Mince Pie Crumble Slices

If you love all the flavours of a classic mince pie but want something a bit easier to slice, share, and bake, these Mince Pie Crumble Slices are perfect. With a buttery shortbread base, a generous layer of spiced mincemeat, and a crunchy, crumbly topping, they hit all the festive notes in one bite. They’re easy to make ahead and look beautiful on a Christmas dessert table or for gifting (plus the smell while they are baking is just AMAZING!).

These squares are a nostalgic treat with a modern twist. The buttery shortbread base adds richness, while the crumble topping gives just the right texture to balance the soft, spiced mincemeat. I love baking these with a big cup of tea, but they’re also wonderful served with a little cream or custard for a festive dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the festive flavours of a mince pie in a convenient, sliceable square.
• Buttery shortbread base with a sweet, spiced mincemeat layer.
• Easy to make in a single tin – perfect for holiday baking or gifting.
• Crumbly topping adds texture and makes the squares look extra inviting.

Ingredients Breakdown

Shortbread Base (bottom layer)

• Butter: Provides richness, flavour, and helps create a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture.
• Caster sugar: Sweetens the shortbread and helps it brown lightly in the oven.
• Plain flour: Gives structure and firmness to hold the squares together.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances the buttery flavour and balances the sweetness.

Mincemeat Filling (middle layer)

• Mincemeat: This is the fruity, spiced centre. Provides traditional Christmas flavours including dried fruits, spices, and citrus notes. You can use either store-bought or homemade mincemeat.

Crumble Topping (top layer)

• Butter: Cold butter creates a crisp, crumbly topping.
• Caster sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelisation for a golden finish.
• Plain flour: Holds the topping together while still allowing it to crumble.
• Optional chopped nuts: Adds texture, nuttiness, and festive flair to the crumble topping.

Optional Finishing

• Icing sugar: Light dusting for a festive, snow-like finish.

How to Make This Recipe

1. Prepare the base: Line a 20 cm (8 inch) square baking tin with parchment paper.
2. Make the shortbread dough: Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Fold in the flour until a soft dough forms. It’ll look crumbly, but this is normal!
3. Press into tin: Take about two-thirds of the dough and press evenly into the base of the tin. Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Add the mincemeat: Spread a generous layer of mincemeat over the warm shortbread base.
5. Make the crumble topping: Combine the remaining dough with a little extra flour and sugar, plus optional chopped nuts. Crumble evenly over the mincemeat layer.
6. Bake the squares: Bake for a further 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden and crisp.
7. Cool and cut: Let the squares cool completely in the tin before slicing into squares.

Tips for Success

• Use cold butter for the crumble topping to create the best texture.
• Don’t overbake the base before adding the mincemeat – it should just be lightly golden.
• Let the squares cool fully; this helps them hold together when cutting.
• You can sprinkle a little icing sugar on top for a festive touch.

FAQ

Can I use shop-bought mincemeat?
Yes, it works perfectly. Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavour.

Can I freeze these?
Yes – freeze the unbaked bars in the tin or baked and cooled squares, wrapped well, for up to 2 months.

Can I add nuts?
Absolutely. Chopped pecans or walnuts in the crumble topping add a lovely festive crunch.

Mince Pie Crumble Slices

These Mince Pie Crumble Slices are the ultimate festive treat – a buttery shortbread base topped with a generous layer of rich, spiced mincemeat and finished with a golden, crunchy crumble topping. They’re perfect for Christmas parties, as a homemade gift, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea by the fire. Easy to make in a single tray, each square is packed with traditional holiday flavours and a satisfying texture that everyone will love. They’re a fun twist on the classic mince pie that’s simple yet impressive.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time:20 minutes mins

Cook Time:35 minutes mins

Total Time:55 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: British

Keyword: Christmas Baking, Christmas Desserts, Christmas Treats, Mince Pie Crumble Slices, Mince Pie Crumble Squares

Servings: 9

Equipment

• Stand Mixer
• 8 inch cake tin (square)
• Baking Paper/Greaseproof Paper
• Wire Rack
• Weighing Scales

Ingredients

Shortbread Base & Crumble:

• 375 grams plain flour 3 cups
• 250 grams unsalted butter – cold and diced 1 cup + 2 tbsp
• 100 grams caster sugar ½ cup
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: 50 grams chopped pecans or walnuts ½ cup

Mincemeat Filling:

• 400 grams mincemeat 14 oz
• Icing sugar for dusting

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F. Line the tin with greaseproof paper/baking paper.
• Cream together butter and sugar for the shortbread base. Fold in flour and a pinch of salt until dough forms.
• Reserve one-third of dough for the crumble topping. Press the remaining dough into the base of the tin and bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden.
• Spread mincemeat evenly over the warm shortbread base.
• Make the crumble by combining reserved dough with extra flour and sugar; fold in optional chopped nuts. Crumble over mincemeat.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes until topping is golden.
• Cool completely before slicing into 9 generous or 16 snack size squares. Dust with icing sugar if desired.

You might also like Apple Crumble Cookie Bars