Delicious Vegan Mincemeat Crumble Bars: The Ultimate Easy Christmas Traybake

Say goodbye to the fuss of traditional mince pies this holiday season and welcome these incredibly delicious vegan mincemeat crumble bars! Offering all the festive flavour of classic mince pies in a much quicker and easier traybake form, these bars are set to become your new favourite holiday treat. Forget intricate pastry rolling; with a simple, crunchy, oaty biscuit base and a delightful crumble topping, these bars come together effortlessly in just one bowl.

These vegan mincemeat crumble bars are a fantastic, hassle-free alternative to traditional mince pies, especially when you’re short on time during the busy Christmas period. Each bar features a robust, oaty biscuit base, generously filled with sweet, aromatic mincemeat, and crowned with a golden, crumbly topping. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: both the base and the crumble topping are crafted from the same versatile mixture, meaning less washing up and a more streamlined baking process – all achievable in a single bowl!

I adapted this festive recipe from my highly popular vegan berry crumble bars, and the result is truly exceptional. The foundation and topping are remarkably similar, providing that signature satisfying crunch. While they offer a more substantial and rustic experience than delicate mince pies, this is precisely their charm. A generous slice of these crumble bars makes for an incredibly comforting and filling snack, perfect alongside a warm cup of tea or a festive mug of mulled wine. They’re also ideal for sharing at holiday gatherings or simply enjoying as a delightful treat throughout the Christmas season.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Vegan Mincemeat Crumble Bars:

Crafting these delectable bars requires a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving their irresistible texture and flavour. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

• Mincemeat: For those outside the UK, it’s important to clarify that traditional mincemeat, especially modern versions, does not contain actual meat. It’s a rich, flavourful concoction of dried fruits (such as currants, raisins, and sultanas), sugar, warming spices, often a hint of citrus zest, and sometimes a splash of brandy or rum. This sweet, fruity preserve is the heart and soul of any Christmas mince pie or crumble bar. Many commercially available mincemeats are naturally vegan-friendly, but always double-check the label for hidden animal products like beef suet or butter. Brands like Tesco often offer suitable vegan options. Alternatively, for an even more personalised touch, you can always use homemade mincemeat.
• Plain Flour: Standard plain (all-purpose) flour is ideal for this recipe, providing the necessary structure for both the base and the crumble topping. Its balanced protein content helps create a tender yet firm crumb. While I haven’t specifically tested a gluten-free version of this recipe, it should work well with a good quality plain gluten-free flour blend. If using a GF blend, I recommend adding about ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with binding, as gluten-free flours can sometimes result in a more crumbly texture.
• Oats: The addition of porridge oats (sometimes labelled as rolled oats or quick-cooking oats) is crucial for giving these bars their signature delightful chewiness and hearty texture. Oats contribute to the rustic, comforting feel of the crumble. It’s best to use regular, fine-textured porridge oats rather than jumbo oats, as the finer oats integrate better into the mixture and create a more consistent texture.
• Light Brown Soft Sugar: This isn’t just for sweetness; light brown soft sugar (or even muscovado sugar for a deeper flavour) adds a wonderful caramel-like richness and moisture to the crumble mixture. Its subtle molasses notes perfectly complement the spices in the mincemeat. I highly recommend sticking to this type of sugar for the best results, as other sugars or sweeteners may alter the texture and flavour profile significantly.
• Vegan Block Butter: This is a non-negotiable ingredient for achieving the correct crumbly texture. You *must* use a firm, solid block of vegan butter, not the spreadable kind that comes in a tub. Spreadable vegan butters have a higher water content and different fat composition, which won’t yield the same firm, crisp base and crumble. Brands like Naturli Vegan Block or Flora Plant Butter are excellent choices, as they behave very similarly to dairy butter in baking. Ensure your vegan butter is cold and diced before adding it to the dry ingredients.
• Baking Powder: A small amount of baking powder provides a subtle lift to the base, ensuring it’s not overly dense while still maintaining that satisfying biscuit-like consistency.
• Cinnamon: Just a touch of ground cinnamon enhances the festive spices already present in the mincemeat, adding an extra layer of warmth and aroma to the bars. If you prefer a more complex spice profile, you can easily substitute this with an equal amount of mixed spice (which typically contains cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves).

Simple Steps to Create Your Vegan Mincemeat Crumble Bars:

(For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the end of this page.)

Making these delightful bars is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfect results every time:

1. Prepare Your Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, porridge oats, light brown soft sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon, along with a pinch of salt. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. This initial step is key to a uniform texture.



2. Incorporate the Vegan Butter: Add the cold, diced vegan block butter to your dry ingredients. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture. This process involves gently breaking down the butter and coating it with the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. The key is to work quickly to prevent the butter from melting, ensuring a tender, crumbly texture. Continue rubbing until no large lumps of butter remain.



3. Form the Base: Take approximately two-thirds of this crumbly mixture and press it firmly and evenly into your prepared square baking tin. Packing it down tightly is crucial for creating a sturdy, biscuit-like base that won’t fall apart when sliced. Don’t forget to reserve the remaining one-third of the mixture for the topping! Bake this base layer until it turns a lovely pale golden colour, indicating it’s partially cooked and set.



