Frangipane Mince Pies: Heavenly Festive Treat

Frangipane topped mince pies have officially stolen my heart this holiday season! I used to think traditional mince pies were the only way to go, but my aunt introduced me to this incredible almond twist, and wow, what a game-changer. The combination of the buttery shortcrust, the spiced, rich mincemeat, and that sweet, nutty almond cream is pure magic. The smell wafting from the oven as these bake is simply divine – a perfect blend of warm pastry and festive spices. If you’re looking for the best frangipane mince pies, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Frangipane Topped Mince Pies

Get ready to fall in love with this festive twist on a classic. These pies are a guaranteed hit for any holiday gathering!

• Incredible Flavor Combination: The sweet, nutty almond frangipane pairs perfectly with tart mincemeat.
• Festive Appeal: They look and smell absolutely divine, making them a star dessert.
• Easy to Make: This easy frangipane mince pie recipe is surprisingly simple, even for beginner bakers.
• Texture Heaven: Enjoy the contrast between the crisp pastry, gooey filling, and tender almond topping.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone will be asking for the recipe for these homemade frangipane mince pies.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect served warm with a dollop of cream or brandy butter.
• Rich and Luxurious: These pies offer a truly indulgent Christmas treat.
• Quick Preparation: Spend less time in the kitchen and more time celebrating.

Ingredients for Frangipane Topped Mince Pies

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating the best frangipane mince pies you’ve ever tasted. The combination of a buttery pastry, rich mincemeat, and sweet almond cream is pure holiday magic.

• 250 grams plain flour – for a crisp, flaky pastry base
• 125 grams cold butter, cubed – essential for that tender shortcrust texture
• Cold water as needed – just enough to bring the pastry dough together
• 400 grams good quality mincemeat – the heart of our pies, choose a rich blend
• 100 grams softened butter – the base for our luscious frangipane
• 100 grams caster sugar – for sweetness in the almond cream
• 1 medium egg – acts as a binder for the frangipane
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds a lovely warm aroma and flavor
• 100 grams ground almonds (almond flour) – this is what makes them almond frangipane mince pies, providing a delightful nutty depth
• 50 grams flaked almonds – for a beautiful crunchy topping
• Icing sugar for dusting (optional) – a final touch of festive sparkle

How to Make Frangipane Topped Mince Pies

Creating these delightful Christmas frangipane mince pies is a joy, and the aroma that fills your kitchen is simply festive. Follow these simple steps for a truly special treat.

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a standard 12-hole cupcake tray. This ensures your pies don’t stick and come out looking perfect.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the 250 grams plain flour and the 125 grams cold butter, cubed. Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
3. Step 3: Gradually add just enough cold water as needed, stirring with a knife until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to add too much water.
4. Step 4: Wrap the dough in cling film and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period is crucial for a flaky pastry.
5. Step 5: While the pastry chills, prepare the frangipane. In a separate bowl, cream together the 100 grams softened butter and 100 grams caster sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
6. Step 6: Beat in the 1 medium egg and the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Then, gently stir in the 100 grams ground almonds until you have a smooth, luscious almond cream.
7. Step 7: Once chilled, roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thickness. Cut out circles slightly larger than the diameter of your cupcake tray holes.
8. Step 8: Carefully press the pastry circles into the prepared cupcake tray, ensuring they line the base and sides.
9. Step 9: Spoon the 400 grams good quality mincemeat into each pastry case. Fill them about three-quarters full to leave room for the topping.
10. Step 10: Dollop a generous spoonful of the prepared frangipane mixture on top of the mincemeat in each pie. This creates your signature almond frangipane mince pies.
11. Step 11: Sprinkle the 50 grams flaked almonds generously over each frangipane topping. This adds a wonderful crunch and visual appeal.
12. Step 12: Bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the frangipane to be beautifully golden brown and puffed up, and the pastry edges to be crisp. The pies should spring back when gently pressed.
13. Step 13: Allow the frangipane topping for mince pies to cool in the tray for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
14. Step 14: If desired, dust with icing sugar for dusting just before serving for that extra festive touch.

