Picture this: flaky, buttery pie crust filled with sweet, juicy blueberry filling and shaped like adorable little ghosts. These Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are as fun to make as they are to eat, and they’re the ultimate Halloween treat for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a spooky party or just want a festive dessert to share, these hand pies will steal the show—no tricks, just treats!
I came up with this recipe last Halloween when I wanted something cute, delicious, and vegan-friendly to serve at a neighborhood gathering. Let’s be honest—Halloween desserts can sometimes feel over-the-top sugary, but these hand pies strike the perfect balance. The tangy blueberry filling keeps things fresh, while the ghost shapes add a delightful spooky vibe. Plus, they’re portable, mess-free, and oh-so-easy to make. Ready to craft your own little edible ghosts?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Spooky & Fun: These ghost-shaped hand pies are Halloween perfection—cute, creative, and guaranteed to make people smile.
- Vegan-Friendly: Made entirely with plant-based ingredients, this recipe is perfect for vegans and anyone looking for a dairy-free, egg-free treat.
- Simple Ingredients: No need to hunt for fancy products; everything you need is likely already in your pantry or available at your local grocery store.
- Customizable: Not a blueberry fan? Swap the filling for your favorite fruit or jam. The possibilities are endless!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare these hand pies ahead of time and bake them right before serving for maximum freshness.
- Perfect for Parties: These individual-sized treats are easy to grab and go, making them a crowd-pleaser at Halloween gatherings.
- Delicious: The combination of flaky crust and fruity filling is irresistible—it’s the kind of treat that disappears quickly (like a ghost!).
What makes this recipe stand out is the attention to detail: using a vegan pie crust that’s just as flaky and rich as traditional versions, and creating a filling that’s bursting with blueberry goodness. Plus, shaping the dough into little ghosts is easier than you might think, and it adds such a playful touch to the dessert table. Trust me, these hand pies are a Halloween must-have!
What Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe uses simple, plant-based ingredients to create perfectly spooky hand pies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Vegan Pie Crust: You’ll need enough for two 9-inch crusts. Store-bought works great, but you can use your favorite homemade recipe if you prefer.
- Blueberries: Fresh or frozen, about 2 cups. If using frozen, no need to thaw.
- Sugar: 1/4 cup granulated sugar to sweeten the filling.
- Lemon Juice: Juice of half a lemon for brightness and balance.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon to thicken the filling.
- Non-Dairy Milk: For brushing on the crust to help it turn golden brown.
- Decorating Supplies: Mini chocolate chips or black icing to create ghost faces.
If you’d like to tweak the recipe, you can substitute the blueberries for raspberries or diced apples. And for anyone avoiding gluten, opt for a gluten-free vegan pie crust—it works just as well!
Equipment Needed
No fancy tools required! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the pie crust.
- Cookie Cutter: Use a ghost-shaped cutter or a small knife to cut out the shapes freehand.
- Small Saucepan: For cooking the blueberry filling.
- Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper.
- Pastry Brush: For brushing non-dairy milk onto the crust.
If you don’t have a ghost-shaped cutter, don’t worry! Use a template printed on paper or draw your own ghost outline—it’s surprisingly easy to cut the dough with a paring knife.
Preparation Method
- Make the Blueberry Filling: In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and bubbles (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one pie crust to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use your ghost-shaped cutter or knife to cut out ghost shapes. Repeat with the second crust.
- Assemble the Hand Pies: Place half of the ghost shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling onto the center of each shape, leaving a small border around the edges. Place the remaining ghost shapes on top and gently press the edges to seal.
- Crimp the Edges: Use a fork to crimp the edges of each pie for a decorative finish. Cut small slits in the tops for steam to escape.
- Brush & Decorate: Brush the tops with non-dairy milk. For extra flair, sprinkle with sugar if desired.
- Add Ghost Faces: After baking, use mini chocolate chips or black icing to create eyes and spooky smiles.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the hand pies for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Cool & Serve: Let the pies cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Cooking Tips & Techniques
- Keep the Dough Cold: Cold dough is easier to work with and makes for flakier crusts. If the dough gets too warm, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes before continuing.
- Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause the pies to burst during baking. Stick to about 1 tablespoon per pie.
- Seal Properly: Press the edges firmly to avoid leakage. A fork works wonders for crimping and sealing.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the pies as they bake. Overbaking can dry out the crust, while underbaking will leave it doughy.
- Get Creative with Faces: Ghosts don’t have to be scary! Play around with expressions to make them cute, funny, or spooky.
Variations & Adaptations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free vegan pie crust for a celiac-friendly treat.
- Different Fillings: Swap blueberries for raspberries, diced apples, or pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist.
- Sugar-Free: Replace sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or stevia.
- Savory Ghost Pies: Fill the crusts with vegan cheese and spinach for a savory Halloween snack!
Last year, I made a batch with raspberry filling and dusted them with powdered sugar—it was a hit! Don’t be afraid to mix and match fillings to suit your crowd.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
These ghost hand pies are best served at room temperature or slightly warm. Arrange them on a Halloween-themed platter for a festive presentation, and pair them with apple cider or hot chocolate for the ultimate fall treat.
To store leftovers, place the hand pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their flaky texture. You can also freeze unbaked pies for up to 1 month—just bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Nutritional Information & Benefits
Each hand pie contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 2g
These vegan treats are free of dairy and eggs, making them suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, while the lemon juice adds a dose of freshness and immune support. Plus, the individual portion sizes help with mindful indulgence!
Conclusion
These Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are everything you want in a Halloween dessert—festive, delicious, and full of charm. Whether you’re baking for a party or just want to get into the spooky spirit, this recipe is sure to become a tradition.
Give it a try and share your ghostly creations in the comments below. I’d love to see how you customize the recipe! Don’t forget to pin this post for later, and let these little hand pies haunt your dessert table in the best way possible. Happy Halloween!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! Store-bought vegan pie crust works perfectly for this recipe and saves time.
What other fruits can I use for the filling?
You can use raspberries, diced apples, cherries, or even a mix of fruits for a unique flavor.
How do I make the pies gluten-free?
Simply use a gluten-free vegan pie crust. Most grocery stores carry great options!
Can I freeze these hand pies?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked pies for up to 1 month. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cook time.
What’s the best way to decorate the ghosts?
Mini chocolate chips work great for eyes, or you can use black icing to draw expressions. Get creative!
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