Spooky Sweet Nutella Mummy Hand Pies for Halloween Fun
Picture this: your kitchen filled with the warm aroma of golden puff pastry while tiny googly eyes peek out from flaky, sweet treats cooling on your counter. These Nutella Mummy Hand Pies are about to become your new favorite Halloween tradition!
Last October, I was desperately searching for a fun activity to do with my kids that wouldn’t leave us covered in flour for hours. That’s when inspiration struck – why not transform simple puff pastry into adorable mummy-wrapped treats filled with creamy, chocolatey goodness?
What started as a rainy afternoon experiment quickly became our most requested Halloween dessert. These spooky-cute hand pies combine the irresistible flavor of vegan Nutella with sweet banana filling, all wrapped up in crispy pastry “bandages” that make them look like tiny mummies fresh from their tombs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about watching kids’ faces light up when they see these little mummy faces staring back at them from the baking tray. Beyond their adorable appearance, these hand pies solve the eternal Halloween dilemma: how to create something special without spending your entire weekend in the kitchen.
The beauty lies in their simplicity – using ready-roll puff pastry means you’re just 30 minutes away from Halloween magic. Plus, they’re completely vegan and gluten-free friendly, so everyone at your Halloween party can enjoy them. I love how the combination of Nutella and banana creates that perfect balance of chocolate and fruit sweetness. Explore more quick & easy recipes here for additional inspiration that’ll keep your kitchen adventures exciting all season long.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these spooktacular treats:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ready roll puff pastry (Vegan & gluten-free) | 2 sheets |
| Vegan Nutella | 6 tablespoons |
| Medium sized bananas | 2 |
| Dairy-free milk (for the ‘egg wash’) | 3 tablespoons |
| Caster/granulated sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Googly eyes | 1 packet |
| Dairy-free white chocolate buttons | 1 packet |
| Icing sugar (for dusting) | 2 tablespoons |
The magic happens when these simple pantry staples transform into something extraordinary. Find more healthy recipe ideas here to discover additional wholesome treats that fit perfectly into your busy weeknight schedule.
Step-by-Step Directions
Creating these adorable mummy treats is easier than you might think! Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F) and lining a large baking tray with parchment paper. Roll out your first sheet of puff pastry and cut it into 8 rectangles, each about 4 inches long. These will become your mummy bases.
Spread about 1 tablespoon of vegan Nutella onto 4 of the rectangles, leaving a small border around the edges. Slice your bananas into thin rounds and layer them over the Nutella. This combination creates the perfect sweet filling that won’t leak during baking.
Now for the fun part – creating the mummy wrapping! Take your second pastry sheet and cut it into thin strips, about ¼ inch wide. These strips will become your mummy bandages. Place the remaining 4 pastry rectangles on top of your filled bases, then gently press the edges with a fork to seal them completely.
Brush each hand pie with dairy-free milk and sprinkle with caster sugar. Now carefully arrange your pastry strips across each pie in a crisscross pattern, leaving small gaps for the “mummy face” to peek through. Don’t worry about making them perfect – messy bandages look more authentic!
Exact Timing to make Nutella Mummy Hand Pies
The entire process takes approximately 45 minutes from start to finish. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, including rolling, cutting, and assembling your mummy shapes. Baking requires 15-18 minutes until the pastry turns golden brown and flaky. Allow an additional 10 minutes for cooling before adding the googly eyes – this prevents them from melting. Once cooled, attach the eyes using small dabs of melted white chocolate as “glue,” and dust lightly with icing sugar for that spooky, aged effect.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (makes 4 hand pies):
| Nutrient | Per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 285 | 14% |
| Total Fat | 18g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 220mg | 10% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 32g | 12% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g | 11% |
| Total Sugars | 12g | – |
| Added Sugars | 8g | 16% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 180mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1.2mg | 7% |
The banana content provides natural potassium and vitamin C, while the vegan Nutella contributes healthy plant-based fats. According to nutritional data insights, using puff pastry made with plant-based ingredients reduces saturated fat content by approximately 25% compared to traditional butter-based versions.
Healthier Alternatives
Transform your Nutella Mummy Hand Pies into even more nutritious treats with these simple swaps that maintain all the spooky fun:
| Original Ingredient | Healthier Alternative | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-roll puff pastry | Whole wheat pastry or phyllo dough | Increases fiber content, reduces calories by 30% |
| Vegan Nutella | Homemade almond butter-cocoa spread | Lower sugar, higher protein, no additives |
| Bananas | Sliced apples or pears | Lower natural sugars, higher fiber |
| Caster sugar | Coconut sugar or maple syrup | Lower glycemic index, contains minerals |
| White chocolate buttons | Dark chocolate chips (70% cacao) | Antioxidants, less sugar, heart-healthy |
| Dairy-free milk wash | Beaten aquafaba (chickpea liquid) | Protein boost, zero added sugars |
These modifications can reduce the overall calorie content by up to 40% while boosting nutritional density. Discover more healthier dessert alternatives here to explore additional guilt-free treats that satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your wellness goals.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful Nutella Mummy Hand Pies shine brightest when served warm alongside a steaming mug of spiced hot chocolate or dairy-free pumpkin spice latte. The contrast between the crispy, flaky pastry and the melted Nutella inside creates an irresistible texture combination that guests absolutely love.
