Get ready for a spooky treat that everyone will love! These Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are not just cute; they’re delicious and easy to make. With a flaky crust and sweet blueberry filling, these hand pies are perfect for any Halloween party or just a fun snack. Let me guide you through the steps to make these delightful little ghostly treats that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients for Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup solid coconut oil
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3-4 tablespoons cold water
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar (for dusting)
– Black food coloring (optional, for ghost eyes and mouth)
Description of Ingredient Functions
Each ingredient plays a special role in making these hand pies. The all-purpose flour forms the dough base. Coconut oil adds richness and makes the crust flaky. Maple syrup sweetens the dough without refined sugar. Salt enhances flavors and balances sweetness. Cold water helps bind the dough.
Blueberries are the star of the filling. They bring natural sweetness and a burst of flavor. Cornstarch thickens the filling, keeping it from being too runny. Lemon juice adds brightness and a slight tang. Vanilla extract deepens the sweet notes. Finally, powdered sugar gives a spooky touch when dusted on top.
Substitutions and Special Diet Considerations
If you need to replace an ingredient, here are some ideas. Use vegan butter instead of coconut oil for a different taste. For a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Maple syrup can be replaced with agave nectar if needed.
If you want a nut-free version, make sure your ingredients are certified nut-free. Check for allergens in store-bought items, especially if using powdered sugar. With these simple swaps, you can still enjoy these spooky treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of the Dough
To start, gather your ingredients. You will need flour, salt, coconut oil, maple syrup, and water. In a big bowl, mix the flour and salt well. Add solid coconut oil. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Now, pour in the maple syrup. Add cold water, one tablespoon at a time. Mix until the dough forms a ball. Wrap it in plastic and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Making the Blueberry Filling
For the filling, combine blueberries, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a small pot. Cook this mix over medium heat. Stir gently until the blueberries burst and it thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it cool down to room temperature.
Assembling the Ghost Hand Pies
Next, lightly flour a clean surface. Roll out the dough until it’s about 1/8-inch thick. Use a round cutter, about 4 inches wide, to cut out circles. You need enough to make 8 hand pies. Place about one tablespoon of blueberry filling in the center of half the circles. Lightly brush the edges with cold water. Place the other circles on top and press gently to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges so the filling does not leak out.
Baking Process
Now, it’s baking time! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the hand pies on it. Make sure to leave space between each pie. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and the edges are a bit crisp. Once baked, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust them with powdered sugar before serving for a ghostly touch.
For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Enjoy your spooky treats!
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfectly Seal Hand Pies
To seal your hand pies well, start with cold dough. When you roll it out, keep it chilled. After cutting your dough into circles, place a spoonful of filling in the center. Brush the edges with cold water to help them stick. Gently fold the dough over the filling and press down on the edges. Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly. This keeps the filling from leaking during baking.
Decorating for a Spooky Appearance
Adding a spooky touch to your ghost hand pies is easy. After sealing, use black food coloring to make ghostly faces. Dip a toothpick into the coloring and draw eyes and a mouth on each pie. This fun touch makes your pies look great for Halloween. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a ghostly effect.
Adjusting Sweetness and Flavor
If you want to change the sweetness, you can add more maple syrup. Just remember, too much can make the dough sticky. For a tart flavor, add more lemon juice to the filling. You could also spice it up with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Taste your filling before sealing the pies. You can adjust the flavor to your liking, making it just right for you.
For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe].
Variations
Alternative Fillings (e.g., pumpkin, apple)
You can switch up the filling in these hand pies. For a fall twist, try pumpkin. Mix canned pumpkin with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This will give a warm, cozy flavor. If you prefer something fruity, choose apples. Cook diced apples with sugar and cinnamon until soft. This makes a sweet and tangy filling. Both options are easy and fun.
Gluten-Free Options
If you need a gluten-free version, replace the flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for one that works well for baking. Make sure it has xanthan gum for structure. You can also use almond flour or oat flour. Adjust the liquid in your dough as gluten-free flour may absorb more moisture.
Creative Presentation Ideas
Make these hand pies pop with fun presentation ideas. Use a spooky plate with Halloween designs. Arrange the pies like a ghostly gathering. Consider adding fresh fruits or spooky decorations. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a ghostly look. You might even add edible glitter for some shine. Get creative and make them visually appealing! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above!
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your spooky treats, store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Store them in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing Hand Pies for Later
Freezing your hand pies is a great way to save some for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each hand pie tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat your hand pies to enjoy their warm, flaky goodness. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This makes them crispy again. You can also use a microwave, but the texture may not be as nice. Enjoy your spooky delights! Don’t forget to check the full recipe for more tips!
FAQs
Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these hand pies ahead of time. Prepare the dough and filling in advance. Store the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can keep the filling in an airtight container for the same time. Just remember to assemble and bake them when you are ready to serve.
What can I use instead of coconut oil?
If you want to skip coconut oil, you can use vegan butter. It gives a nice flavor and helps the dough stay soft. You can also try other oils like sunflower or canola oil, but the texture may change slightly.
How to make the filling thicker?
To make the filling thicker, simply add more cornstarch. Start with an extra teaspoon and stir it well as you cook the blueberries. The heat will help it thicken. If you want a fruitier taste, you can also mash some of the blueberries.
Can I use frozen blueberries, and how do they affect the recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! They work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind they may release more juice while cooking. This can make the filling a bit runnier. Use a little more cornstarch to help thicken the mixture if needed.
