Spooky-Sweet Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies: Perfect Halloween Treats
Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are about to become your new favorite Halloween treat! Picture this: flaky, golden pastry shaped like adorable little ghosts, filled with jammy blueberries that burst with flavor in every bite.
These spooky-sweet hand pies combine the comfort of traditional pastry with plant-based ingredients, creating a dessert that’s both festive and delicious. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, looking for a fun baking project with the kids, or simply craving something sweet with a seasonal twist, these ghostly treats deliver all the charm without any of the fright.
The magic happens when tender blueberries meet buttery vegan puff pastry, creating pockets of fruity goodness that are as beautiful as they are tasty. Each bite offers the perfect balance of tart berries and sweet pastry, while the ghost shape adds an irresistible Halloween flair that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Last Halloween, I was desperately searching for a vegan dessert that would impress my mixed crowd of plant-based and traditional eaters. After several kitchen experiments (and one minor pastry disaster involving too much filling), these ghost hand pies emerged as the clear winner. Watching my guests’ faces light up when they bit into these flaky, fruit-filled treats was absolutely priceless.
What makes these hand pies truly special is their versatility and simplicity. The vegan puff pastry creates an incredibly buttery, crispy exterior that rivals any traditional version, while the blueberry filling strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart.
Plus, they’re portion-controlled treats that look professionally made but require minimal decorating skills – just cut out ghost shapes and add simple icing details! Explore more trending seasonal recipes here for additional Halloween inspiration.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these spooky-sweet treats:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan puff pastry sheets | 2 sheets | JusRoll vegan & gluten-free recommended |
| Fresh or frozen blueberries | 100g | No need to thaw if using frozen |
| Caster/granulated sugar | 50g | Plus extra for sprinkling |
| Cornstarch/cornflour | 2 tablespoons | Helps thicken the filling |
| Fresh lemon juice | 2 teaspoons | Brightens the berry flavor |
| Icing sugar | 50g | For decorating the ghost faces |
These simple ingredients come together to create something truly magical. The combination of sweet blueberries with flaky pastry makes for an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any autumn gathering. Find more quick weeknight recipe ideas here for additional easy baking inspiration that fits into your busy schedule.
Step-by-Step Directions
Exact Timing to make Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies
Total Time: 45 minutes (15 minutes prep + 30 minutes cooking/cooling)
Prepare the filling (5 minutes): Combine blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a bowl. Mix gently until berries are well-coated and set aside to macerate.
Roll and cut pastry (5 minutes): Remove vegan puff pastry from refrigerator and roll each sheet slightly to smooth. Using a ghost-shaped cookie cutter or knife, cut out 12-16 ghost shapes, ensuring you have matching pairs.
Assemble hand pies (5 minutes): Place bottom ghost shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon 1-2 teaspoons of blueberry mixture onto each base, leaving a ½-inch border. Top with matching ghost shapes and seal edges with a fork.
Bake to perfection (20 minutes): Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush tops lightly with plant milk and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
Cool and decorate (10 minutes): Allow Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies to cool for 5 minutes. Mix icing sugar with 1-2 teaspoons water to create a thick paste. Use a toothpick to dot on ghost eyes and mouths.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the comprehensive nutritional breakdown per serving (makes 8 hand pies):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 185 | 9% | Moderate calorie treat |
| Total Fat | 8.5g | 11% | Primarily from vegan pastry |
| Saturated Fat | 3.2g | 16% | Plant-based saturated fats |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0% | Naturally trans-fat free |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% | Completely cholesterol-free |
| Sodium | 145mg | 6% | Low sodium content |
| Total Carbohydrates | 28g | 10% | Energy from complex carbs |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1g | 8% | From blueberries and pastry |
| Total Sugars | 12g | – | Natural and added sugars |
| Protein | 2.8g | 6% | Plant-based protein sources |
| Vitamin C | 15% | 15% | High antioxidant content from blueberries |
| Manganese | 8% | 8% | Essential mineral from berries |
*Based on a 2,000 calorie diet. These Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies provide a good source of antioxidants from blueberries while maintaining portion control for mindful indulgence.
