Vegan blueberry ghost hand pies shaped like spooky ghosts, baked golden brown with blueberry filling.

Deliciously Spooky Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies: A Perfect Plant-Based Treat for Halloween

ByEmma Riley

Have you ever wondered how to create a festive, mouthwatering dessert that’s both vegan-friendly and irresistibly fun? Enter the Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies—a charming, plant-based twist on classic handheld pastries that are perfect for Halloween or any berry-loving occasion. Many assume that vegan baking compromises on flavor or texture, but this recipe busts that myth by delivering flaky crusts enveloping juicy blueberry filling with a spooky ghostly design. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking for a creative seasonal treat, this recipe will become your go-to for easy, delicious, and eye-catching hand pies.

Ingredients List

Crafting the perfect Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies takes just a handful of simple ingredients, many of which you may already have in your pantry! For those with dietary preferences or allergies, suggested substitutions ensure every bite is delightful.

For the Pie Dough:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (substitute with gluten-free flour blend for GF option)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup vegan butter, chilled and cubed (coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free swap)
  • 6-8 tbsp ice-cold water

For the Blueberry Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (thawed if frozen)
  • ½ cup organic cane sugar or maple syrup (adjust sweetness to taste)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder (helps thicken the filling)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of cinnamon or ground nutmeg (optional for warmth)

For Assembly & Decoration:

  • Plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat) for brushing
  • Vegan chocolate chips or edible eyes for ghost faces (optional)

Timing

Creating these whimsical Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies takes about an hour from start to finish — perfect for a leisurely weekend baking session or a last-minute Halloween treat.

  • Preparation time: 30 minutes (including dough making and filling prep)
  • Cooking time: 20 minutes (until golden and bubbling)
  • Total time: 50 minutes

The flaky crust bakes beautifully golden in the oven while the blueberry filling bubbles with juicy sweetness, creating an aromatic scent that fills your kitchen much like classic fruit pies, but in a more manageable single-serving package.

Vegan blueberry ghost hand pies shaped like spooky ghosts, baked golden brown with blueberry filling.
Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

Step-by-Step Instructions Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Vegan Pie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add chilled vegan butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid over-mixing to keep the dough tender. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 20 minutes.

Chef’s Tip: Use ice-cold water and keep your butter cold to ensure the crust stays flaky and tender.

Step 2: Make the Blueberry Filling

In a saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and spices over medium heat. Stir occasionally, then mix in the cornstarch dissolved in a tablespoon of water. Cook until the filling thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. Let cool.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a ghost-shaped cookie cutter or a hand-shaped mold, cut out pairs of shapes (top and bottom of each pie).

Pro Tip: Don’t have a ghost cutter? Use a knife to freehand ghost shapes or simple rectangles with an eerie twist.

Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies

Place a spoonful of blueberry filling on half of the dough cutouts, leaving edges free for sealing. Brush edges with a bit of water, cover with matching dough shape, and press edges with a fork to seal.

Step 5: Add Details and Bake

Brush the hand pies with plant-based milk to get a golden crust. Create spooky faces using vegan chocolate chips or a toothpick dipped in edible food coloring. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-22 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Cool on a wire rack.

Nutritional Information

Each Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pie approximately contains:

  • Calories: 220
  • Fat: 10g (mainly from vegan butter)
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Sodium: 150mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

Healthier Alternatives

Want to make these hand pies even healthier without losing flavor? Try these ingredient swaps:

  • Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for additional fiber.
  • Use coconut sugar or date syrup instead of cane sugar for lower glycemic sweetness.
  • Substitute vegan butter with avocado oil or light coconut oil to reduce saturated fat.
  • Include chia seeds or ground flaxseed in the filling for an omega-3 boost.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies fresh and warm, paired with:

  • A scoop of coconut vanilla ice cream or dairy-free frozen yogurt.
  • A drizzle of powdered sugar or agave nectar for added sweetness.
  • Hot spiced tea or mulled apple cider for a perfect autumn beverage pairing.

For parties, arrange pies on a spooky platter with edible glitter, candy “eyeballs,” or alongside pumpkin-shaped cupcakes for a thematic dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overworking the Dough: Handling the dough too much can make it tough rather than flaky — mix just until combined.
  • Too Much Filling: Overfilling leads to leaks. Use 1–2 tablespoons per pie to prevent this.
  • Skipping the Chill: Chill dough before rolling to avoid sticky, hard-to-manage dough.
  • Uneven Sealing: Press edges firmly and crimp with a fork to prevent the filling from oozing out.

Storing Tips

  • Cool Completely: Allow pies to cool fully before storing to avoid sogginess.
  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap individually and freeze up to 1 month; thaw and reheat in a warm oven for crispiness.
  • Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore flakiness and warmth.

Conclusion

These Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies combine seasonal whimsy with plant-based goodness, perfect for Halloween festivities or anytime you crave a berry-filled treat. Easy to prepare and adaptable to many dietary choices, they showcase how vegan baking can be both fun and flavorful. Ready to try this recipe? Share your baking stories and spooky twists in the comments below or sign up for our newsletter to get more plant-based delights delivered straight to your inbox!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen blueberries and drain excess liquid before cooking the filling to avoid soggy pies.

Q2: What if I don’t have a ghost-shaped cookie cutter?
No worries! Use any shape like circles, squares, or triangles, and decorate with spooky faces using vegan chocolate or icing.

Q3: Are these hand pies gluten-free?
The base recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend to make the pies gluten-free.

Q4: Can I prepare these hand pies in advance?
Yes! Assemble and freeze them raw, then bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q5: What other fillings work well in this dough?
Mixed berry, apple-cinnamon, or pumpkin spice fillings are fantastic vegan alternatives that maintain the festive vibe.

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