Pro Tips for the Best Frangipane Topped Mince Pies

Elevating your frangipane mince pie recipe from good to absolutely spectacular is all about a few key techniques. I’ve learned these tricks over the years to ensure my pies are consistently delicious and impressive, making them the best frangipane mince pies for any occasion.

• Always use cold, cubed butter for your pastry. This creates steam during baking, resulting in a wonderfully flaky crust.
• Don’t overwork the pastry dough. Mix it just until it comes together, as overworking develops the gluten, leading to a tough texture.
• For the frangipane, ensure your butter is softened but not melted. This allows it to cream properly with the sugar, creating a light and airy mixture.
• Using good quality mincemeat makes a huge difference. Look for one with plenty of fruit and a good balance of spices.

What’s the secret to perfect Frangipane Topped Mince Pies?

The true secret lies in the balance: a perfectly crisp pastry base, a rich, spiced mincemeat, and a sweet, moist almond frangipane topping. Ensuring your frangipane isn’t too wet and your pastry is well-chilled are key for these luxury frangipane mince pies.

Can I make Frangipane Topped Mince Pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the pastry dough and the frangipane mixture a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake them on the day you want to serve for the freshest results, or bake them and reheat gently. For more baking tips, check out these helpful suggestions.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Frangipane Topped Mince Pies?

A common pitfall is soggy bottoms; ensure your pastry is pressed well into the tin and bake until golden. Another is dry frangipane; don’t overbake and ensure you have enough butter and almond flour. Lastly, chilling the pastry dough is non-negotiable for flakiness. Learn more about achieving perfect pastry.

Best Ways to Serve Frangipane Topped Mince Pies

These festive frangipane mince pies are wonderfully versatile and taste amazing served warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect on their own, but I love pairing them with simple accompaniments that enhance their rich flavors. For an extra special treat, serve them with a dollop of brandy butter or a spoonful of thick clotted cream. A light dusting of icing sugar just before serving adds a beautiful snowy finish, making them look as good as they taste.

These spiced frangipane mince pies also pair beautifully with a warming cup of mulled wine or a festive spiced chai latte. The slight tartness of the mincemeat and the sweetness of the almond filling complement these spiced drinks perfectly, creating a truly cozy holiday experience. For more ideas on festive drinks, consider these delightful options.

Nutrition Facts for Frangipane Topped Mince Pies

Understanding the nutritional profile of these delightful Christmas frangipane mince pies can help you enjoy them mindfully as part of your holiday treats. Each pie offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures.

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 100 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For general information on baking nutrition, you can refer to this resource.

How to Store and Reheat Frangipane Topped Mince Pies

Properly storing your delicious homemade frangipane mince pies ensures they stay fresh and tasty for your guests. After baking, I always let them cool completely on a wire rack. This is super important to prevent any sogginess. Once cool, store them in an airtight container. This keeps them wonderfully fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. They’re perfect for grabbing as a quick festive snack!

If you’ve made a big batch of these easy frangipane mince pie delights and want to save them for later, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap each cooled pie individually in plastic wrap, then place them inside a freezer-safe bag or container. They should keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can gently warm them in a low oven (around 150°C or 300°F) for about 5-10 minutes until they are just warmed through. This brings back that lovely fresh-baked aroma and taste!

Frequently Asked Questions About Frangipane Topped Mince Pies

What makes these Frangipane Topped Mince Pies different from regular mince pies?

The key difference is the addition of the almond frangipane topping. While traditional mince pies have a simple pastry lid or lattice, these feature a sweet, rich almond cream spread over the mincemeat before baking. This creates a wonderfully nutty, moist, and luxurious layer, making them truly special luxury frangipane mince pies.

Can I use store-bought mincemeat for my Frangipane Topped Mince Pies?

Absolutely! Using good quality store-bought mincemeat is perfectly fine and makes this easy frangipane mince pie recipe even quicker. I find that brands with a good balance of fruit, spices, and a hint of citrus work best with the almond filling.

