Follow these simple steps to create a warm, fruity dessert with a deliciously golden topping.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
Lightly grease six small ovenproof ramekins and arrange them on a baking tray.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
Place the chopped apples in a saucepan with the lemon juice, cinnamon and two tablespoons of water.
Cook over medium-low heat for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften.
Step 3: Add the Christmas Mincemeat
Stir the mincemeat into the softened apples until everything is evenly combined.
Taste the mixture and add a little sweetener if needed. Most prepared mincemeat is already quite sweet, so additional sweetener may not be necessary.
Divide the filling evenly between the six ramekins.
Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, plain flour and cinnamon.
Add the light butter and rub it into the dry ingredients using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Stir in a little granulated sweetener if desired.
Step 5: Assemble the Crumbles
Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apple and mincemeat filling.
Avoid pressing the topping down too firmly. Keeping it loose helps create a lovely crumbly texture.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges.
Allow the crumbles to cool for approximately five minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Mince Pie Crumble
Choose the right apples. Firm varieties such as Braeburn, Pink Lady or Granny Smith work well because they hold their shape during cooking.
Check the sweetness. Christmas mincemeat contains dried fruit and sugar, so taste the filling before adding any extra sweetener.
Don’t overmix the topping. A loose, crumbly texture creates a better finish than a compact mixture.
Use individual ramekins. They make portioning easier and give the dessert a lovely presentation.
Serve warm. These festive crumbles taste especially comforting when served shortly after baking.
Easy Recipe Variations
Orange and Cinnamon Mince Pie Crumble
Add a little freshly grated orange zest to the apple filling for an extra festive flavour.
Apple and Pear Christmas Crumble
Replace half the apples with chopped ripe pears for a softer, naturally sweet filling.
Nutty Mince Pie Crumble
Add a tablespoon of finely chopped almonds to the topping for extra crunch. This will also change the nutritional values.
Extra-Spiced Christmas Crumble
Add a small pinch of ground ginger or mixed spice to enhance the warm seasonal flavours.
What to Serve With Mince Pie Crumbles
These individual desserts are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with:
- A spoonful of fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt
- A little warm vanilla custard
- Light whipped cream
- A small scoop of vanilla ice cream
For a lighter serving option, plain or vanilla yogurt makes a lovely contrast to the warm fruit filling.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerating
Allow the baked crumbles to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to three days.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully cooled crumbles in suitable airtight containers for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated crumbles in an oven preheated to 160°C (140°C fan) for approximately 10–15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
Frozen crumbles should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Mince Pie Crumbles Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple and mincemeat filling in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container.
Prepare the crumble topping separately and keep it chilled. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture.
Can I Use Homemade Mincemeat?
Absolutely. Homemade Christmas mincemeat works beautifully in this recipe and allows you to adjust the spices and sweetness.
Can I Make One Large Mince Pie Crumble Instead?
Yes. Transfer the filling to a small ovenproof baking dish and scatter the topping evenly over it.
The baking time may need adjusting depending on the depth of the dish. Bake until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Is This Mince Pie Crumble Suitable for Vegetarians?
It can be, provided you use vegetarian Christmas mincemeat and a suitable butter or baking spread. Always check the ingredient labels.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes. Replace the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats. Check that the mincemeat and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What Is the Difference Between Mincemeat and Minced Meat?
Despite its name, modern Christmas mincemeat is generally a sweet mixture of dried fruits, spices, sugar and sometimes suet. It is traditionally used in British mince pies.
For this recipe, use sweet Christmas mincemeat, not savoury minced beef.
Final Thoughts
This easy mince pie crumble recipe combines everything wonderful about festive baking in one simple dessert.
With juicy apples, aromatic Christmas spices, sweet mincemeat and a golden oat topping, these little crumbles are a comforting alternative to traditional mince pies.
Whether you’re planning your Christmas menu or simply looking for an easy winter dessert, these individual mince pie crumbles are a lovely addition to your recipe collection.
Try this recipe for your next festive gathering and enjoy a warm, homemade Christmas treat!