Consider arranging them on a Halloween-themed platter surrounded by orange and black decorations, or create a spooky dessert table by pairing them with other themed treats like ghost-shaped meringues or pumpkin cookies. For adult gatherings, serve them as an unexpected finale to a Halloween dinner party – their playful appearance never fails to bring smiles and spark conversations.
The portable nature of these hand pies makes them perfect for Halloween parties, school events, or trick-or-treat gatherings where guests can easily enjoy them without needing plates or utensils.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most frequent error when making these mummy treats is overfilling the pastry with Nutella and banana, which causes messy leakage during baking and soggy bottoms. Stick to the recommended tablespoon measurement and leave adequate borders around the edges for proper sealing.
Another pitfall is applying the googly eyes while the pastries are still warm, causing them to slide off or melt completely. Always allow your Nutella Mummy Hand Pies to cool for at least 10 minutes before decorating, and use melted white chocolate as an adhesive rather than trying to press the eyes directly onto the pastry.
Finally, resist the temptation to make the bandage strips too thick or overlap them too heavily, as this creates uneven baking and can result in doughy, undercooked areas that detract from the crispy texture that makes these treats so appealing.
Storing Tips
Store your finished Nutella Mummy Hand Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, though they’re definitely best enjoyed fresh from the oven. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 4 days, but note that the pastry may lose some of its crispy texture.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the hand pies completely (minus the googly eyes) and freeze them unbaked for up to 1 month. Simply add an extra 5-7 minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen, and attach the decorative eyes after they’ve cooled post-baking.
To refresh day-old hand pies, warm them in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 3-4 minutes to restore some of their original crispiness. Avoid microwaving as this will make the pastry soggy and less appealing.
FAQs
Can I make Nutella Mummy Hand Pies without using store-bought puff pastry?
Absolutely! While store-bought pastry saves time, you can create homemade vegan puff pastry using flour, vegan butter, and cold water. The process takes about 2 hours including chilling time, but results in incredibly flaky, buttery layers. Alternatively, use phyllo dough for a lighter, crispier texture that works beautifully for these spooky treats.
How do I prevent my Nutella Mummy Hand Pies from becoming soggy on the bottom?
The key is proper preparation and baking technique. Always preheat your oven fully before baking, use parchment paper on your baking tray, and avoid overfilling with Nutella and banana. Place the tray on the lower third of your oven to ensure the bottom cooks thoroughly, and let them cool on a wire rack rather than leaving them on the baking tray.
What’s the best way to attach googly eyes to my Nutella Mummy Hand Pies so they stay put?
Use melted dairy-free white chocolate as an edible “glue” – it’s much more effective than trying to press eyes directly onto the pastry. Melt a few white chocolate buttons in the microwave for 30-second intervals, then use a toothpick to dab small amounts where you want to place the eyes. This method ensures they’ll stay attached even during transport.
Can I substitute the banana filling in my Nutella Mummy Hand Pies with other fruits?
Yes! Sliced strawberries, diced apples, or even raspberries work wonderfully with the Nutella. Just ensure any fruit you choose isn’t too watery (avoid fresh pineapple or watermelon) as excess moisture can make the pastry soggy. Pat fruits dry with paper towels before adding them to maintain that perfect crispy texture.
Nutella Mummy Hand Pies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 mummy pies 1x
Description
These Spooky Sweet Nutella Mummy Hand Pies are the cutest Halloween dessert idea. Flaky puff pastry wraps around creamy vegan Nutella and banana filling to create adorable edible mummies. Perfect for Halloween parties or recipes kids can make, these quick and easy treats bake up golden, fun, and frightfully delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets ready roll puff pastry (vegan & gluten-free)
- 6 tablespoons vegan Nutella
- 2 medium bananas, sliced
- 3 tablespoons dairy-free milk (for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons caster or granulated sugar
- 1 packet googly eyes
- 1 packet dairy-free white chocolate buttons
- 2 tablespoons icing sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
- Roll out the first puff pastry sheet and cut into 8 rectangles, each about 4 inches long.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of vegan Nutella on 4 rectangles, leaving a small border around the edges. Add a few banana slices on top.
- Cut the second sheet of pastry into thin strips about 1/4 inch wide to create mummy ‘bandages’.
- Place the remaining 4 pastry rectangles on top of the filled ones and press edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush each with dairy-free milk and sprinkle lightly with sugar.
- Lay pastry strips across each pie in a crisscross pattern, leaving small gaps for the ‘eyes’ area.
- Place pies on the baking tray and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and flaky.
- Cool for 10 minutes. Melt a few white chocolate buttons and use small dabs to attach googly eyes. Dust lightly with icing sugar before serving.
Notes
For best results, allow the hand pies to cool before adding the eyes so they don’t melt. These mummy hand pies are vegan-friendly, quick to make, and perfect for Halloween parties or spooky snacks. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mummy pie
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: recipes easy dessert, recipes halloween, recipes kids can make, recipes baking, recipes sweet
