Easy Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies: Adorable Halloween Treats Anyone Can Make

Vegan blueberry ghost hand pies combine the sweetness of summer berries with adorable spooky shapes, making them the perfect fun fall treat to make for Halloween gatherings or autumn celebrations. These mini Halloween pies aren’t just cute – they’re also completely plant-based and can be made gluten-free with a simple crust swap! I discovered this recipe while searching for ghost pie recipes that would honor my grandmother’s love of fruit-filled pastries while accommodating modern dietary needs. The delightful contrast between the vibrant purple-blue filling and the ghostly white exterior creates an eye-catching addition to any Halloween bake off spread. Best of all, these treats are approachable enough for baking beginners but impressive enough to wow your guests at fall-themed baking parties.

Why You’ll Love These Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

Perfect for Both Halloween and Thanksgiving

These adorable ghost-shaped hand pies work double-duty in your fall baking repertoire. As cute easy baked goods, they’re obviously perfect for Halloween parties where their ghostly shapes will delight guests of all ages. But here’s the brilliant part – these vegan fall food favorites can easily transition to your Thanksgiving dessert spread too! The blueberry filling offers a refreshing alternative to traditional autumn flavors while still feeling seasonally appropriate. When you’re searching for easy Thanksgiving desserts that are gluten-free and vegan-friendly, these little hand pies are the perfect solution – just be sure to use a gluten-free flour blend in your crust if needed.

These versatile treats also make ideal contributions to autumn potlucks, school celebrations, or seasonal family gatherings. Their individual serving size means no cutting or serving utensils needed – just place them on a decorative platter and watch them disappear! For Halloween bake off ideas that will stand out from the typical pumpkin and chocolate offerings, these ghost pies deliver both visual appeal and unexpected flavor.

Allergy-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing

One of the biggest challenges of entertaining today is accommodating various dietary restrictions. These vegan blueberry ghost hand pies solve that problem beautifully by being naturally dairy-free and egg-free. With a simple substitution of gluten-free flour, they become suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities as well, making them perfect autumn recipes for gluten-free guests.

The combination of sweet-tart blueberries wrapped in flaky pastry appeals to almost everyone, regardless of dietary preferences. Even dedicated omnivores won’t miss the butter or eggs in these delicious treats! They’re particularly wonderful for children’s Halloween parties where food allergies might be a concern. Parents will appreciate having a festive option that’s both adorable and allergy-conscious. The natural purple-blue hue of the filling also means you can avoid artificial food coloring while still creating visually striking Halloween-themed desserts.

Ingredients Vegan Blueberry

Vegan Pie Crust Components

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅔ cup solid coconut oil (chilled)
• 5-7 tablespoons ice-cold water
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• Non-dairy milk for brushing
• Optional: 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar for sprinkling

Blueberry Filling Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon zest for extra flavor

How to Make Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

Preparing the Vegan Pie Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar until combined.
2. Add chilled coconut oil and use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
3. Mix apple cider vinegar with 5 tablespoons of ice water, then drizzle over flour mixture while stirring with a fork.
4. Add additional water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together when pressed (it should not be sticky).
5. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.

Creating the Blueberry Filling

1. Combine blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a medium saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Mash some of the berries with a spoon while leaving others whole for texture.
4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest if using.
5. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until completely cooled (at least 30 minutes).

Forming and Decorating the Ghost Shapes

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛-inch thickness.
3. Using a ghost-shaped cookie cutter (about 3-4 inches tall), cut out as many shapes as possible.
4. Place 1-2 teaspoons of blueberry filling in the center of half of the ghost cutouts, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
5. For eyes, either cut small holes in the remaining ghost cutouts or plan to add them after baking with icing.
6. Carefully place the top ghost cutouts over the filled ones and gently press edges to seal.
7. Use a fork to crimp around the edges, ensuring the filling stays contained.
8. Brush the tops with non-dairy milk and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired.

Baking to Perfection

1. Transfer the assembled ghost hand pies to prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
2. Cut a small vent in the top of each pie if you haven’t created eye holes.
3. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
4. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
5. If adding decorative eyes with icing, wait until pies are completely cooled before decorating.

Storage & Reheating Tips Vegan Blueberry

Keeping Your Hand Pies Fresh

These vegan blueberry ghost hand pies stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. The flavor actually improves slightly after the first day as the crust and filling meld together! If you want to maintain maximum crispness, you can place paper towels between layers of pies to absorb any moisture.

For serving after refrigeration, allow the hand pies to come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Alternatively, you can warm them slightly in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore some crispness to the crust. These mini Halloween pies are perfect for make-ahead preparations for parties or gatherings, as they hold up well and are easy to transport.

Freezing for Later Enjoyment Vegan Blueberry

One of the best things about these fall themed baking treats is that they freeze beautifully! You can freeze them either before or after baking, making them perfect for advance party preparation. To freeze unbaked pies, place them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.

For freezing baked pies, ensure they’ve cooled completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispness. This makes them an excellent option for having fun fall treats to make available whenever unexpected guests arrive during the autumn season.

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FAQs Vegan Blueberry

Common Questions About Vegan Hand Pies

Can I use different fruit fillings?
Absolutely! While blueberries create a beautiful purple-blue filling perfect for Halloween, you can substitute other berries or chopped apple for equally delicious autumn recipes that are gluten-free and vegan. Just adjust the sugar level depending on the sweetness of your fruit.

How do I make these extra spooky for Halloween?
For more dramatic ghost pies, you can add edible black gel food coloring to make expressive eyes and mouths. Alternatively, melt vegan white chocolate chips and pipe ghost faces onto the cooled pies for a striking contrast against the golden crust.

Can I make these in advance for a party?
Yes! These vegan blueberry ghost hand pies are perfect for preparing 1-2 days before your event. Store them as directed above, and if desired, warm briefly before serving for that fresh-baked quality.

What if I don’t have a ghost-shaped cookie cutter?
No problem! You can create a simple ghost template from cardboard and cut around it with a small knife. Or embrace other autumn shapes like leaves or pumpkins for different fall-themed baking options.