Mary Berry Almond Mince Pies Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re looking for a festive twist on a classic holiday treat, Mary Berry’s almond mince pies are a must-try!

With their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth pastry and the added richness of almond, these pies offer a delicious alternative to the traditional version. The combination of sweet, spiced mincemeat and a hint of almond flavor creates a perfect balance that will have you coming back for more. Plus, if you’re a fan of Mary Berry’s easy-to-follow recipes, you’ll love how simple and foolproof this one is-making it an ideal choice for both baking pros and novices alike!

Mary Berry Almond Mince Pies Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Mary Berry’s Almond Mince Pies, you’ll need a blend of rich, buttery pastry, a flavorful filling of mincemeat, and an almondy touch that takes these festive treats to the next level. Here’s what you’ll need:

• For The Pastry

  • 225g plain flour: This is the foundation of your pastry, giving it that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • 125g unsalted butter: The butter adds richness and flakiness to the pastry, creating that ideal crumbly consistency.
  • 75g caster sugar: A bit of sweetness to balance the richness of the butter and add a slight crispiness to the pastry when baked.
  • 1 egg yolk: The egg yolk enriches the dough and helps bind the ingredients together while contributing to a lovely golden color when baked.
  • Cold water (as needed): A few drops to bring the dough together without making it too wet.

• For The Almond Paste

  • 100g ground almonds: These give the filling its signature nutty texture and taste. They also help absorb some of the moisture from the mincemeat, preventing the pies from being soggy.
  • 50g caster sugar: A bit of sweetness to complement the almonds and enhance the overall flavor of the filling.
  • 1 large egg: The egg acts as a binder for the almond paste, creating a smooth consistency that holds together when placed on top of the mincemeat.
  • 1 tsp almond extract: This elevates the almond flavor, giving the pies a more intense and authentic almondy taste.
  • 1 tbsp plain flour: This helps give the almond paste structure and helps prevent it from becoming too runny when mixed with the other ingredients.

• For The Mince Pie Filling

  • 300g mincemeat: Mincemeat is traditionally made from dried fruits, suet, sugar, and spices, and it forms the heart of these pies. Mary Berry’s version uses a rich, spiced mincemeat that provides a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the almond paste.
  • Zest of 1 lemon: This adds a refreshing citrus note to balance the richness of the mincemeat and almond paste.
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon: A quintessential spice in mincemeat, giving it that warm, festive aroma.

• To Finish

  • Icing sugar: A dusting of powdered sugar adds a festive touch to the finished pies, making them look even more appealing.

With these ingredients, you’re set to make a batch of mouth-watering almond mince pies that combine tradition with a modern twist.

Equipment Needed

Making Mary Berry’s Almond Mince Pies is a simple yet delightful baking endeavor, and with the right tools, the process will go smoothly. Here’s the list of equipment you’ll need:

• Mixing Bowls: At least two-one for preparing the pastry and another for the almond paste. You might need a third for mixing the mincemeat filling, depending on your preference.
• Food Processor or Pastry Cutter: A food processor is ideal for quickly cutting the butter into the flour when making the pastry. However, a traditional pastry cutter or even your hands can do the trick.
• Rolling Pin: A rolling pin is essential to roll out the dough to the desired thickness, ensuring even-sized rounds for your pies.
• 12-hole Muffin Tray: For baking the pies, you’ll need a muffin tray with 12 sections. This will give the pies their perfect, round shape and provide ample space for the filling and almond paste.
• Pastry Cutter: You’ll use this to cut out the pastry rounds to fit the muffin tray. A 7.5 cm (3-inch) cutter should work well, but you can adjust depending on the size of your tray.
• Fork: A fork will come in handy for pressing down the edges of the pastry, ensuring they are sealed properly. It also creates a decorative pattern.
• Brush: A pastry brush is useful for applying the egg wash to the pastry tops, giving them that glossy, golden finish when baked.
• Sieve: A small sieve will help dust the icing sugar over the finished pies for a refined, snow-like touch.

Having these tools in place will make the whole process smooth, efficient, and enjoyable!

How To Make Mary Berry’s Almond Mince Pies

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients and equipment, it’s time to get baking!

