevate your festive baking with these truly incredible vegan mince pie brownies. This recipe ingeniously combines two beloved holiday desserts into one spectacular, rich, and intensely indulgent treat. Imagine a buttery shortbread base, generously layered with aromatic, fruity mincemeat, all crowned with a deep, fudgy chocolate brownie. These extraordinary brownies are not just a dessert; they are the quintessential Christmas indulgence, promising to be the star of your holiday spread.

My passion for classic mince pies is well-known, as is my affection for fudgy brownies. But what truly surprised me was how perfectly these two iconic treats complement each other when brought together. The result is nothing short of sensational, creating a dessert that is both familiar and excitingly new.

These vegan mince pie brownies offer a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite: the crisp tenderness of shortbread, the spiced fruitiness of mincemeat, and the decadent chewiness of a rich brownie. They are incredibly satisfying and luxurious. While I typically cut mine into 12 generous pieces, you could easily divide them into 16 smaller servings, making them perfect for sharing at any festive gathering.

The flavor profile is meticulously crafted for the holiday season: deep chocolate notes, vibrant dried fruits, warming spices, a hint of festive booze from the mincemeat, and the comforting taste of buttery biscuit. It’s a harmonious blend that captures the very essence of Christmas in a single, irresistible square.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Brownie Fusion

There are countless reasons why these vegan mince pie brownies are destined to become your new favorite holiday dessert. First, they offer an exciting twist on traditional Christmas flavors, moving beyond the standard mince pie while still celebrating its essence. Second, their layered structure provides a fascinating textural journey, from the crumbly shortbread to the chewy brownie, with the soft, fruity mincemeat in between.

Furthermore, being entirely plant-based means they are suitable for a wider audience, ensuring no one misses out on the festive cheer. They are rich enough to feel truly indulgent but balanced enough that you’ll keep coming back for another slice. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, looking for a unique homemade gift, or simply want to treat yourself to something special, these brownies tick all the boxes. They are easy to make, store well, and bring a touch of gourmet magic to your holiday baking.

Essential Ingredient Details for Perfect Vegan Mince Pie Brownies

Crafting these exceptional brownies begins with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to achieve that perfect balance of flavor and texture:

Vegan block butter: For both the shortbread base and the fudgy brownie, the choice of vegan butter is crucial. Always opt for a solid vegan block butter or margarine, rather than the spreadable kind typically found in tubs. Spreads often contain a higher water content, which can negatively impact the texture of your baked goods, leading to a less tender shortbread and a less fudgy brownie. Brands like Naturli Vegan Block or Flora Plant Butter are excellent choices that yield superior results.

Non-dairy milk: This ingredient is vital for replacing the moisture that eggs would traditionally provide in brownies. While almost any variety of non-dairy milk will work, I highly recommend using soy milk for baking. Its higher protein content contributes to a better structure and more consistent results in vegan baked goods. However, feel free to use almond, oat, or any other unsweetened non-dairy milk you have on hand.

Sugar: Beyond its role in providing sweetness, sugar is fundamental to the structural integrity and desired texture of these brownies. It’s responsible for that signature crisp, shiny crust that makes brownies so appealing. To achieve this, it’s essential to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved before baking. Our method involves gently heating the sugar with the milk and butter until it’s completely incorporated. I prefer caster sugar because it dissolves easily, but granulated sugar will also work perfectly. I strongly advise against substituting with brown sugar, liquid sugars, or artificial sweeteners, as these will significantly alter the final texture of your brownies.

Chocolate: To achieve a truly deep and complex chocolate flavor, this recipe utilizes a combination of both cocoa powder and melted dark chocolate. The melted chocolate is also key to creating that coveted dense, fudgy texture that defines a perfect brownie. I recommend using a high-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa content of around 70%. Using milk chocolate instead of dark may result in overly sweet brownies, overpowering the other festive flavors.

Espresso Powder: This is a secret weapon for any serious chocolate dessert! A small amount of instant espresso powder will dramatically deepen and intensify the chocolate flavor without making your brownies taste like coffee. You won’t detect any coffee notes in the finished product, but you’ll notice a richer, more profound chocolate experience. Unless you absolutely don’t have it, do not skip this ingredient – it makes a noticeable difference.

Flour: Vegan brownie recipes often require a slightly higher proportion of flour compared to their non-vegan counterparts to help maintain structure in the absence of eggs. Rest assured, this recipe is carefully balanced to ensure your brownies remain wonderfully fudgy and dense, not cakey in the slightest. Plain (all-purpose) flour is my go-to. For those with dietary restrictions, these brownies can also be made successfully with buckwheat flour or a reputable plain gluten-free flour blend.

Cocoa Powder: Partnering with melted dark chocolate, Dutch process cocoa powder further enhances the chocolatey depth. Dutch process cocoa has a darker color and a milder, less acidic flavor compared to natural cocoa, contributing to the rich hue and smooth taste of the brownies.

Vanilla Extract: While often considered optional, a good quality vanilla extract is highly recommended. It beautifully complements and enhances the chocolate and spice notes, adding an extra layer of aromatic complexity to the overall flavor profile.

Salt: A pinch of salt is essential in almost all sweet baking, especially with chocolate. It acts as a flavor enhancer, balancing the sweetness and making the chocolate taste even more vibrant and pronounced.

