Mary Berry’s Almond Mince Pies are a delightful twist on the classic festive treat. These buttery pies are filled with rich mincemeat and topped with an almond-flavored pastry, creating a dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, these mince pies are guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.
What is Mary Berry Almond Mince Pies?
Mary Berry’s Almond Mince Pies are a festive variation of the traditional mince pies. These pies feature a shortcrust pastry base, a generous filling of spiced mincemeat, and a delicate almond topping, adding a nutty twist to the holiday classic. Perfectly baked and golden, they make an irresistible Christmas treat.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Festive favorite: Bring holiday cheer to your table.
- Unique almond twist: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to traditional mince pies.
- Perfect for gifting: Great for sharing during the holidays.
- Quick and easy: Simple to make with minimal fuss.
- Customizable: Adjust fillings and flavors to suit your taste.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Almond Mince Pies
For the Pastry:
- Plain flour – 225g, for the base of the pastry.
- Butter – 100g, chilled and cubed, for a flaky texture.
- Caster sugar – 25g, adds a touch of sweetness.
- Egg yolk – 1, helps bind the pastry.
- Cold water – 1–2 tablespoons, to bring the dough together.
For the Filling and Topping:
- Mincemeat – 300g, rich and spiced for the filling.
- Ground almonds – 50g, for the almond topping.
- Butter – 50g, softened, for the almond topping.
- Caster sugar – 50g, adds sweetness to the topping.
- Egg – 1, beaten, for the topping.
- Flaked almonds – A handful, for decoration.
Equipment Needed
- 12-hole muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Pastry cutter
- Spoon and fork
- Pastry brush
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Almond Mince Pies
Step 1: Make the Pastry
- Rub the chilled butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add the sugar and mix well.
- Stir in the egg yolk and cold water, and knead gently to form a smooth dough.
Step 2: Roll Out the Pastry
- Roll out the pastry on a floured surface to about 3mm thickness.
- Use a round cutter to cut out 12 circles and press them gently into the muffin tin.
Step 3: Fill the Pastry Cases
- Spoon 1–2 teaspoons of mincemeat into each pastry case, filling them about three-quarters full.
Step 4: Prepare the Almond Topping
- Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the ground almonds and beaten egg to create a smooth almond topping.
Step 5: Add the Topping and Decorate
- Spoon a small amount of almond topping over each pie, spreading it gently to cover the mincemeat.
- Sprinkle flaked almonds on top for added crunch.
Step 6: Bake the Mince Pies
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F.
- Bake the mince pies for 20–25 minutes, or until the almond topping is golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Allow the pies to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a dusting of icing sugar.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Almond Mince Pies
- Clotted cream: Adds richness to the pies.
- Vanilla ice cream: A cool and creamy complement.
- Mulled wine: Enhances the festive flavors.
- Custard: A classic pairing for warm pies.
- Hot chocolate: Perfect for cozy evenings.
- Fresh berries: Adds a refreshing tartness.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Almond Mince Pies
- Chill the dough: Keeps the pastry flaky and easy to handle.
- Don’t overfill the cases: Prevents the filling from bubbling over.
- Use homemade mincemeat: Enhances the flavor with a personal touch.
- Brush with egg wash: Gives the almond topping a golden finish.
- Allow to cool slightly: Makes removing the pies easier.
- Store properly: Keep in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Almond Mince Pies
- Gluten-free pastry: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Orange zest addition: Mix zest into the almond topping for citrusy notes.
- Vegan version: Use plant-based butter and a flaxseed egg.
- Chocolate twist: Add chocolate chips to the almond topping.
- Nut-free option: Replace ground almonds with desiccated coconut.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Almond Mince Pies
- Cool completely: Ensure pies are cool before storing.
- Use an airtight container: Keeps them fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for later: Freeze individually for up to 3 months.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Almond Mince Pies
- Oven method: Reheat at 150°C (300°F) for 5–7 minutes.
- Microwave option: Warm for 10–15 seconds for a quick refresh.
How Can I Make Mary Berry Almond Mince Pies Healthier?
- Use whole wheat flour for the pastry.
- Reduce sugar in both the pastry and topping.
- Substitute butter with a low-fat alternative.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
FAQs
How do I make Mary Berry Almond Mince Pies crispy?
To make your almond mince pies crispy, ensure the pastry dough is chilled before rolling it out. Bake the pies in a preheated oven at the right temperature, and allow them to cool slightly in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack to maintain their texture.
Can I freeze Mary Berry Almond Mince Pies?
Yes, almond mince pies freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in cling film or foil. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
What type of mincemeat should I use for almond mince pies?
Use a rich, spiced mincemeat for the best results. You can use store-bought mincemeat for convenience or make homemade mincemeat for a more personalized flavor.
Can I make Mary Berry Almond Mince Pies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these pies gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour for the pastry. Ensure all other ingredients, such as mincemeat, are also gluten-free.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Almond Mince Pies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking. The buttery pastry, spiced filling, and nutty almond topping come together in perfect harmony to create a festive treat everyone will love. Try this recipe to bring a little extra magic to your Christmas celebrations!
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Mary Berry Almond Mince Pies
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Almond Mince Pies are a festive variation of the traditional mince pies. These pies feature a shortcrust pastry base, a generous filling of spiced mincemeat, and a delicate almond topping, adding a nutty twist to the holiday classic. Perfectly baked and golden, they make an irresistible Christmas treat.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- Plain flour – 225g, for the base of the pastry.
- Butter – 100g, chilled and cubed, for a flaky texture.
- Caster sugar – 25g, adds a touch of sweetness.
- Egg yolk – 1, helps bind the pastry.
- Cold water – 1–2 tablespoons, to bring the dough together.
For the Filling and Topping:
- Mincemeat – 300g, rich and spiced for the filling.
- Ground almonds – 50g, for the almond topping.
- Butter – 50g, softened, for the almond topping.
- Caster sugar – 50g, adds sweetness to the topping.
- Egg – 1, beaten, for the topping.
- Flaked almonds – A handful, for decoration.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pastry
- Rub the chilled butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add the sugar and mix well.
- Stir in the egg yolk and cold water, and knead gently to form a smooth dough.
Step 2: Roll Out the Pastry
- Roll out the pastry on a floured surface to about 3mm thickness.
- Use a round cutter to cut out 12 circles and press them gently into the muffin tin.
Step 3: Fill the Pastry Cases
- Spoon 1–2 teaspoons of mincemeat into each pastry case, filling them about three-quarters full.
Step 4: Prepare the Almond Topping
- Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the ground almonds and beaten egg to create a smooth almond topping.
Step 5: Add the Topping and Decorate
- Spoon a small amount of almond topping over each pie, spreading it gently to cover the mincemeat.
- Sprinkle flaked almonds on top for added crunch.
Step 6: Bake the Mince Pies
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F.
- Bake the mince pies for 20–25 minutes, or until the almond topping is golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Allow the pies to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a dusting of icing sugar.