Follow this step-by-step guide to create perfect almond mince pies:

1. Make The Pastry

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour and caster sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter.
   • Use your hands, a pastry cutter, or a food processor to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. This is what gives the pastry its flakiness.
   • Add the egg yolk and a splash of cold water to bring the dough together. Mix gently until you have a soft, smooth dough. If it’s too crumbly, add a little more water.
   • Wrap the dough in cling film and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the pastry firm up and makes it easier to roll out.

2. Prepare The Almond Paste

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, caster sugar, flour, and almond extract.
   • Beat in the egg to form a thick, smooth paste. Set aside while you prepare the pastry.

3. Prepare The Filling

   • In a separate bowl, mix the mincemeat with the lemon zest and ground cinnamon. This adds a zesty and warm spiciness to the filling.

4. Assemble The Pies

   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
   • Roll out the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 3mm thick.
   • Using a pastry cutter, cut out circles of pastry to line the muffin tray holes. Gently press them into the tray, making sure the pastry fits snugly.
   • Spoon a generous amount of mincemeat into each pastry case, but don’t overfill.
   • Roll out the remaining pastry and cut it into smaller circles to top the pies. Alternatively, you can create a decorative lattice top or cut out festive shapes like stars or holly leaves.
   • Place a spoonful of almond paste on top of the mincemeat in each pie.
   • Press the edges together to seal, and use a fork to create a decorative edge if you like. Brush the top of each pie with a little beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.

5. Bake

   • Bake the pies for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the almond paste is set.
   • Once baked, allow the pies to cool in the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Finishing Touches

   • When the pies have cooled, dust them lightly with icing sugar for a festive look. Serve them warm or at room temperature with a cup of tea.

Expert Tips

• Chill the Pastry: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps relax the dough and prevents shrinkage when baking. Cold pastry also results in a flakier texture.
• Use a Sharp Cutter: Make sure your pastry cutter is sharp to avoid crushing the dough as you cut out shapes.
• Customize the Filling: Feel free to add a splash of brandy or rum to the mincemeat for a more traditional flavor, or include a handful of chopped nuts for added texture.
• Bake in Batches: If you’re making a larger batch of pies, it’s better to bake them in batches to ensure they bake evenly.
• Add a Personal Touch: For a personal twist, consider making mini versions of the pies or changing the shape of the pastry tops to suit your festive theme.

Mary Berry’s Almond Mince Pies are a delightful twist on the classic Christmas treat, combining the rich, spiced filling of mincemeat with a smooth, nutty almond paste topping. The buttery, flaky pastry forms the perfect base for these festive pies, and the addition of almond extract elevates the flavor.

Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or as a special homemade gift, these pies are sure to impress with their delicate flavor and beautiful presentation. Follow the steps carefully, and with a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll be rewarded with a batch of irresistible almond mince pies that encapsulate the joy and warmth of the holiday season. Happy baking!.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Almond Mince Pies

Mary Berry’s Almond Mince Pies are a beloved treat, perfect for the festive season. While her classic recipe is delicious on its own, there are several ways to get creative and make these pies even more exciting.

With a few simple tweaks and additions, you can put a fresh spin on this holiday favorite and cater to different tastes. Here are some easy recipe variations:.

1. Spiced Almond Mince Pies

   Adding warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves can elevate the flavor profile of your almond mince pies. You can mix a pinch of these spices into the almond filling to give the pies a comforting, holiday-inspired kick. The aromatic spices complement the sweet almond and fruity mincemeat, creating a more complex, aromatic flavor that’s perfect for cold winter days.

2. Chocolate Almond Mince Pies

   If you’re a chocolate lover, why not add a bit of decadence to the almond mince pies?

   Simply fold in some finely chopped dark chocolate or cocoa powder into the almond filling. The smooth richness of chocolate enhances the sweetness of the mincemeat, offering a delightful contrast in textures. Alternatively, you could melt chocolate and drizzle it over the finished pies for an added touch of luxury.

