Apple Mincemeat Pie combines the rich, spiced flavors of traditional mincemeat with the sweetness of applesauce, wrapped in a flaky pastry crust. This pie is a beautiful twist on classic holiday desserts, offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes perfect for festive occasions.
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Apple Mincemeat Pie
Vintage Recipe Box 400 comes to us from Chalfont, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
It is a large white metal box that measures 12” D x 5.5” W x 4” H and has a metal tag that says “American Home Menu Maker.” According to my research, the box was sold in multiple colors for $1 and included 212 “basic recipes” for an additional $.50. (See the image below, which is an order form to purchase the box.)
At this time, we do not know anything about the history of the box. We do show that this box came to us with another box, but at this time, we are not sure if the same person owned them or if the eBay seller grouped them.
View all the vintage recipes from Vintage Recipe Box 400. Click here to view all the Vintage Recipe Boxes we have published in our collection.
Food History
Mincemeat pies, originally filled with meat, fruits, and spices, date back to medieval times in Europe when such combinations were common in preserving meats. Over the centuries, the recipes evolved to include more fruits and spices, less meat, and became particularly popular in England around Christmas. The addition of apple sauce makes this pie a modern variation, softening the intense flavors of traditional mincemeat and adding a smooth texture.
Recipe Discussion
The recipe involves mixing prepared mincemeat with apple sauce, light brown sugar, lemon juice, and grated lemon rind to create a filling that is both tangy and sweet. This mixture is then poured into a pastry-lined pie pan, dotted with butter for richness, and covered with a lattice pastry top. The pie is baked until the pastry is golden brown, resulting in a dessert that’s deliciously aromatic and visually appealing.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Mincemeat Pie is best served warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a sharp cheddar cheese, which complements the rich flavors of the mincemeat. A hot cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine like port also makes a great accompaniment.
Preparation Tips
- Pastry Tips: Ensure the pastry is chilled before rolling out to make it easier to handle and help it stay flaky.
- Lattice Top: Be patient when arranging the lattice; this helps steam escape during baking and adds an elegant touch to the pie.
- Baking: Watch the pie during the last few minutes of baking and cover the edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
Apple Mincemeat Pie Recipe
Apple Mincemeat Pie
Ingredients
- 1 jar (1-pound) prepared mincemeat
- 2 cups canned apple sauce
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon greated lemon rind
- Pastry for 9-inch double crust pie
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Combine mincemeat, apple sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice and rind.
- Mix well
- Roll out half of pastry and line 9-inch pan
- Pour in apple sauce mincemeat mixture
- Dot with butter
- Roll out remainder of pastry
- Cut in strips and arrange lattice fashion over filling
- Trim and flute pastry to make standing edge
- Bake at 425 degrees for35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown
- Serve warm or cold
Whether you’re looking to introduce a new dessert to your holiday menu or simply enjoy a richly flavored pie, Apple Mincemeat Pie is a stellar choice. Its deep flavors and festive appearance make it a standout dish that’s sure to impress at any gathering.