Hey there, keto lovers!
Craving something sweet without the carbs? I’ve got you covered!
Today, I’m excited to share my keto sugar-free mince pies.
These little treats are packed with flavor and perfect for the holiday season.
And the best part? You can enjoy them guilt-free!
Let’s dive in and whip up some deliciousness!
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
Almond flour can be replaced with sunflower seed flour for those with nut allergies. Use a 1:1 ratio, but be aware that sunflower seed flour may impart a slightly different flavor and color to the crust.
Sugar-free dried cranberries can be substituted with finely chopped fresh cranberries or unsweetened dried blueberries. If using fresh cranberries, reduce the water in the filling slightly to account for their moisture content.
Golden erythritol can be swapped with other sugar alternatives like monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Adjust the quantity to taste, as different sweeteners have varying levels of sweetness. Start with about half the amount and increase as needed. Remember that some sugar alternatives may affect the texture and browning of the pies differently than erythritol.
| Preparation Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 18-25 minutes |
| Total Time | 38-55 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 10-15 g
- Fat: 45-55 g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50 g
Ingredients
For the pastry:
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 2.2 oz cold butter (diced into small cubes for easier mixing)
- 1/2 tsp xanthan gum
- 1 cup almond flour (I like Bob’s Red Mill super-fine)
- a small pinch salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
For the apple filling:
- 1 tbsp brandy (optional, for a traditional warming note)
- 1/4 cup toasted flaked almonds (chopped for texture)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, brightens the flavors)
- 3 tbsp golden erythritol
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (freshly ground for best flavor)
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 small peeled apple (finely diced for even cooking)
- zest from 1/4 lemon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar-free dried cranberries
- zest from 1/2 orange (adds a lovely citrus aroma)
For the egg wash:
- 1 extra large egg
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a saucepan, add all ingredients except for the brandy and almonds.
Simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture becomes quite thick but still has a little moisture left.
For a less chunky apple texture, you can press the mixture with a fork.
Stir through the almonds and optional brandy, then remove from heat and allow to cool.
Step 2: Make the Pastry Dough
In a food processor, pulse all the dry ingredients until they are well combined.
Add the butter chunks and cream cheese, then pulse again until the mixture is combined.
Add 1 large egg and pulse to combine once more.
Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in greaseproof paper, and chill it in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up.
Step 3: Roll Out the Pastry and Cut Shapes
Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F.
Roll the chilled dough between two sheets of greaseproof paper until it is about 3-4 mm thick.
Use a 7.5cm cutter to cut out 6 bases.
Gather the leftover dough, re-roll it, and cut out two more bases, making a total of eight.
Place these bases in the freezer to keep them firm while you prepare the tops.
Re-roll the remaining dough to create 8 stars or any other shapes you prefer for the top using a 7 cm cutter.
If the dough becomes too warm to handle at any time, simply put it back in the freezer for 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the Mince Pies
Grease a shallow muffin or Yorkshire pudding tin with butter.
Place one pastry base in each cup.
Add approximately 1 tablespoon of the cooled apple-almond filling to each base, then top with your prepared pastry lid (star or other shape).
Gently press the edges to seal slightly, ensuring they stay in place during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Mince Pies
Brush the tops of the pastry with an egg wash for a glossy finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
Allow the mince pies to cool before carefully removing them from the tin.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooled and removed from the pan, dust the mince pies with powdered sweetener.
Serve them with optional whipped cream, keto custard, or keto vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat!