Mincemeat: For readers outside the UK, it’s important to clarify: “mincemeat” does not contain actual meat! It is a traditional British Christmas preserve, a delightful mixture of finely chopped dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and candied peel), sugar, spices, and often a splash of alcohol and suet (traditionally beef, but vegan versions are widely available). It’s the star ingredient in classic mince pies. Many store-bought mincemeats are accidentally vegan, but always double-check the label for ingredients like beef suet or butter. I’ve had great success with varieties from supermarkets like Morrison’s. Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can use home-made mincemeat for an extra special touch.

Cornflour (cornstarch): This ingredient is crucial for the shortbread base. Adding cornflour results in a wonderfully tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture. If you don’t have cornflour, you can substitute it with an equal weight of plain (all-purpose) flour, though the shortbread may be slightly less delicate.

How To Make Mince Pie Brownies: Step-by-Step Guide

(Full measurements and comprehensive instructions are provided in the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this page)

Crafting these delectable vegan mince pie brownies is a joyful process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a perfect bake every time:

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Dough. Begin by whisking together the slightly softened vegan block butter, caster sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is light and well combined. This initial creaming ensures a tender base. Next, gradually fold in the sifted plain flour and cornflour. Continue mixing until a cohesive dough forms. It might seem dry at first, but keep working it gently until all the ingredients are incorporated.

Step 2: Bake the Shortbread Base. Transfer the prepared shortbread dough into your lined square cake tin. Using your hands, firmly and evenly press the dough into the bottom of the tin. Achieving an even layer is key for uniform baking. Bake the shortbread in a preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden brown. If the shortbread puffs up slightly during baking, gently press it down with the back of a spoon immediately after removing it from the oven.

Step 3: Sift Dry Brownie Ingredients. While the shortbread is baking or cooling slightly, begin preparing the brownie batter. In a medium bowl, sift together the plain flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder (if using), and salt. Sifting helps to prevent lumps and ensures a smooth, even brownie texture. Set this mixture aside.

Step 4: Melt Wet Brownie Ingredients. In a saucepan, combine the vegan block butter, caster sugar, and non-dairy milk. Place the pan over a low heat. Stir continuously until the butter is fully melted and, critically, the sugar is completely dissolved. The mixture should be warm but not yet boiling, ensuring the sugar dissolves properly for that signature shiny crust.

Step 5: Incorporate Chocolate and Vanilla. Remove the pan from the heat. Immediately add the vanilla extract and the finely chopped dark chocolate to the warm mixture. Stir vigorously until the chocolate has completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. The residual heat from the butter and milk mixture will be sufficient to melt the chocolate.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Pour the warm chocolate mixture into the bowl with the sifted dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold and stir until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher brownies. Mix until no streaks of flour remain.

Step 7: Layer the Mincemeat. Once the shortbread base has slightly cooled (it doesn’t need to be completely cold), spread the mincemeat evenly over its surface. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to create a smooth, consistent layer, ensuring every bite of brownie will have that delightful fruity kick.

Step 8: Top with Brownie Batter. Carefully pour the brownie batter over the mincemeat layer. Use a spatula to gently spread the batter out to the edges of the tin, creating a smooth and level top. Be careful not to disturb the mincemeat layer too much.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection. Transfer the tin to the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. The key is to avoid overbaking. The brownies are done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it, but without any wet batter. The edges should be set, but the center should still have a slight wobble. This ensures a truly fudgy texture.

Expert Tips for Unforgettable Vegan Mince Pie Brownies

Achieving the perfect brownie is an art, and these tips will help you master it:

Always Use a Digital Scale: This cannot be stressed enough for baking! As with all my recipes, I highly recommend using metric measurements with a digital scale instead of unreliable cup conversions. Volume measurements can vary wildly depending on how ingredients are packed, leading to inconsistent results. A scale provides far greater accuracy, ensuring your brownies turn out perfectly every time, and it’s often less messy too!

Choose the Right Baking Pan: Opt for a metal baking pan over glass or ceramic. Metal pans conduct heat more efficiently and consistently. Glass and ceramic dishes retain heat for much longer, which can lead to overbaked, dry brownies, as they continue to cook even after being removed from the oven.

Do Not Overbake Your Brownies: This is arguably the most crucial tip for fudgy brownies. It is far better to slightly underbake them than to overbake. Keep a vigilant eye on your oven. The brownies are ready when a skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it, but without any wet, raw batter. If the skewer comes out completely clean, your brownies are likely overdone and might be dry or cakey. The center should still be soft and slightly jiggly when gently shaken.

Patience is Key for Slicing: For clean, neat squares, allow the brownies to cool completely in the tin before attempting to lift them out and slice. Cooling allows the layers to set properly, preventing crumbling and ensuring sharp edges. If you try to cut them while warm, they will likely be messy.

Enjoy Warm or Cooled: While these mince pie brownies are delicious cooled, if you desire a softer, just-baked texture – or want to refresh them after a few days – simply pop a brownie square into the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This warms them through beautifully. Warmed brownies are also absolutely divine when topped with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of vegan whipped cream!

Optimal Storage: I find these mince pie brownies taste best the day after they are baked, once the flavors have melded and the brownie has had a chance to firm up slightly. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer a denser, chewier brownie, storing them in the fridge will achieve this texture. Just remember to let them come to room temperature or gently warm them before serving for the best flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):

More Delicious Mincemeat Recipes to Explore:

• Mincemeat frangipane tart
• Vegan mincemeat crumble bars
• Vegan Viennese whirl mince pies
• Vegan mincemeat cake
• Vegan mince pies
• Mincemeat and marzipan cinnamon buns
• Mince pie tart

If you tried this incredible recipe, I would love to hear how it went! Please rate it, leave a comment below, or tag @domestic_gothess on Instagram and use the hashtag #domesticgothess. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

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