Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies: Spooky & Delicious Recipe

Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies – are you ready to conjure up some spooky-delicious treats this Halloween? Forget the tricks, because these hand pies are all about the treats! Imagine biting into a flaky, golden crust, revealing a burst of juicy blueberry filling. But here’s the ghostly twist: they’re shaped like adorable little ghosts!

Hand pies, in general, have a long and fascinating history, dating back to medieval times when they were a practical way to transport and preserve food. While these Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies might not be heading off to battle, they’re certainly ready to win over any Halloween party!

What makes these hand pies so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The crisp, buttery (yet entirely vegan!) pastry gives way to a sweet and slightly tart blueberry filling. Plus, who can resist a handheld pie? They’re convenient, fun to eat, and perfectly portioned. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, these ghostly goodies are surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these adorable and delectable Halloween delights!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) vegan butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup ice water
• For the Blueberry Filling:
• 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• For the Ghost Decoration:
• Vegan royal icing (recipe follows)
• Black food coloring gel
• Vegan Royal Icing:
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 6 tablespoons aquafaba (chickpea brine)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Crust:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough, which is crucial for flavor and gluten development.
2. Add the cold, cubed vegan butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to work quickly and keep the butter cold. Warm butter will result in a tough crust. You should see small pieces of butter still visible.
3. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, leading to a tough crust. The dough should be slightly shaggy but hold together when pressed.
4. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time is essential. It allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out, and it also allows the butter to firm up, which will create flaky layers when baked. You can even chill it overnight for best results.

Making the Blueberry Filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt. The cornstarch acts as a thickener, preventing the filling from becoming too runny during baking. The lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the blueberries have burst and the filling has thickened, about 8-10 minutes. The filling should be glossy and coat the back of a spoon.
3. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Cooling the filling is crucial. Warm filling will melt the butter in the crust, resulting in a soggy pie. You can speed up the cooling process by spreading the filling out on a baking sheet.

Assembling the Hand Pies:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the hand pies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter (or a knife to cut out ghost shapes) to cut out as many ghosts as possible. Re-roll the scraps to get more ghosts.
3. Repeat with the second disc of dough. You should have an even number of ghost shapes.
4. Place half of the ghost shapes on the prepared baking sheet. These will be the bottoms of the hand pies.
5. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooled blueberry filling onto the center of each ghost. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling will leak out during baking. Leave a small border around the edge.
6. Top each filled ghost with another ghost shape. Gently press the edges together to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure a good seal.
7. Use a sharp knife to cut a few small slits in the top of each hand pie. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the pies from bursting.

Baking the Hand Pies:

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
2. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet before decorating. This allows the filling to set and prevents the crust from breaking.

Making the Vegan Royal Icing:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, aquafaba, and vanilla extract. Sifting the powdered sugar is important to remove any lumps and ensure a smooth icing. Aquafaba is a fantastic vegan egg white substitute, providing the necessary protein for the icing to set properly.
2. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until the ingredients are combined, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 5-7 minutes, or until the icing is stiff and glossy. The icing should hold its shape when piped.
3. Divide the icing into two bowls. Leave one bowl white. Add black food coloring gel to the other bowl, a little at a time, until you reach your desired shade of black.
4. Transfer the icings to piping bags fitted with small round tips. If you don’t have piping bags, you can use zip-top bags and snip off a tiny corner.

Decorating the Ghost Hand Pies:

1. Use the white royal icing to outline the edges of each ghost hand pie. This creates a clean and defined border.
2. Flood the inside of the outlined ghost with the white royal icing. This means filling in the entire surface with a thin layer of icing. You can use a toothpick or scribe tool to spread the icing evenly and pop any air bubbles.
3. Let the white icing dry completely, about 1-2 hours. This is crucial before adding the black details, as the colors can bleed if the white icing is still wet.
4. Once the white icing is dry, use the black royal icing to pipe on the ghost’s eyes and mouth. Get creative with your ghost faces! You can make them spooky, silly, or cute.
5. Let the black icing dry completely before serving. This will prevent smudging.

Tips for Success:

• Keep everything cold: Cold butter and ice water are essential for a flaky crust.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
• Cool the filling completely: Warm filling will melt the butter in the crust.
• Seal the edges well: This prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
• Let the icing dry completely: This prevents smudging.

Variations:

• Other fillings: Try using other fruit fillings, such as apple, cherry, or raspberry. You can also use a chocolate or pumpkin filling.
• Different shapes: Use different cookie cutters to create other shapes, such as pumpkins, bats, or spiders.
• Sprinkles: Add sprinkles to the icing for extra decoration.
• Glaze: Instead of royal icing, you can brush the baked hand pies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are more than just a spooky season treat; they’re a delightful explosion of flavor and fun that everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, can enjoy. The flaky, buttery (yet entirely vegan!) crust perfectly cradles the sweet and tangy blueberry filling, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try, not just for Halloween, but anytime you’re craving a comforting and delicious handheld pie.

But why is this recipe a must-try, you ask? Well, beyond the obvious deliciousness, it’s incredibly versatile. The ghost shape adds a playful touch, making it perfect for parties and gatherings, especially with kids. But don’t feel limited to ghosts! You can easily adapt the shape to suit any occasion – pumpkins for Thanksgiving, hearts for Valentine’s Day, or even simple circles for a quick and easy dessert any day of the week. The possibilities are endless!

Beyond the shape, the filling is also ripe for experimentation. While I adore the classic blueberry, feel free to swap it out for other berries like raspberries, strawberries, or even a mixed berry medley. For a richer flavor, consider adding a touch of lemon zest or a pinch of cinnamon to the filling. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of vegan cream cheese in the center before baking adds a delightful creamy surprise.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

These hand pies are fantastic on their own, warm from the oven. But if you want to elevate the experience, consider these serving suggestions:

* A scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream: The cold ice cream melting over the warm pie is pure bliss.
* A drizzle of maple syrup: Adds a touch of extra sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish.
* A dusting of powdered sugar: Simple and elegant, perfect for a more refined presentation.
* Vegan whipped cream: Light and airy, a classic pairing for any pie.
* A side of fresh berries: Enhances the blueberry flavor and adds a pop of color.

For variations, think about:

* Adding a crumble topping: A buttery, crumbly topping adds another layer of texture and flavor.
* Using different extracts: A touch of almond extract in the crust or filling can add a unique and sophisticated flavor.
* Making mini hand pies: Perfect for parties and portion control!
* Glazing the pies: Brush the baked pies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and plant-based milk for a shiny finish.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of these Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies for yourself. I poured my heart into creating a recipe that is both delicious and accessible, and I truly believe you’ll love it.

So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up some spooky (and delicious!) fun. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your creations with me! I’d love to see your ghost hand pies, hear about your variations, and learn about your experience. Tag me in your photos on social media – I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite! Let me know if you have any questions, I’m always happy to help!