Gluten Free Mince Pies with Almonds
Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Recipes
Delight in these Gluten Free Mince Pies with Almonds, a festive treat perfect for the holiday season.
These Gluten Free Mince Pies with Almonds bring a delightful twist to a classic holiday treat. Filled with rich mincemeat and topped with a crunchy almond crust, they are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A deliciously crunchy almond topping adds a unique flavor.
- Perfectly spiced mincemeat filling brings warmth and nostalgia.
- A gluten-free option that everyone can enjoy during the holidays.
The Joy of Baking Mince Pies
Baking mince pies is a cherished tradition during the holiday season, often evoking memories of family gatherings and festive cheer. The warm, inviting aroma of spices fills the home, instantly creating a cozy atmosphere. These Gluten Free Mince Pies with Almonds elevate the classic recipe, ensuring that everyone can indulge in this delightful treat, regardless of dietary restrictions.
The combination of sweet and tangy flavors in the mincemeat filling, paired with the crunch of almonds, makes each bite a celebration of taste. With a gluten-free pastry that is both tender and flaky, these pies are not just for those avoiding gluten; they are a delicious option for all your guests.
Tips for Perfect Mince Pies
To achieve the best results with your gluten-free pastry, ensure all your ingredients are cold, especially the butter. This helps create a flaky texture that rivals traditional pastry. If you find the dough too crumbly, a splash of cold water can help bind it without compromising the gluten-free nature of the recipe.
When preparing the filling, feel free to experiment with different spices to personalize the mincemeat. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of brandy can enhance the flavors and make your mince pies stand out. Remember to let the filling sit for a while to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving and Storing Your Mince Pies
These Gluten Free Mince Pies with Almonds are best served fresh out of the oven, lightly dusted with icing sugar. However, they can also be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. If you have any leftovers, simply reheat them in the oven to restore that just-baked quality.
For a festive touch, serve your pies with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of mulled wine or a warm spiced cider, making them an excellent choice for holiday gatherings and festive celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Pastry
- 200g gluten-free flour
- 100g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 50g icing sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling
- 300g mincemeat
- 50g chopped almonds
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For Topping
- 50g flaked almonds
- Icing sugar for dusting
Make sure to keep your ingredients chilled for the best pastry results.
Instructions
Prepare the Pastry
In a bowl, mix the gluten-free flour, icing sugar, and cubed butter until crumbly. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then combine to form a dough. Wrap in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Make the Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the mincemeat, chopped almonds, orange zest, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside.
Assemble the Pies
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the chilled pastry on a floured surface and cut out circles to fit your muffin tin. Fill each pastry shell with the mincemeat mixture and top with flaked almonds.
Bake the Pies
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool before dusting with icing sugar.
Enjoy these festive pies warm or at room temperature!
Celebrating the Festive Season
The holiday season is a time for celebration and joy, and food plays an integral role in bringing people together. These Gluten Free Mince Pies with Almonds not only cater to those with gluten sensitivities but also delight everyone at the table. Their rich flavors and delightful crunch will make them a favorite among both traditionalists and newcomers alike.
Creating these pies is also a wonderful way to involve family and friends in the kitchen. Encourage loved ones to help with rolling out the pastry or filling the pies, making it a fun and collaborative cooking experience that strengthens bonds and creates lasting memories.
Healthier Holiday Treats
By using gluten-free flour and incorporating almonds, these mince pies offer a healthier twist on a classic dessert. Almonds are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein, and they add a delightful nutty flavor that enhances the overall profile of the pies. This makes them not only a festive treat but also a more nutritious option for your holiday baking.
Moreover, using fresh citrus zest in the filling not only brightens the flavor but also adds a dose of vitamin C, making these pies a more wholesome choice during the indulgent holiday season.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free?
Yes, but the recipe will no longer be gluten-free.
→ How long can I store these pies?
They can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze these mince pies?
Yes, they freeze well. Just thaw before serving.
→ What can I substitute for the almonds?
You can use walnuts or pecans if you prefer.
Gluten Free Mince Pies with Almonds
Delight in these Gluten Free Mince Pies with Almonds, a festive treat perfect for the holiday season.
Created by: Emily Carter
Recipe Type: Sweet Baking Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 pies
What You'll Need
For the Pastry
- 200g gluten-free flour
- 100g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 50g icing sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling
- 300g mincemeat
- 50g chopped almonds
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For Topping
- 50g flaked almonds
- Icing sugar for dusting
How-To Steps
In a bowl, mix the gluten-free flour, icing sugar, and cubed butter until crumbly. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then combine to form a dough. Wrap in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine the mincemeat, chopped almonds, orange zest, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the chilled pastry on a floured surface and cut out circles to fit your muffin tin. Fill each pastry shell with the mincemeat mixture and top with flaked almonds.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool before dusting with icing sugar.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 3g