Get ready for a spooky-sweet treat that will haunt your taste buds (in the best way possible)! These Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are the perfect way to add a touch of playful fright to your Halloween celebrations. I remember one year, I was running late with Halloween treats, and my kids’ costumes weren’t even finished yet!
With flaky puff pastry, a juicy blueberry filling, and a simple lemon glaze, these ghostly treats are as delicious as they are adorable. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, ready in just 30 minutes. Trust me, these hand pies will disappear faster than you can say “boo!” Let’s get baking!
Fan-Favorite Reasons
These Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are not only delicious, but they are:
- Fun and Festive: The adorable ghost shapes make them perfect for Halloween parties or spooky movie nights.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these hand pies are a breeze to assemble, even for beginner bakers.
- Quick and Convenient: Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re a great option for a last-minute dessert or a quick sweet treat.
- Deliciously Vegan: Made with plant-based ingredients, these hand pies are perfect for everyone to enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 10-12 hand pies
Description
These Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are a fun and festive Halloween treat. Made with flaky puff pastry and a juicy blueberry filling, they are easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for spooky celebrations!
Ingredients
- 2 sheets of vegan puff pastry
- 100g fresh or frozen blueberries
- 50g caster sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 50g icing sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas Mark 4). Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
- Unroll puff pastry, smooth wrinkles, and cut out ghost shapes. Cut out eyes and mouths from half the ghosts.
- Combine blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice in a saucepan. Boil and stir until thickened (5–8 minutes). Cool slightly.
- Spoon filling onto ghosts without faces. Brush edges with water, top with faced ghosts, and crimp edges.
- Brush with plant-based milk, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden. Cool. Whisk icing sugar and remaining lemon juice, drizzle over pies.
Notes
For a cleaner presentation, use a piping bag to fill the hand pies. If using frozen blueberries, no need to thaw them before cooking. Experiment with different extracts in the filling, such as vanilla or almond.
- Prep Time: 12 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
What You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ghostly ingredients. You’ll be surprised by how few simple ingredients you need to create these delightful hand pies!
- 2 sheets of vegan puff pastry (I recommend Jus-Rol brand)
- 100g fresh or frozen blueberries
- 50g caster sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 50g icing sugar
From Start to Finish
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas Mark 4). Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
Step 2: Shape the Ghosts
Unroll the puff pastry sheets and use a rolling pin to gently smooth out any wrinkles. Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter (or a template and a sharp knife) to cut out your ghostly figures. From half of your ghost cutouts, cut out small eyes and a mouth using a piping tip or a small knife. Place the cutouts on the prepared baking trays.
Step 3: Make the Blueberry Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5–8 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies
Spoon the blueberry filling onto the center of each ghost shape without the faces. Brush water around the edges of the pastry. Top with a ghost shape that has a face, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork.
Step 5: Bake and Glaze
Brush the hand pies with plant-based milk and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly on the tray before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. In a small bowl, whisk together the icing sugar and remaining lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled hand pies and let set for a few minutes before serving.
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
- Chill your puff pastry before cutting out the shapes. This will help it keep its shape while baking.
- Don’t overfill the hand pies! Too much filling might lead to some messy spills in your oven. Aim for about 1–2 tablespoons per pie, leaving space around the edges for crimping. Want to bake some cookies to go with these? Check out our best-ever vegan chocolate chip cookies!
- For an extra golden crust, brush the tops with a bit of plant-based milk before sprinkling with sugar.
Try These Variations
- Spiced Apple Ghosts: Swap the blueberry filling for a spiced apple filling. Use peeled, chopped apples cooked down with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of maple syrup.
- Cherry Boo-Berry Pies: Fill your ghostly pastries with a sweet cherry filling, adding a splash of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor. You can also use different shaped cookie cutters for a unique touch. Prefer tarts? Check out our collection of delicious vegan tarts.
- Pumpkin Spice Specters: Embrace the autumnal spirit with a pumpkin pie filling. Mix canned pumpkin puree with pumpkin pie spice, sugar, and a little cornstarch for a seasonal treat.
How should I store leftover Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies?
You can store leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best flavor and texture, enjoy them at room temperature or warm them slightly before serving.
Can I use frozen blueberries for the filling?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before incorporating them into the filling. This will prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
Can I use a different type of pastry for these hand pies?
While puff pastry is traditional, you can experiment with other vegan pastry doughs, like a simple pie crust or even a crescent roll dough. Keep in mind that baking times may vary slightly depending on the type of dough used.
Can I customize the shapes and fillings of these hand pies?
Absolutely! Get creative with mini cookie cutters to create spooky faces or designs. You can also use different fillings, such as apple, cherry, or pumpkin, to match the season or your preferences. For apple filling, try a sprinkle of cinnamon. For cherry filling, add a touch of almond extract. And for a festive pumpkin pie filling, mix in some pumpkin pie spice.
How to Serve
These Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are delightful on their own, especially when served slightly warm. Dust them with a little powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness, and serve with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat!
That’s a Wrap
These Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are sure to be a hit at any Halloween gathering! But don’t limit yourself–they’re a fun and simple dessert to make anytime. From the spooky design to the sweet blueberry filling, these hand pies are a delicious treat for all ages. Don’t forget to share your spooky creations with me! Find me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter. Want more fun treats? Try our easy peasy vegan pumpkin pie.
