Imagine biting into a delectable mince pie that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also nourishes your body. These Healthy Fruit Mince Pies are about to change everything you thought you knew about traditional holiday desserts! Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with natural sweetness, this recipe transforms the classic indulgence into a nutritious masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for more. Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that proves healthy eating can be absolutely delicious!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Healthy
Serves: 12 Pies
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup mixed dried fruits
- 1/4 cup apple juice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the pastry by mixing whole wheat flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Add coconut oil to the flour mixture and use your fingertips to combine until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Drizzle honey or maple syrup into the mixture and gently knead until the dough comes together. If too dry, add a small amount of cold water.
- Wrap the pastry dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow it to rest and firm up.
- While the dough chills, prepare the fruit filling by combining mixed dried fruits, apple juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small saucepan.
- Simmer the fruit mixture over low heat for 10-15 minutes until the fruits are soft and the liquid is mostly absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Remove the chilled dough and roll out on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut out circles for the pie bases and slightly smaller circles for the pie tops using cookie cutters or glasses.
- Gently press the larger pastry circles into the muffin tin, ensuring they cover the bottom and sides.
- Spoon the prepared fruit mixture into each pastry case, filling about 3/4 full.
- Cover each pie with the smaller pastry circles, pressing edges to seal and creating a small steam vent in the top.
- Brush the tops lightly with a little extra honey for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the tin for 10 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally dusting with a little powdered cinnamon before serving.
Tips
- Pastry Perfection: Keep your coconut oil and ingredients cold to achieve the flakiest, most tender crust possible. Chilling the dough is crucial for easy handling and optimal texture.
- Fruit Filling Hack: For an extra flavor boost, try soaking your dried fruits in the apple juice for 30 minutes before cooking to plump them up and intensify their natural sweetness.
- Rolling Technique: Use parchment paper when rolling out your dough to prevent sticking and make transfer easier. A light dusting of whole wheat flour will help prevent the dough from becoming too dense.
- Even Baking: Rotate your muffin tin halfway through baking to ensure uniform golden-brown coloring on all your pies.
- Storage Secret: These pies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep or make-ahead entertaining.
- Customization Tip: Feel free to experiment with different dried fruit combinations or add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra crunch and nutrition.Pro Tip: For the most tender crust, handle the dough as little as possible and work quickly to keep the coconut oil from warming up too much!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 0mg
