Making a batch of these mincemeat crumble bars is the most delicious way to use up that jar of leftover Christmas mincemeat at the back of the fridge. This recipe is suitable for vegans.
As much as I love mince pies, there always seems to be a jar of leftover Christmas mincemeat in my fridge after Christmas.
And for some reason, I can never bring myself to make mince pies once Christmas Day is over.
There's always a batch in our house on Christmas Eve. The children insist, of course, on leaving one out for Santa. Along with a carrot and a drink for Santa - usually apple juice in case he's dehydrated from all that sherry at other people's houses.
But once they're gone I need to find another use for my leftover mincemeat.
And my new favourite recipe is this one - for mincemeat crumble bars.
They really are incredibly delicious. The mincemeat goes gloriously chewy when baked with the crumble. They're super sweet. And very moreish indeed.
This recipe definitely counts as a treat - and a very tasty one at that.
Make your own mincemeat
Mincemeat is a traditional British preserve made from dried fruit, sugar and brandy (although this can be replaced with fruit juice if preferred). Traditionally it would also have contained meat - hence the name.
Modern versions often contain suet (animal fat) so if you are vegan or vegetarian be sure to check the label.
Ot even better why not make your own? It's surprisingly easy to make and lasts for ages, making a great gift.
Check out my recipe for homemade mincemeat (recipe on my other website Cook Veggielicious).
Special diets
This recipe is suitable for vegans.
Make it gluten free by using gluten free flour and oats.
If using shop bought mincemeat check the ingredients to ensure it meets your needs.
More mincemeat recipes
If you're after more recipes that use up leftover mincemeat here are some suggestions. NB: some links go to external sites.
Ingredients
For full recipe, ingredients and quantities go to the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
To make these mincemeat crumble bars you will need
- 125g butter, I use vegan block butter
- 125g plain flour
- 100g light brown sugar
- 50g oats
- 600g mincemeat (check ingredients if vegan or vegetarian)
Equipment
You will need:
- 20cm (8 inch) square cake tin
- Baking paper
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
Storage
Allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
Freezing
Suitable for freezing.
Freeze on a tray for an hour (to stop them sticking together). Transfer to a freezer bag or box, label and date and freeze for up to six months.
Alternatively place a piece of baking paper between each one and freeze in a container as above.
How to make mincemeat crumble bars
For full recipe, ingredients and quantities go to the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan)/200°C/400°F/gas mark 6.
Grease and line a 20cm (8 inch) square cake tin, ideally one with a removable base.
Make the crumble base and topping
1. Place 125g butter (use vegan block butter to make them vegan) and 125g plain flour into a mixing bowl.
2. Rub together with your fingertips until you have the consistency of breadcrumbs. You can use a food processor for this if you prefer.
3. Add 100g light brown sugar and 50g oats.
4. Stir well.
Add to the tin and bake
5. Press ¾ of the mixture into the base of your cake tin. Press down with your fingertips until it is evenly spread over the base.
6. Spoon over the mincemeat and spread out.
7. Sprinkle over the remaining crumble topping.
8. Bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes until baked and golden brown on top.
If you've made this recipe please a star rating and comment below. Thank you!
Please do not reproduce this recipe without permission.
Mincemeat crumble bars
Ingredients
- 125 g butter I use vegan block butter
- 125 g plain flour
- 100 g light brown sugar
- 50 g oats
- 600 g mincemeat*
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan)/200°C/400°F/gas mark 6.
- Grease and line a 20cm (8 inch) square cake tin, ideally one with a removable base.
- Place 125g butter and 125g plain flour into a mixing bowl*. Rub together with your fingertips until you have the consistency of breadcrumbs.
- Stir through 100g light brown sugar and 50g oats.
- Press ¾ of the mixture into the base of your cake tin. Press down with your fingertips until it is evenly spread over the base.
- Spoon over the mincemeat and spread out.
- Sprinkle over the remaining crumble topping.
- Bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes until baked and golden brown on top.
Notes
- *Any quantity of mincemeat between 400g-800g will work.
- *You can also do this stage in a food processor.
- Nutritional information is approximate and intended as a guide only.
Nutrition
Pin mincemeat crumble bars for later
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"This Christmas leftovers recipe is featured in Twinkl's 12 Days of Eco-Christmas campaign. Why not check out other creative, family-friendly recipes on their website?"
Susan
Really lovely way to use up a jar of mincemeat that was lurking in the cupboard. My mincemeat was already very sweet so I replaced half of the sugar in the recipe with ground almonds. The 400g jar of mincemeat was plenty. Cut into squares & froze once cooled. Will definitely be buying a jar of mincemeat from now on to make these. Thank you
Mandy Mazliah
Using ground almonds is a great idea Susan - so glad you enjoyed them