Mince pies were originally savoury dishes made from minced meat, suet and spices. Over the centuries, the recipe evolved and by the Victorian era in the 19th century, the addition of fruit, sugar and brandy became more common.
Several factors contributed to this change. Changes in taste preferences, economic factors affecting the availability of meat and a growing association of sweet flavours with festive occasions all played a role. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the modern, sweet mince pie had largely replaced its meat-filled predecessor, becoming a popular holiday dessert in the western world. Today, traditional mince pies are typically filled with a mixture of dried fruit, spices and sweeteners.
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