Description
A classic revival of heritage baking, this Old-Time Mincemeat Pie is rich, spiced, and deeply comforting. With tender beef or venison, juicy apples, raisins, warm spices, and a buttery golden crust, it’s the perfect holiday dessert or cold-weather indulgence. Ideal for those looking for easy dinner ideas or a unique addition to your holiday spread, this easy recipe delivers deep flavor and old-fashioned charm. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty treat or slicing it up for a festive gathering, this is one pie that brings comfort and tradition in every bite.
Ingredients
1 cup cooked and finely chopped beef or venison
2 cups peeled and diced apples
1 cup raisins
1 cup currants
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 cup suet or unsalted butter
1/2 cup apple cider or brandy
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 double pie crust (top and bottom)
Instructions
1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped meat, apples, raisins, currants, brown sugar, suet or butter, and all the spices.
2. Pour in apple cider or brandy, add lemon zest and juice, and stir everything together.
3. Simmer the mixture for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and syrupy.
4. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out bottom pie crust and line a 9-inch pie pan. Trim edges.
6. Spoon the cooled filling into the crust, pressing down to remove air pockets.
7. Add top crust, trim excess dough, and crimp the edges. Cut small steam slits in the top.
8. Bake on the middle oven rack for 35–45 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
9. Cool on a wire rack for at least 1–2 hours before slicing and serving.
Notes
Let the filling cool completely before assembling the pie to avoid a soggy crust.
You can make the filling in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for a month.
Brush the top crust with a beaten egg before baking for a rich, golden finish.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Traditional
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: old-time mincemeat pie, traditional pie, holiday pie, beef mincemeat, fruit and meat pie