In this post, we covered how to make tasty vegan blueberry ghost hand pies. I shared the ingredients you need, their roles, and some clever substitutions. You learned the step-by-step process, from dough to baking, plus tips for sealing and decorating. I also offered fun variations and storage advice.
Remember, cooking is about experimenting and having fun. Enjoy making these spooky treats!
![- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup solid coconut oil - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 3-4 tablespoons cold water - 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Powdered sugar (for dusting) - Black food coloring (optional, for ghost eyes and mouth) Each ingredient plays a special role in making these hand pies. The all-purpose flour forms the dough base. Coconut oil adds richness and makes the crust flaky. Maple syrup sweetens the dough without refined sugar. Salt enhances flavors and balances sweetness. Cold water helps bind the dough. Blueberries are the star of the filling. They bring natural sweetness and a burst of flavor. Cornstarch thickens the filling, keeping it from being too runny. Lemon juice adds brightness and a slight tang. Vanilla extract deepens the sweet notes. Finally, powdered sugar gives a spooky touch when dusted on top. If you need to replace an ingredient, here are some ideas. Use vegan butter instead of coconut oil for a different taste. For a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Maple syrup can be replaced with agave nectar if needed. If you want a nut-free version, make sure your ingredients are certified nut-free. Check for allergens in store-bought items, especially if using powdered sugar. With these simple swaps, you can still enjoy these spooky treats! To start, gather your ingredients. You will need flour, salt, coconut oil, maple syrup, and water. In a big bowl, mix the flour and salt well. Add solid coconut oil. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Now, pour in the maple syrup. Add cold water, one tablespoon at a time. Mix until the dough forms a ball. Wrap it in plastic and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. For the filling, combine blueberries, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a small pot. Cook this mix over medium heat. Stir gently until the blueberries burst and it thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it cool down to room temperature. Next, lightly flour a clean surface. Roll out the dough until it’s about 1/8-inch thick. Use a round cutter, about 4 inches wide, to cut out circles. You need enough to make 8 hand pies. Place about one tablespoon of blueberry filling in the center of half the circles. Lightly brush the edges with cold water. Place the other circles on top and press gently to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges so the filling does not leak out. Now, it’s baking time! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the hand pies on it. Make sure to leave space between each pie. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and the edges are a bit crisp. Once baked, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust them with powdered sugar before serving for a ghostly touch. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Enjoy your spooky treats! To seal your hand pies well, start with cold dough. When you roll it out, keep it chilled. After cutting your dough into circles, place a spoonful of filling in the center. Brush the edges with cold water to help them stick. Gently fold the dough over the filling and press down on the edges. Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly. This keeps the filling from leaking during baking. Adding a spooky touch to your ghost hand pies is easy. After sealing, use black food coloring to make ghostly faces. Dip a toothpick into the coloring and draw eyes and a mouth on each pie. This fun touch makes your pies look great for Halloween. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a ghostly effect. If you want to change the sweetness, you can add more maple syrup. Just remember, too much can make the dough sticky. For a tart flavor, add more lemon juice to the filling. You could also spice it up with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Taste your filling before sealing the pies. You can adjust the flavor to your liking, making it just right for you. For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can switch up the filling in these hand pies. For a fall twist, try pumpkin. Mix canned pumpkin with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This will give a warm, cozy flavor. If you prefer something fruity, choose apples. Cook diced apples with sugar and cinnamon until soft. This makes a sweet and tangy filling. Both options are easy and fun. If you need a gluten-free version, replace the flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for one that works well for baking. Make sure it has xanthan gum for structure. You can also use almond flour or oat flour. Adjust the liquid in your dough as gluten-free flour may absorb more moisture. Make these hand pies pop with fun presentation ideas. Use a spooky plate with Halloween designs. Arrange the pies like a ghostly gathering. Consider adding fresh fruits or spooky decorations. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a ghostly look. You might even add edible glitter for some shine. Get creative and make them visually appealing! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above! After enjoying your spooky treats, store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Freezing your hand pies is a great way to save some for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each hand pie tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat your hand pies to enjoy their warm, flaky goodness. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This makes them crispy again. You can also use a microwave, but the texture may not be as nice. Enjoy your spooky delights! Don’t forget to check the full recipe for more tips! Yes, you can make these hand pies ahead of time. Prepare the dough and filling in advance. Store the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can keep the filling in an airtight container for the same time. Just remember to assemble and bake them when you are ready to serve. If you want to skip coconut oil, you can use vegan butter. It gives a nice flavor and helps the dough stay soft. You can also try other oils like sunflower or canola oil, but the texture may change slightly. To make the filling thicker, simply add more cornstarch. Start with an extra teaspoon and stir it well as you cook the blueberries. The heat will help it thicken. If you want a fruitier taste, you can also mash some of the blueberries. Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! They work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind they may release more juice while cooking. This can make the filling a bit runnier. Use a little more cornstarch to help thicken the mixture if needed. In this post, we covered how to make tasty vegan blueberry ghost hand pies. I shared the ingredients you need, their roles, and some clever substitutions. You learned the step-by-step process, from dough to baking, plus tips for sealing and decorating. I also offered fun variations and storage advice. Remember, cooking is about experimenting and having fun. Enjoy making these spooky treats!](https://meltedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/37782324-dd36-453e-a913-d3bc51efaec0-300x300.webp)