How do I ensure the frangipane topping is cooked through but not burnt?

Baking at the correct temperature, around 180°C (350°F), is crucial. Keep an eye on them during the last 10 minutes of baking. If the frangipane is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the pies with foil. The best frangipane mince pies have a golden-brown, slightly puffed topping that springs back when gently touched.

Are there any nut-free Frangipane Topped Mince Pies variations?

Yes! For a nut-free version of these homemade frangipane mince pies, you can substitute the ground almonds in the frangipane with sunflower seed flour or even finely ground rolled oats. Just ensure they are finely milled to achieve a similar texture. This allows everyone to enjoy these festive treats!

Variations of Frangipane Topped Mince Pies You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic frangipane mince pie recipe, why not get creative? These delicious variations offer exciting new ways to enjoy this festive favorite. Experimenting with these ideas can lead to your new favorite Christmas frangipane mince pies!

• Gluten-Free Delight: Easily adapt these easy frangipane mince pie treats by swapping the plain flour for a good quality gluten-free flour blend. You can also use gluten-free shortcrust pastry if you’re short on time.
• Dairy-Free Indulgence: For a dairy-free version, use a solid vegetable shortening or a dairy-free butter alternative for both the pastry and the frangipane. Ensure your mincemeat is also dairy-free.
• Citrus Burst: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to both the mincemeat and the frangipane mixture for a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile. This adds a lovely freshness to the rich filling.
• Spiced Wonders: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a tiny amount of ground ginger into the frangipane mixture for extra warmth and festive spice. These spiced frangipane mince pies are incredibly comforting.

Frangipane Mince Pies: Heavenly Festive Treat

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• Author: basmer1517
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (includes chilling time)
• Yield: 12 pies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

Easy Frangipane Topped Mince Pies combine a flaky shortcrust base with a rich mincemeat filling and a delightful almond frangipane topping. These festive treats are simple to make and perfect for holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• For the Pastry:
• 250 grams Plain Flour
• 125 grams Butter
• Cold Water as needed
• For the Filling:
• 400 grams Good Quality Mincemeat
• For the Frangipane:
• 100 grams Softened Butter
• 100 grams Caster Sugar
• 1 Medium Egg
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 100 grams Ground Almonds (Almond Flour)
• For the Topping:
• 50 grams Flaked Almonds
• Icing Sugar for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 12-hole cupcake tray.
2. Combine plain flour and cubed butter in a mixing bowl. Rub together until it resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Gradually add cold water, stirring until a soft dough forms. Wrap in cling film and chill for at least 30 minutes.
4. Cream softened butter and caster sugar in a separate bowl until light and fluffy.
5. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and ground almonds until smooth to create the frangipane.
6. Roll out the chilled pastry on a floured surface to about 3mm thick. Cut out circles slightly larger than your cupcake tray holes.
7. Press the pastry circles into the greased cupcake tray.
8. Spoon mincemeat into each pastry case, filling about three-quarters full.
9. Dollop the prepared frangipane on top of the mincemeat.
10. Sprinkle flaked almonds generously over each frangipane topping.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the frangipane is golden brown and the pies spring back when gently pressed.
12. Let the pies cool in the tray for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
13. Dust with icing sugar, if desired, before serving.

Notes

• Ensure the pastry dough is not overworked to maintain flakiness.
• Baking times can vary depending on your oven.
• Using high-quality mincemeat is recommended for the best flavor.
• Chilling the pastry dough is essential for a flaky texture.
• Adjust the sugar in the frangipane to your preference for sweetness.
• For gluten-free pies, substitute plain flour with a gluten-free blend.
• For dairy-free pies, use vegetable shortening or a dairy-free butter alternative.
• For nut-free pies, use sunflower seed flour instead of ground almonds.
• Add citrus zest to the mincemeat for a brighter flavor.
• Incorporate chocolate chips into the frangipane for a richer taste.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the frangipane for a spicy kick.
• Consider making mini versions in a mini muffin tin.
• Swap traditional mincemeat with cranberry chutney for a tart twist.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 pie
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg

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