Shortbread Mincemeat Slices with cherries

So I like a mince pie, but I’m not blown away with all that pastry – please don’t hate me. However I have developed these Shortbread Mincemeat Slices with cherries and I much prefer these ….. hands down

All the same flavours as a mince pie, but with buttery shortbread, flavour packed mincemeat with a layer of ruby red Glace cherries, topped with a crumble style topping – oh my so so good.

Luxury Mince Pies, almost

And so so super festive.

The whole kitchen smells like Christmas when you bake them – it’s fabulous

Yes they are rich but you can cut to any size….

I like small squares served with coffee, or a slightly more substantial slice if I’m really craving sweetness and having as dessert warm with ice cream 🙂

So what actually is mincemeat?

Well according to Wiki

Mincemeat is a mixture of chopped dried fruit, distilled spirits and spices, and sometimes beef suet, beef, or venison.

Originally, mincemeat always contained meat. Many modern recipes contain beef suet, though vegetable shortening is sometimes used in its place.

Variants of mincemeat are found in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, northern Europe, Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.

You can easily make your own mincemeat- but I always buy mine.

Any good quality supermarket jar is perfect for this recipe – I always buy the boozy luxury stuff – but that’s just me <3

Mincemeat Traybake – Alternative Mince Pie

It’s sort of like a mincemeat traybake as it’s all made in one tray – super simple

It cuts into 20 squares (they are rich) or 16 nice slices – whatever you fancy really

Easier and more luxurious than standard miscopies I think??

Step by Step to your Shortbread Mincemeat Slices or Squares

See Recipe card at the bottom of this page

Step 1

Rub your cold butter into your flour until it resembles breadcrumbs

Step 2

Stir in your golden caster sugar

Step 3

Empty half your mix into your greased and lined tin and press down and smooth out with the back of a metal spoon

Step 4

Take your jar of mincemeat and using a teaspoon dot all of it over the base – smooth to a layer

Taking care not to drag the shortbread base mix with you into the mincemeat

Next distribute your cherry halves evenly on top of the mincemeat (no need to wash)

Step 5

Tip the remaining half of your mix on top of the cherries – you do not need to press it down, simply make sure there is a covering over all the filling! It’s like a Mincemeat crumble

And finally BAKE

Mincemeat Slice TOP TIP

Leave your Shortbread Mincemeat Slice to cool in the tin overnight and slice the next day

It firms up and makes it so much easier

Trust me

Just look – way better than a mince pie

How to serve your Shortbread mincemeat slices

I like a small slice with a coffee or tea

Alternatively it’s also delicious warm served with cream (any sort but extra thick double is rather special), ice cream or custard. Maybe brandy cream or brandy butter too would work

Perfect for the cake tin or lunch boxes and very transportable

Mincemeat Slice Recipe Alternatives & ideas

Why not add a few oats to the top half of the topping mix it’s almost a mincemeat crumble slice recipe
Or maybe a few nuts? Almonds or maybe hazelnuts
Mincemeat slice with oats, or chopped apples in the mix too to make an Apple & Mincemeat slice?
Or add a few of your favourite spices – cinnamon? Nutmeg? Mixed Spice?
Or use jam or lemon curd instead of mincemeat

How to store your mincemeat Slices

Store in an airtight container (fridge or no fridge) and should be good for a few days

I haven’t tried freezing yet – think they may go a little soft? Let me know if you do

I really hope you enjoy these slices and let me know what you think

Big Love Clare

Other Christmas delights

I’ve also recently published my show stopping Festive Christmas Cheesecake – Have a go it really is easy!

And if you fancy a Chocolate Christmas Tree made out of Nutella and puff pastry then look no further. Perfect for Christmas breakfast