3. Vegan Almond Mince Pies

   To make the pies suitable for vegans, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or a vegan margarine. Instead of using eggs in the almond filling, opt for aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) or a flax egg (a mixture of ground flaxseed and water) to bind the ingredients together. Swap out the regular pastry for a vegan shortcrust pastry, and you’ll have a delicious, plant-based version of this festive treat.

4. Glazed Almond Mince Pies

   For a shiny, sweet finish, you can glaze your almond mince pies after baking. Brush the tops of the pies with a light syrup made from apricot jam or honey, then return them to the oven for a couple of minutes.

   This creates a beautiful, glossy finish and an additional layer of sweetness. The glaze also adds a nice contrast against the slightly nutty almond filling.

5. Frangipane Almond Mince Pies

   A frangipane twist to the almond filling will make the pies even richer and more indulgent. Frangipane is an almond-flavored cream made with butter, sugar, eggs, and ground almonds. Mixing this with the traditional mincemeat filling will give you a pie that’s both nutty and fruity, with a delightful soft, spongy texture.

By experimenting with these variations, you can give Mary Berry’s Almond Mince Pies a personalized touch that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your own cravings.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Mince pies are often baked in large batches during the festive season, and it’s easy to have leftovers that need to be stored properly. To keep them tasting fresh and delicious for days (or even longer), here are some best practices for storing your leftover almond mince pies:

1. Room Temperature Storage

   If you plan to eat the leftover mince pies within a couple of days, it’s best to store them at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container or a cake tin with a secure lid to keep them fresh. The container should be placed in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight, as the heat can cause the pastry to become soggy or lose its texture.

2. Refrigeration for Longer Freshness

   If you need to store them for more than a few days, refrigerate the pies. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent the filling from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to maintain the flavor and texture of both the pastry and the almond filling.

3. Freezing for Future Enjoyment

   To keep almond mince pies fresh for longer periods, freezing is an excellent option. After they have completely cooled, place them on a baking tray and freeze them individually for about 1-2 hours, or until firm.

   Then, transfer the frozen pies into a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label the container with the date so you can keep track of when they were frozen.

   Mince pies can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat them in the oven straight from the freezer for about 15-20 minutes at 180°C (350°F), until they’re heated through and crispy.

4. Avoid Storing with Powdered Sugar

   If you plan on dusting your almond mince pies with powdered sugar, it’s best to wait until they are ready to be served. The sugar can dissolve into the pastry when stored, creating a sticky and less appetizing appearance. Dust them just before serving for that perfect finishing touch.

By following these storage methods, you’ll ensure that your leftover almond mince pies remain as delightful as when they were first baked.

What Goes Well With Almond Mince Pies

Almond mince pies are a treat that can be enjoyed on their own, but when paired with the right accompaniments, they become even more indulgent and special. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a quiet tea break, here are some ideas for what pairs beautifully with these almond-filled delights:

1. A Hot Beverage

   The warmth of a cup of tea or coffee complements the sweetness of almond mince pies perfectly. For tea, consider an Earl Grey or a spiced chai, as these blends add a fragrant, slightly citrusy or spiced contrast to the rich pies.

   If you prefer coffee, a nice cappuccino or a dark roast espresso will balance the sweetness without overwhelming the flavors. For something a bit more festive, try a mulled wine or hot chocolate, which adds a cozy, indulgent touch to the experience.

2. Whipped Cream or Custard

   A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of warm custard can elevate the almond mince pies from great to extraordinary. The smooth creaminess of the whipped cream contrasts nicely with the crunchy pastry and soft almond filling, while the rich, creamy custard adds a comforting, velvety texture to the bite. If you want to make it extra special, you can infuse the cream or custard with vanilla or a splash of brandy to tie in with the festive theme.

3. Ice Cream

   For those who love dessert à la mode, almond mince pies go wonderfully with a scoop of ice cream. Vanilla bean ice cream is a classic pairing, but you can also get creative with flavors like salted caramel, cinnamon, or even a nutty praline ice cream to mirror the almond filling in the pies. The cold, creamy ice cream creates a delightful contrast with the warm pastry and filling, making it a dessert to remember.