4. Add Mincemeat and Crumble Topping: Once the base is lightly baked, remove it from the oven. Evenly spread the mincemeat over the warm base, ensuring it covers the entire surface right to the edges. Then, scatter the remaining crumble mixture over the mincemeat layer. Gently press this topping down very slightly – just enough to help it adhere, but not so much that it loses its distinct crumbly texture.



5. Final Bake: Return the tin to the oven and continue baking until the crumble topping is beautifully golden brown and the mincemeat filling is bubbling slightly. This typically takes another 25-30 minutes. Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 20 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely is essential for neat slicing.

Top Tips for Success & Serving Suggestions:

To ensure your vegan mincemeat crumble bars turn out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Precision in Measuring: As with all baking, accuracy is paramount. My recipes are developed using grams, and I strongly recommend using a digital kitchen scale for all measurements, especially for dry ingredients. Cup conversions can be notoriously inaccurate and lead to inconsistent results. A scale will provide far better precision and a more successful bake, plus it’s often less messy!
• Storage and Shelf Life: Once completely cooled, these crumble bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for approximately 3-4 days. They also freeze beautifully! Simply wrap individual bars or the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Portioning: This recipe typically yields nine generous squares, perfect for a satisfying treat. However, you can easily cut them into twelve smaller “fingers” or even bite-sized squares if you’re serving a larger crowd or prefer daintier portions.
• Serving Ideas: While delightful on their own, these bars are elevated when served warm. Pair them with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream, a dollop of vegan whipped cream, or a generous drizzle of warm vegan custard for a truly indulgent dessert. They also make a wonderful addition to a festive afternoon tea spread or can even be given as edible gifts during the holidays.
• Flavour Variations: Feel free to customise your mincemeat! You can stir in a handful of extra dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even some finely chopped crystallised ginger to the mincemeat before spreading it. A little fresh orange or lemon zest can also brighten the flavours. For the crumble, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for even more festive warmth.

Why Choose Mincemeat Crumble Bars Over Mince Pies?

While traditional mince pies hold a special place in our hearts during Christmas, these crumble bars offer several compelling advantages, especially for busy bakers or those looking for a slightly different festive experience:

• Effortless Preparation: The biggest draw is the sheer ease. No fiddly pastry rolling, cutting, or crimping is required. The “one-bowl” method for the crumble mixture saves time and reduces washing up.
• Rustic Charm: These bars have a more robust, homemade feel. They’re less delicate than individual mince pies, making them perfect for casual gatherings or as a satisfying snack.
• Batch Baking Friendly: A single traybake yields multiple servings, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping your holiday treats. They slice neatly and are easy to transport.
• Heartier and More Filling: The thick, oaty base and crumble provide a more substantial bite compared to the lighter pastry of a mince pie, ensuring a more satisfying treat.
• Versatile Serving: While mince pies are often enjoyed as is, the crumble bar format lends itself beautifully to being served warm with accompaniments like custard or ice cream, transforming it into a proper dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making these vegan mincemeat crumble bars:

• Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, you likely can! As mentioned in the ingredients section, a good quality plain gluten-free flour blend with ¼ tsp xanthan gum should work. Be aware that the texture might be slightly more delicate or crumbly, but the flavour will still be wonderful. Always ensure your oats are certified gluten-free if catering to strict dietary requirements.
• Can I prepare the dough ahead of time? You can prepare the crumble mixture (before adding the butter) a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Once the butter is rubbed in, the mixture is best used immediately. You can also bake the base a day ahead, cool it, cover it, and then add the mincemeat and topping and bake fresh the next day.
• What if my mincemeat contains suet? If you encounter a jar of mincemeat that lists suet as an ingredient, make sure it’s *vegetarian* suet, as traditional suet is beef-based. For a strictly vegan recipe, look for mincemeat explicitly labelled vegan, or one where all ingredients are plant-based. Many brands have switched to palm oil or vegetable suet, but checking is always best.
• How long do they need to cool? It’s crucial to let the bars cool completely before slicing. This allows the mincemeat filling to set and the crumble to firm up, ensuring clean, neat slices. Rushing this step will result in messy, crumbly bars.
• Can I add nuts to the crumble? Absolutely! For an extra layer of texture and flavour, you can add about ¼ cup of finely chopped nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts) to the crumble mixture along with the oats and flour.

More Delicious Vegan Christmas Recipes:

If you loved these mincemeat crumble bars, be sure to explore more festive vegan delights for your holiday celebrations:

• Vegan Viennese Whirl Mince Pies
• Vegan Stollen Bars
• Vegan Dundee Cake
• Gluten-Free Vegan Christmas Cake
• Vegan Pecan Snowball Cookies
• Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
• Vegan Mincemeat Cake
• Vegan Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake

If you’ve tried this delightful recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Please rate it, leave a comment below, or tag @domestic_gothess on Instagram and use the hashtag #domesticgothess to share your creations!

All images and content on Domestic Gothess are copyright protected. If you wish to share this recipe, please do so by utilising the provided share buttons. Please do not screenshot, copy, or post the full recipe or content; instead, kindly include a direct link back to this post for the complete recipe details.