Healthier Alternatives
Transform your Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies into an even more nutritious treat with these smart substitutions:
| Original Ingredient | Healthier Alternative | Benefits | Flavor Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegan puff pastry | Whole wheat phyllo sheets | 50% less calories, more fiber | Slightly crispier texture |
| Caster sugar (50g) | Coconut sugar or maple syrup (35g) | Lower glycemic index, minerals | Subtle caramel notes |
| Cornstarch | Ground flaxseed meal | Omega-3 fatty acids, protein | Nuttier undertone |
| Icing sugar decoration | Cashew cream with stevia | Healthy fats, no refined sugar | Creamier, richer finish |
| Standard blueberries | Wild blueberries + chia seeds | Higher antioxidants, omega-3s | Enhanced berry intensity |
| White flour pastry | Almond flour pastry | Gluten-free, protein-rich | Slightly denser, nuttier |
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 40% while boosting the nutritional profile significantly. Explore more healthy dessert ideas here for additional guilt-free treat inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Halloween Party Presentation: Arrange your Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies on a dark serving platter with dry ice for dramatic effect (ensure dry ice doesn’t directly touch food). Pair with warm spiced apple cider or pumpkin spice lattes to create the perfect autumn dessert spread.
Afternoon Tea Accompaniment: Serve these delicate pastries alongside herbal teas like chamomile or earl grey. The buttery pastry and tart blueberry filling complement the subtle tea flavors beautifully, making them ideal for elegant afternoon gatherings.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Turn serving into an interactive experience by providing extra icing and letting children decorate their own ghost faces. Pair with cold plant-based milk for a wholesome after-school treat that satisfies sweet cravings while delivering nutritional benefits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overfilling the pastry: The biggest mistake when making Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies is adding too much filling, which causes leakage during baking and prevents proper sealing. Stick to 1-2 teaspoons per hand pie and leave adequate border space for crimping edges securely.
Skipping the cornstarch: Many bakers omit the cornstarch thinking it’s unnecessary, but this ingredient is crucial for thickening the blueberry juices during baking. Without it, you’ll end up with soggy bottoms and filling that runs out of the pastry.
Not sealing edges properly: Insufficient edge sealing leads to burst hand pies and filling spillage. Use a fork to firmly crimp all edges, ensuring no gaps remain, and lightly brush the sealing area with plant milk for better adhesion.
Storing Tips
Short-term storage: Keep your Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent the icing decorations from smudging and maintain their spooky appearance.
Freezer-friendly preparation: These hand pies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap before placing in freezer bags, and freeze before adding icing decorations. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Make-ahead strategy: Prepare assembled but unbaked hand pies up to 24 hours in advance. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate, then brush with plant milk and bake directly from cold, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time for perfectly golden results.
FAQs
Can I make Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular vegan puff pastry with a gluten-free version. Brands like Jus-Rol offer excellent gluten-free puff pastry that works perfectly for this recipe. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious, and you may need to handle the pastry more gently during assembly.
How do I prevent my Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies from getting soggy?
The key to avoiding soggy hand pies is proper filling preparation and baking technique. Always mix your blueberries with cornstarch to absorb excess juices, avoid overfilling, and ensure your oven is fully preheated. Additionally, bake on the middle rack and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation.
Can I use other fruits instead of blueberries in Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies?
Yes! While blueberries are traditional, you can substitute with raspberries, blackberries, or even diced apples with cinnamon. Adjust the sugar content based on your fruit’s natural sweetness, and always include cornstarch to manage moisture levels. Stone fruits like peaches work well but should be diced small and pre-cooked slightly.
How far in advance can I prepare Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies for a party?
You can prepare these treats up to 2 days before your event. Bake them completely, store in airtight containers, and add the icing decorations on the day of serving for the best appearance. For optimal freshness, warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes before decorating and serving.
Halloween Mini Pizzas
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 mini pizzas 1x
Description
These spooky Halloween Mini Pizzas are a fun family recipe that’s perfect for trick-or-treaters or any fall party. Quick to make, kid-approved, and loaded with creativity, they’re the ultimate recipes for dinner or Halloween food ideas everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 8–10 mini pizza crusts (store-bought or homemade)
- 3/4 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Orange and green bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 4 sticks part-skim string cheese, pulled apart
- 1/4 cup mini pepperoni (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chiffonade
- Olive oil spray for misting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Place the mini pizza crusts on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each.
- Lightly spray each crust with olive oil for golden browning.
- Spread 1–2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each crust, leaving a small edge around the border.
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Design your spooky pizzas:
- Jack-o’-lanterns: Use orange bell pepper strips for the pumpkin, black olives for eyes and mouth.
- Mummy pizzas: Layer pulled string cheese in crisscross patterns, leaving gaps for olive “eyes.”
- Spiders: Use one black olive for the body and thin pepper strips as legs.
- Bake for 8–12 minutes until cheese is bubbly and crusts are golden.
- Cool for 2–3 minutes before adding fresh basil on top.
Notes
Let kids decorate their own pizzas for an interactive Halloween cooking activity. Perfect for parties or a creative dinner night.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pizza
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: recipes for dinner, recipes quick, recipes kids can make, halloween food ideas
