Christmas mince pie survey: Which Cork bakeries are serving up the best all-butter pastry?

Roz Crowley: "It’s encouraging to see how the quality of the pies has improved over the years. Consumers deserve the best and expect high food standards, and it’s good that bakers are stepping up to the challenge." Picture: Chani Anderson.

Our annual mince pie survey is a highlight. All tasters take it seriously, knowing just how much care and consideration go into crafting this time-honoured festive treat. 

After all, little tastes more like Christmas than a blob of luscious, spiced fruit encased in crisp, all-butter pastry.

It’s encouraging to see how the quality of the pies has improved over the years. Consumers deserve the best and expect high food standards, and it’s good that bakers are stepping up to the challenge.

This year, of the 13 varieties we tested, not one was inedible, not one was claggy in the mouth, not one was mean with fruit. And the fruit was juicier too.

We had to buy last week, so bakeries that don’t bake their pies in mid-November missed out, including some favourites such as ABC, always one of our top markers.

Our panel — with some new members this year — tasted separately (and blind).

When heating, it’s important not to ruin the texture of the pies. They do not do well in a microwave, which makes the pastry limp. The good news is that air fryers are ideal and economical for heating one or two pies at a time.

Quay Co-Op —  €3.25

Quay Co-Op mince pies. Picture: Chani Anderson

A deliciously buttery pastry holds its shape well and encases plenty of juicy fruit, with a perfect balance of spices. Every bit as good as the best home made. Super tasty, agreed all tasters who gave it their top score. We bought from the Sullivan’s Quay branch.

Score: 10

Pie Guys  — €5 each

Pie Guy mince pies. Picture: Chani Anderson

This unusual pasty shape was our Top 8 winner last year, so we had to see whether standards were maintained. They have. 

We cooked ours from frozen for 25 minutes at 190 °C, as instructed. Tasters commented on the high quality of the pastry, the good balance of fruit and the lemony freshness. Portion size is generous, so it’s enough to share. At the English Market, Cork.

Score: 9.75

The Grumpy Bakers — €3.50 each, six for €20

Grumpy Bakers mince pies. Picture: Chani Anderson

Mincemeat has been soaked in Jameson whiskey, Guinness and brandy and is luscious. A layer of frangipane, topped with a light crumble, makes it well-balanced. The pastry case was very, very good. Two tasters found them a little sweet, but the others had no objection.

Score: 9.5

Wildflour — €3 each

Wildflour Bakery mince pies. Picture: Chani Anderson.

Organic whole spelt flour and spices give these pies their deep colour, and they are filled with plenty of juicy fruit. Tasters commented on the “homemade vibes” and tidy size, making it just enough for one.

At the Inishannon-based bakery in Co Cork.

Score: 9.25

Ali’s Bakery — €2.50 each

Ali's Bakery mince pies. Picture: Chani Anderson

This bakery has many fans for event catering, which is not surprising given the quality of these pies. Tasters appreciated the juicy filling. Not exceptional, but worthy of Top 8 listing. We bought at the Ballincollig Wednesday market. Also available at many Cork markets.

Score: 8

Heaven’s Cakes — €3 each, buy 12 get one free

Heaven’s Cakes Mince Pies. picture Chani Anderson

This bakery makes delicious cakes, and these pies have the mark of its German baker, with a crumble topping that was a little thick for one taster. The good quality, plump filling is gently spiced. An all-round substantial pie. At the English Market, Cork and Sealy’s Lane, Bandon.

Score: 9

Cinnamon Cottage — €4.50 each, six for €25

Cinnamon Cottage mince pies. Picture: Chani Anderson.

The winner for many tasters, these pies have a delicious balance of a well-formed, tasty pastry case with a layer of sponge and a fine streusel crumble topping, made, I expect, with brown sugar for extra crunch. Very good quality, luscious fruit. A decent size and could easily be shared.

Score: 9.75

SuperValu  — €2.99 for six

SuperValu mince pies. Picture: Chani Anderson

These had the best pastry of the supermarket pies we tested. The pastry case held its shape, without being tough, yet was nicely crumbly, and contained a decent amount of fruit that was just a little too sweet for a few tasters. At this price, it’s a good one for parties, and even better warmed up.

Score: 7.5