Looking for a wickedly delicious and hauntingly cute treat this Halloween? Look no further! These vegan blueberry ghost hand pies are the perfect combination of spooky and sweet, guaranteed to delight both kids and adults alike! Flaky, homemade vegan pie crust filled with a luscious blueberry filling and topped with adorable ghost cutouts – what’s not to love?
What are Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies?
Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies? What a mouthful! But trust us, the name is as fun as the recipe. Have you ever wondered how a simple pie could transform into a spectral delight? Well, we did too! Legend has it (or maybe we just made it up) that these pies were first created in a haunted kitchen where playful ghosts kept stealing blueberries.
To appease them, the baker crafted these hand pies in their image, hoping ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’ applied to ghosts as well. Whether the story is true or not, these pies are deliciously spooky. So, are you ready to bake up a batch of ghostly goodness and see if you can taste the legend for yourself?
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies:
These aren’t just any Halloween treat; they’re vegan blueberry ghost hand pies! The flaky, homemade crust that practically melts in your mouth is the star of the show. Making these at home is wallet-friendly compared to pricey bakery treats! This recipe allows you to customize the sweetness and even swap out the filling to your liking.
Plus, the blueberry filling bursts with flavor and provides a satisfyingly sweet-tartness that is perfectly complemented by the delicate crust. If you’re looking for an alternative, try a classic Vegan Apple Hand Pie for another delicious option! Ready to unleash your inner baker and create these ghoulishly delightful treats?
Key Ingredients for Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies:
Here’s what you’ll need to conjure up these spooky treats:
For the Vegan Pie Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) vegan butter, very cold and cubed
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Blueberry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Ghostly Finish:
- Vegan milk or aquafaba, for brushing
- Vegan sugar, for sprinkling
How to Make Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies:
Get ready to whip up some spooky deliciousness! This recipe is easy to follow, yielding flaky, flavorful hand pies in a relatively short amount of time. Each pie is filled with a delightful blueberry filling and baked to golden perfection. The total preparation time is about an hour, and the result is well worth it.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegan Pie Crust:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the cold vegan butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. The colder the butter, the flakier the crust!
- Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). This chilling period is crucial for developing the gluten and relaxing the dough.
2. Make the Blueberry Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries release their juices and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely. Allowing the filling to cool prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
3. Assemble the Hand Pies:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, working with one dough disc at a time, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough.
- Place half of the dough circles onto the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a generous tablespoon of blueberry filling onto the center of each circle, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Brush the edges of the filled circles with vegan milk or aquafaba.
- Roll out the remaining dough disc and use the same cookie cutter to cut out more circles.
- Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut out ghost shapes from these circles. Alternatively, you can freehand cut ghosts with a pairing knife!
- Carefully place a ghost cutout on top of each filled circle, pressing the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges to ensure a secure seal.
- Brush the tops of the hand pies with vegan milk or aquafaba and sprinkle with vegan sugar.
- Cut a few slits in the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape.
4. Bake the Hand Pies:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Let the hand pies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the crust from cracking.
What to Serve Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies With:
These hand pies are delicious on their own, but here are a few suggestions to elevate your spooky dessert experience:
- Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the warm, fruity filling and provides a cooling contrast.
- Vegan Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of light and airy vegan whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Spiced Apple Cider: A warm and comforting drink that pairs perfectly with the flavors of the hand pies, especially during those chilly fall evenings.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling a little caramel sauce over the hand pies adds richness.
Top Tips for Perfecting Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies:
- Keep the Butter Cold: This is the key to a flaky crust. Use very cold vegan butter and work quickly to prevent it from melting. You can even place your flour in the freezer for 15 minutes before using it.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough crust. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the butter to solidify, which results in a flakier crust. Don’t skip this step!
- Adjust the Sugar: If your blueberries are very tart, you may want to add a little more sugar to the filling. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Seal the Edges Well: Make sure to press the edges of the hand pies firmly to seal in the filling. This will prevent leakage during baking.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to get creative with the filling! You can use other fruits like apples, peaches, or raspberries. Or, try adding a little spice like ginger or nutmeg.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Store baked hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat hand pies in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but the crust may become a little soggy.
- Freezing: To freeze baked hand pies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Final Thoughts:
These vegan blueberry ghost hand pies are the ultimate Halloween treat. They’re fun to make, delicious to eat, and sure to impress all your friends and family. So gather your ingredients, put on your favorite spooky playlist, and get baking! Happy Halloween!
FAQs:
- Can I use store-bought vegan pie crust?
Yes, you can! This will save you time and effort. Look for a good quality vegan pie crust in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. - Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to help bind the dough together. - Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries work just fine! Just be sure to thaw them before using and drain any excess liquid. - My crust is cracking, what am I doing wrong?
Make sure to let the hand pies cool before moving! This will allow the gluten to set, and the crust to hold it’s shape. This is very Important. Also, you will want to ensure you have not overcooked the pie. - Can I substitute the lemon juice?
If you don’t have any Lemon Juice to hand, Apple Cider Vinegar is a very good choice instead.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest