Mary Berry Mince Pies Recipe

Name: Mary Berry's Treacle Tart
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 250g plain flour; 130g unsalted butter, chilled and diced; Approximately 3 tbsp icy water; 1 beaten egg, for glazing; 400g golden syrup; 150g fine, fresh white breadcrumbs; Zest and juice of 2 large unwaxed lemons

Mary Berry's Almond Mince Pies are a delightful twist on the classic festive treat, combining the rich flavors of mincemeat with the subtle sweetness of almonds. This recipe is perfect for those looking to impress family and friends during the holiday season. Mary Berry, a renowned figure in the culinary world, lends her expertise to make these mince pies a memorable part of your Christmas baking.

Mary Berry's Almond Mince Pies Recipe - A Festive Delight

A Brief Description of the Recipe

Mary Berry's Almond Mince Pies recipe transforms the traditional mince pie with a unique almond twist. The recipe swaps out the usual pastry lid for a golden marzipan star, sitting atop a rich filling encased in an almond-infused pastry. It's an excellent festive activity, especially fun to prepare with children.

Cultural or Historical Context

Mince pies have a storied history in British culinary tradition, typically served during the Christmas season. Mary Berry adds a personal touch to this tradition with her almond pastry and marzipan topping, offering a modern twist on a classic.

Ingredients for the Almond Mince Pies

Luxury mincemeat: 410g jar
Orange zest: from 1 orange
Icing sugar: for dusting
Marzipan: 250g
Egg: 1, beaten
Plain flour: 150g (plus extra for dusting)
Ground almonds: 30g
Butter: 115g
Caster sugar: 30g

Preparation Instructions

Start by making the almond pastry, combining flour, ground almonds, butter, caster sugar, and an egg in a food processor until it forms a dough.
Roll out the pastry, cut out rounds, and line your bun tins, chilling them afterward.
Mix the mincemeat with orange zest, spoon it into the pastry cases, and top each with a marzipan star.
Bake until golden and serve warm, dusted with icing sugar.

Storage and Reheating

The pies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen once cooked. They can be reheated in the oven to serve warm.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional values will vary based on the ingredients used, particularly the type of mincemeat and marzipan. However, these pies are a treat meant for special occasions.

FAQ about Mary Berry's Almond Mince Pies

Can I make the pastry in advance? Yes, the pastry can be prepared ahead and kept in the fridge for 1–2 days or frozen.
Can I use shop-bought mincemeat? Absolutely, using a jar of luxury mincemeat is recommended for ease and flavor.
How do I make the marzipan stars? Roll out the marzipan and use a star cutter to stamp out shapes.

Mary Berry's Almond Mince Pies are a festive treat that's sure to delight. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations. The combination of rich mincemeat, fragrant orange zest, and sweet marzipan makes for a truly special dessert that embodies the spirit of the season.

Original recipe by Mary Berry from Mary Berry Cook and Share.