Christmas in Australia is truly distinct. Unlike most well known white snowy Christmas stories, it happens in summer. So, unlike all the delicious roast and heavy meals lighter summery meals and pavlova with ample summer fruits form the Christmas table in colour. In spite of the heat! pies are common and one of the best-inherited traditions. Not just any pie, fruit mince pies.
Our trials with fruit mince.
The first couple of years, we bought and tested a few festive fruit minces from various sources. Some were too sweet, some tasteless, some rubbery and the best were homestyle does from farmers markets during the Christmas season. We dissected them out to figure out the combination that went into the making of these festive fruit mince recipes. We went through a few cookbooks from the library, tried to find tons more recipes online. Then tried, tried and tried and to be honest, this is my ninth try of the fruit mince filling. I think we have it ready for you and the tastiest so far of all fruit minces.
The ingredients for this fruit mince
Apples-we have used a gala apple for this recipe. However, you can use a granny smith if you like the fruit mince a bit more tart.
Pears- I liked the smoothness of some of the fruit minces and I got it with pears as they cook to perfect softness yet have little crunchy bites from the stone cells in them
Cranberry- the colour and the tartness that Cranberry gives in this recipe cannot be replaced by another ingredient.
Raisins- the sweet plum raisins are just the bite you need for the fruit mince
Cinnamon– the fragrance is undeniable, plus add this and feel like Christmas is already here.
Orange zest-who wouldn’t want the citrus feel that makes a pie feel far lighter.
Orange juice- I tried apple juice and orange, however, I liked the orange juice flavour far better. So that is staying on permanently as my festive fruit mince recipe.
Here is the recipe details for you and check below the recipe card for a variety of recipes that you can add up to your Christmas table.
Festive fruit mince
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Knife
- saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 large apple
- 2 medium pear
- 1/2 cup cranberry
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dry ginger powder
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1/z tsp orange zest
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1-2 drops vanilla extract or a few grains from a vanilla pod.
Instructions
- Chop and add the fruits into a cooking pot.
- Add the cranberries, raisins, orange zest, spices and orange juice into the same pot.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer. Open and check occasionally to see if there is enough liquid to keep the raisins plump.
- Let it cook and break down slowly on slow heat for an hour.
- Turn off the heat and let it cool down to room temperature.
- The fruit mince will be then ready.
- Save it in airtight stelized jars.
- The fruit mince for Christmas is ready.
Notes
A few more preserves you can use as pie fillings
Cranberry apple preserve
Crushed Kiwi preserve
Sugar-free plum preserve
If you are planning to bake up a storm this Christmas season use these recipes too.
Booze free Christmas cake is an absolute must-try recipe spiced with cloves and cinnamon
Savoury cheese muffins Christmas means kids, so they are going to like a few to munch on and still get some veggies in.
Bakery style sprinkles cake for all the princesses in the house. It is the most fun ever.
Feta and tomato puff shape up an edible Christmas tree to add to your Christmas table. It is fun, flaky and truly tasty.
Spicy pumpkin loaf slice this up and add to your grazing board. I am sure people will love to nibble through them for sure.
Gluten free chocolate cake save up a slice for the beloved who can enjoy a slice too.
Roasted almond cookies – nutty and easy to make almond cookie to add up to Santa’s glass of milk.
Don’t forget to come back as our next mission is to get some fruit mince pies ready.
Finally, I think we have one of the best, vibrant Christmas fruit mince that you ought to try. Fear not, we got you. Share how you felt about this recipe in the comments and recommend changes if you feel so. Before you go, please subscribe to our blog so we can keep updating you on the new recipes we do.
Mince Pies is very much a part of the British Christmas tradition too. Love your fruity version mince pie filling. It is a must try recipe. Home made mince is the best.
Homemade fruit mince is really a nice idea for this Christmas season. You have beautifully explained in step by step recipe
Oh wow, fruit mince looks totally delish! Whole house would have lovely aroma while making it! Totally festive aroma! Was wrecking my brain on what to make with loads of apples and pears in the fridge, i will definitely try this one!
Making your own fruit mince is a wonderful idea. It looks so delicious and great way to use seasonal fruits. I love apples and berries so going to try this soon.
I love your fruit mince. This will be a new tradition at our house.