This Gluten-Free Homemade Fruit Mince will be a welcome addition to your festive baking, and you will be delighted that it is so easy to make. If you have not previously made your own Fruit Mince, I encourage you to do so. It is full of vibrant flavour and is the perfect addition to our Fruit Mince Pies!
1mediumGranny Smith apple - peeled, cored and grated
½cup(100 g) light brown sugar
2teaspoonorange rind - finely zestedSee Note 3
2tablespoonorange juice - freshly squeezedSee Note 4
2tablespoonwater See Note 4
2teaspoonmixed spiceSee Note 5
1teaspoonground cinnamon
2 tablespoon(40 g) unsalted butter
2tablespoonbrandy - or additional orange juiceSee Notes 4 and 6
Instructions
In a medium-size saucepan, combine the dried fruit, grated apple, brown sugar, orange rind, orange juice, water, mixed spice and cinnamon.
Over medium heat, and stirring to dissolve the sugar, bring the mixture to a boil and simmer gently for 8–10 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated.
Remove from the heat and stir in the butter. Set aside to cool.
When cool, add the brandy, if using, or additional orange juice and stir.
Place into a sterilised glass jar and store in the refrigerator. (See Note 7.) Ideally, store it for a week before using it. You can make it up to 6 months in advance.
Video
Notes
For accuracy, it is best to weigh your ingredients.
Use a combination of dried fruit of your choice. You could also include some slivered almonds.
Use just the orange zest and avoid grating the bitter, white pith.
In Australia, the tablespoon is 20 ml or 4 teaspoons. In many other countries, the tablespoon is 15 ml or 3 teaspoons. Please adjust the measurement if necessary.
If you are not able to find mixed spice, Pumpkin Spice Mix is a good alternative.
Brandy is optional. If you prefer, you could use rum, port, whisky or Cointreau. Alternatively, for alcohol-free, use extra orange juice instead.
To sterilise your jar, preheat your oven to 130 Degrees C (270F). Place a clean jar in the oven for at least 20 minutes, then remove and allow to cool before filling with your Fruit Mince.
Please note, the nutritional information is based on one cup of this recipe. The nutritional information is an estimate only.