Holiday Mince Squares
Holiday Mince Squares offer a rich combination of spiced oats, buttery crust, and sweet mincemeat, perfect for festive gatherings and sweet holiday treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine in a large bowl the oats, sifted flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add the butter and cut in until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
- Pat two-thirds of the crumb mixture into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Spoon the mincemeat evenly over the crust.
- Mix the chopped nuts into the remaining crumb mixture.
- Sprinkle the nut mixture over the mincemeat.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60 minutes.
- Cool in the pan and cut into 1 1/2-inch squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat flour instead of sifted flour. If you're out of mincemeat, you can substitute with a mixture of dried fruits, nuts, and spices for a homemade version. Ensure the butter is softened for easier incorporation into the dry ingredients, which will help achieve that fine crumb texture.
Serving Suggestions
These holiday mince squares are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also make a lovely accompaniment to a cup of spiced tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside American recipes like Sweet Potato Pie (A Southern Favorite!) to create a dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover mince squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them; wrap each square individually and place them in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Mince Squares contains roughly 610 calories, with 4g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (18% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut in the recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chopped nuts, you can easily substitute with walnuts, pecans, or even almonds based on your preference. Just make sure to chop them finely to distribute evenly throughout the squares.
Is it possible to make these mince squares vegan?
Yes, to make this recipe vegan, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan butter. Additionally, check the mincemeat for any non-vegan ingredients, as some brands may contain animal products.
How can I enhance the flavor of the mincemeat?
To enhance the flavor of the mincemeat, consider adding a splash of brandy or rum to the mixture. You could also mix in some freshly grated ginger or a dash of nutmeg to elevate the spices, making it even more aromatic and festive.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).