4. Cheese

   Cheese might seem like an unusual pairing, but the sharpness of a tangy cheese like stilton or a rich, creamy brie works surprisingly well with the sweetness of the almond mince pies. The savory note from the cheese cuts through the sweetness and adds a savory balance that’s perfect for those who enjoy a more sophisticated combination of flavors.

5. Fruit Compote or Fresh Berries

   A fresh fruit compote or a handful of fresh berries, like raspberries or blackberries, can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the almond mince pies. The tartness of the fruit balances the sweetness of the pies, creating a bright, vibrant flavor profile that’s perfect for cutting through the heaviness of the pastry. A citrusy orange or pomegranate compote would also bring a festive touch to the pairing.

By selecting the right side dishes and drinks, you can transform almond mince pies into a more elaborate and memorable treat, whether it’s for a holiday gathering or an afternoon treat.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Almond Mince Pies are a beloved staple of the holiday season, combining the richness of almond filling with the sweetness of mincemeat and the flakiness of shortcrust pastry. Whether you choose to stick with the classic recipe or experiment with one of the easy variations, there’s no doubt that these pies will be a hit with friends and family.

Best practices for storing leftovers ensure that you can enjoy them long after the holiday season has passed, and with the right pairings, almond mince pies can become an even more indulgent treat. Whether served with a warm drink, a dollop of cream, or a slice of cheese, these pies offer endless opportunities for delicious customization. Whether you’re baking them for a festive gathering or simply enjoying them on a quiet evening, almond mince pies are sure to be a comforting, flavorful delight.

FAQs

What Makes Mary Berry’s Almond Mince Pies Different From Traditional Mince Pies?

Mary Berry’s almond mince pies are unique because they incorporate ground almonds into the pastry, giving it a rich, nutty flavor and a slightly crumbly texture. This twist enhances the traditional mince pie while maintaining the classic mincemeat filling.

Can I Use Store-bought Mincemeat For Mary Berry’s Almond Mince Pies?

Yes, you can use store-bought mincemeat for Mary Berry’s almond mince pies. However, for a more personalized touch, you can make your own mincemeat by combining dried fruits, spices, and suet, which gives you greater control over the flavor.

How Can I Make Mary Berry’s Almond Mince Pies Gluten-free?

To make Mary Berry’s almond mince pies gluten-free, simply replace the regular flour in the pastry with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the mincemeat is gluten-free as well, although most store-bought mincemeat is naturally gluten-free.

What Type Of Almonds Should I Use In Mary Berry’s Almond Mince Pies?

Mary Berry’s recipe typically calls for ground almonds (also known as almond meal or almond flour). These can be found in most grocery stores or health food shops. Ensure you’re using ground almonds, not almond flour, for the best texture in the pastry.

Can I Prepare Mary Berry’s Almond Mince Pies In Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the mince pies in advance. The pastry can be made and chilled up to 24 hours ahead of time, and the assembled pies can be frozen. Bake them fresh from frozen when you’re ready to serve, but they can also be baked and stored in an airtight container for up to three days.

Do I Need To Use Icing Sugar On Top Of Mary Berry’s Almond Mince Pies?

No, icing sugar is optional. Mary Berry’s recipe often recommends a dusting of icing sugar for a festive touch, but it’s not necessary. You can also use a brush of milk and a sprinkle of sugar for a different effect.

How Long Do Mary Berry’s Almond Mince Pies Take To Bake?

Mary Berry’s almond mince pies typically bake for 15-20 minutes at 180°C (350°F), or until the pastry is golden brown. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Can I Make The Almond Pastry In A Food Processor?

Yes, you can make the almond pastry in a food processor. Simply pulse the ingredients until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, then add the water to bring the dough together. This method is quick and ensures the pastry remains light and flaky.

What Is The Best Way To Store Mary Berry’s Almond Mince Pies?

The best way to store Mary Berry’s almond mince pies is in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked pies and thaw them when needed.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Almond Mince Pies Without Almonds?

If you’re allergic to almonds or simply prefer not to use them, you can omit the ground almonds from the pastry. However, the flavor and texture will be different. You could try using additional flour or a different nut flour like hazelnuts as a substitute.