If you’re looking to add a touch of spooky fun to your Halloween festivities, these Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies – Cute & Delicious Halloween Treat Recipe are an absolute must-try. Imagine flaky, tender pastry hugging a luscious, juicy blueberry filling that’s perfectly sweet and tangy, all shaped into adorable ghostly hands that will charm kids and adults alike. These hand pies combine playful presentation with wholesome ingredients, making them the star of your dessert table and a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies just right depends on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, creating a balance of texture, flavor, and that irresistible visual appeal. From the flaky, buttery crust to the vibrant, juicy blueberry filling, every element has been carefully chosen to make this recipe shine.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of your crust, providing structure and that perfect flaky texture.
- 1 cup vegan butter, chilled and cubed: This is your secret to a buttery, tender crust without any dairy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: A pinch to enhance all the flavors and balance the sweetness.
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water: Helps bring the dough together without melting the butter.
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries: Bursting with natural sweetness and vibrant color for the filling.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling perfectly without overpowering the fruit.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the blueberry filling so it doesn’t spill out.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds bright acidity to balance the sweetness of the berries.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth into the filling.
- Extra vegan butter, melted, for brushing: Brushed on top for golden, inviting crusts.
- 2–3 tablespoons plant-based milk: Used to seal the edges and help them stay sealed during baking.
- Mini chocolate chips or black icing gel: For crafting the cutest ghostly eyes on your pies.
- Ghost-shaped cookie cutter or template: Essential to get those playful Halloween shapes just right.
How to Make Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies – Cute & Delicious Halloween Treat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the dough
Start by combining your flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Then, cut the chilled vegan butter into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This ensures your crust will be flaky and light. Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, gently mixing until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Make the blueberry filling
While the dough chills, place the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the fruit softens and releases its juice. Once bubbling, stir in the cornstarch to thicken the mixture. Cook for another minute until the filling has thickened to a jam-like consistency, then transfer it to a bowl to cool completely. This luscious filling is what makes these pies so irresistibly delicious!
Step 3: Roll and cut the dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour your surface and roll the chilled dough out to about ⅛ inch thickness. Using your ghost-shaped cookie cutter or a hand-drawn template, cut out an even number of shapes from the dough. These will become your cute little ghost hands that everybody will adore.
Step 4: Assemble the hand pies
Arrange half of your ghost shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon about 1–2 teaspoons of the cooled blueberry filling onto the center of each. Brush the edges with a bit of plant-based milk to act as glue. Then gently place another ghost cut-out on top. Crimp the edges securely with a fork to seal in the filling and prevent leaks during baking.
Step 5: Add eyes and brush with butter
Use mini chocolate chips to press in cute eyes while the pies are still raw, or wait until after baking to pipe eyes with black icing gel for a creative twist. Brush the tops liberally with melted vegan butter to help the pies brown beautifully and smell absolutely mouthwatering as they bake.
Step 6: Bake to golden perfection
Bake your hand pies in the preheated oven for about 18 to 22 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crisp. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet – the filling will be piping hot, so patience now means a safer and more enjoyable treat later.
How to Serve Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies – Cute & Delicious Halloween Treat Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of spooky charm, dust the pies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a little vegan vanilla glaze over them. Adding a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint adds a fresh burst of color and flavor that pairs beautifully with the blueberry filling.
Side Dishes
Serve these pies alongside a warm cup of cinnamon-spiced apple cider or a cold glass of almond milk for a comforting combo. For a heartier spread, pair them with pumpkin soup or a crunchy autumn salad for an entire Halloween-themed meal that’s both fun and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies on a rustic wooden board or a tiered cake stand decorated with autumn leaves and mini pumpkins. You can also place them individually in cupcake liners or wrap them in parchment with raffia for fun Halloween party favors that guests will adore taking home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These pies keep beautifully for up to 3 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want the crust to stay crisp, store them uncovered in a single layer and reheat just before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze these hand pies either before or after baking. For unbaked pies, freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. To freeze baked pies, wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for the same duration.
Reheating
Reheat leftover pies in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the crust soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking the filling to prevent it from becoming too watery.
Is it okay to substitute vegan butter with coconut oil?
You can try coconut oil, but keep in mind it might change the flavor and texture slightly. Vegan butter tends to give the flakiness and buttery taste that make these pies extra special.
What if I don’t have a ghost-shaped cookie cutter?
No problem! You can draw your own ghost shape on parchment paper, cut it out, and use it as a template to cut the dough. Get creative with different spooky shapes if you like!
Can I prepare the dough and filling ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before rolling and cutting. The filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the pies.
How do I prevent the pies from leaking during baking?
Be sure to crimp the edges firmly with a fork, brush the sealing edges with plant milk or water, and avoid overfilling to keep the delicious blueberry filling inside perfectly sealed.
Final Thoughts
These Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies – Cute & Delicious Halloween Treat Recipe bring together everything you could want from a festive treat: irresistible taste, charming design, and a vegan-friendly twist that makes them perfect for everyone at your Halloween gathering. Whether you’re baking with kids or just want to delight your guests with something truly special, these hand pies are sure to bring smiles and satisfied bellies. Give them a try – once you do, they might just become your new Halloween tradition!
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Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies – Cute & Delicious Halloween Treat Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes plus 30 minutes chilling
- Yield: 10–12 pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are a perfect Halloween treat that’s both adorable and delicious. Featuring a flaky vegan pastry filled with a sweet blueberry filling, these pies are shaped like ghosts for a festive touch. Made with simple ingredients and baked until golden, they offer a delightful plant-based dessert that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (312g)
- 1 cup vegan butter, chilled and cubed (226g)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (300g)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other
- Extra vegan butter, melted, for brushing
- 2–3 tablespoons plant-based milk for sealing edges
- Mini chocolate chips or black icing gel for eyes
- Ghost-shaped cookie cutter or template
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Cut in the chilled, cubed vegan butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 6 to 8 tablespoons of ice water, mixing gently until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Make the blueberry filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook the mixture until the blueberries release their juices. Stir in the cornstarch and continue cooking until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely before using.
- Preheat and roll out dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a ghost-shaped cookie cutter or template, cut out an equal number of ghost shapes from the dough.
- Assemble the hand pies: Place half of the ghost shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon 1 to 2 teaspoons of the cooled blueberry filling onto each shape. Brush the edges with plant-based milk to help seal, then top with another ghost-shaped dough piece. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal the pies securely.
- Add details and bake: Press mini chocolate chips into the dough for eyes or plan to add black icing gel after baking. Brush the tops of the pies with melted vegan butter to promote browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and serve: Allow the ghost hand pies to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving, as the blueberry filling will be very hot. Enjoy these cute and tasty Halloween treats!
Notes
- Use frozen blueberries if fresh are unavailable, but thaw and drain excess juice before cooking.
- Ensure the dough is well chilled before rolling to prevent it from becoming too sticky.
- You can substitute plant-based milk with water for sealing edges if needed.
- Add the eyes with black icing gel after baking for a more defined look that won’t melt in the oven.
- Store leftover pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
