Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I pulled the warm Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies from the oven, an irresistible aroma enveloped my kitchen, drawing me into a spooky culinary adventure perfect for Halloween. These flaky pastries, filled with a luscious blueberry compote, not only capture the festive spirit but also cater to those seeking a healthier sweet treat. With their whimsical ghostly shapes and a zesty lemon glaze, they’re crafted to delight bakers of all ages. Whether you’re planning a Halloween gathering or simply craving a fun baking project, these treats are quick to prepare and—best of all—completely vegan and dairy-free! Are you ready to add a chillingly sweet twist to your dessert table? Let’s dive into the magic of making these charming hand pies! Why Are These Hand Pies So Magical? Whimsical Ghost Shapes: Each bite-sized pastry is crafted into playful ghost figures, making them a hit for Halloween celebrations. Easy to Make: With simple steps, even novice bakers can create these delightful treats while having fun in the kitchen. Versatile Fillings: While blueberries steal the show, feel free to explore other fruits like raspberries or even savory fillings, broadening your culinary adventures. Light and Flaky: Enjoy a wonderfully flaky texture that pairs perfectly with the luscious jammy filling, tantalizing your taste buds. Fruit-Powered Sweetness: With blueberries loaded with antioxidants, you won’t just delight in the flavors but add a healthy twist to your indulgence. Perfect for Gatherings: Whether for Halloween or any festive occasion, these hand pies are bound to capture the hearts of friends and family—just like those Lemon Blueberry Muffins they loved! Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies Ingredients • Here’s everything you need to create your spooky and delicious Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies! For the Pastry Vegan Puff Pastry – Provides a flaky, buttery texture without dairy; choose gluten-free options if needed. Dairy-Free Milk – Brushing on the pastry before baking gives it a golden finish. For the Filling Blueberries – The star of the show; they provide sweetness and jammy texture—fresh or frozen works great! Sugar – Sweetens the blueberry compote for that perfect mouthwatering taste; consider coconut sugar or agave for natural sweetness. Cornstarch (Cornflour) – Thickens the filling into a delightful jam-like consistency; don’t skip this essential ingredient! Lemon Juice – Balances the sweetness and adds brightness to the glaze; almond extract makes a great substitute. For the Glaze Icing Sugar – Used to create a glossy glaze that enhances both flavor and visual appeal. Get ready to create a Halloween treat that’ll not only please the eyes but also satisfy your taste buds with these Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan). Unroll the vegan puff pastry on a clean surface and use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your pastry ghosts. On half of the cutouts, add fun spooky faces using a sharp knife or a piping nozzle. Once finished, cover the shapes with parchment paper and chill in the fridge for about 5 minutes to firm up. Step 2: Make the Filling In a medium saucepan, combine fresh or frozen blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice over medium heat. Cook for approximately 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency and bubbles gently. Remove from heat and allow the blueberry filling to cool for about 10 minutes, which will prevent your Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies from becoming soggy. Step 3: Assemble Ghosts Take the chilled puff pastry from the fridge and place the plain ghost shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the cooled blueberry filling onto the center of each base ghost. Brush the edges of the pastry with a little water to help seal. Place the ghost cut-outs with faces on top and press the edges gently to seal completely, creating a delightful pocket for the filling. Step 4: Bake Brush the tops of your assembled Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies with a splash of dairy-free milk to achieve a golden finish. For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle a bit of sugar over the top before sliding the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up, enticingly showcasing their ghostly shapes. Step 5: Add Glaze While the hand pies cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes, prepare the zesty glaze. In a small bowl, mix icing sugar with a splash of lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies, letting it set for a few minutes before serving. The shiny glaze enhances the festive look and adds a perfect tangy contrast to the sweetness of the filling. How to Store and Freeze Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies Fridge: Store your Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their freshness and flaky texture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the hand pies individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the pies in a preheated oven at 180°C (fan) for about 10-15 minutes until warm. This will help restore their delightful crispness. What to Serve with Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies Delightfully spooky and delicious, these hand pies can shine even brighter when paired with the right accompaniments! Vegan Vanilla Custard: Creamy and smooth, this custard adds a warm richness that complements the fruity filling beautifully. Dairy-Free Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, a dollop of this topping provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet blueberry inside. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm and cozy, this drink elevates the fall vibes and balances the sweetness of the hand pies perfectly. Pumpkin Spice Latte: With its rich, spiced flavors, this beverage offers a seasonal touch that pairs delightfully with the ghostly treats. Vanilla Ice Cream: Cold and creamy, a scoop of this dairy-free treat serves as an indulgent contrast to the flaky pastry. Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: The soft, chewy texture and warm spices bring a comforting crunch that jazzes up your dessert table. Let your imagination guide you; these pairings will elevate your experience, turning each bite of the Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies into a festive celebration! Expert Tips for Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies • Chill the Pastry: Keep the vegan puff pastry in the fridge until ready to use. This helps maintain its flakiness and prevents it from becoming too soft to shape. • Cool the Filling: Allow the blueberry filling to cool completely before assembling the pies. This will prevent the pastry from getting soggy and ensure a delightful texture. • Avoid Overfilling: Be generous, but not too much! Overfilling can lead to oozing during baking. Stick to about a tablespoon for each ghost. • Customize the Glaze: Experiment with the icing sugar glaze! Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract for a unique flavor twist that complements your Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies. • Bake on a Preheated Tray: For an extra crispy bottom, place the baking tray in the oven to preheat for a few minutes before placing your hand pies on it. This helps achieve that perfect golden finish! • Store Properly: If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the oven for best results! Make Ahead Options These Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are perfect for meal prep, making your Halloween celebrations stress-free! You can prepare the blueberry filling up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pastry shapes can also be cut and chilled for up to 24 hours ahead of time to maintain their flakiness. When ready to bake, simply assemble the hand pies with the cooled filling, brush with dairy-free milk, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have gorgeous, spooky treats ready to impress your guests with little effort! Enjoy delightful flavors just as fresh as if made on the day! Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies Variations Feel free to let your creativity run wild with these variations for your Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies! Fruit Swap: Change the fruit filling to raspberries, blackberries, or cherries for a new twist on flavor! Each fruit brings its own personality, allowing you to discover exciting combinations. Warm Spices: Add Cinnamon: Sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon or cardamom into the filling for a warm, cozy vibe. These spices not only elevate the flavors but also infuse a delightful fragrance that fills your kitchen. Savory Option: Spinach & Cheese: Create a savory filling by replacing the fruit with a mixture of spinach and vegan cheese. This twist transforms your hand pies into a festive snack or appetizer, perfect for gatherings! Gluten-Free: Swap the Pastry: Use Jus-Roll’s gluten-free vegan puff pastry for a delicious gluten-free option. Enjoy the same flaky texture without worrying about gluten, making it easier for everyone to indulge! Sweet Alternative: Maple or Agave: Try using maple syrup or agave in place of regular sugar for a natural sweetness that shines. The distinct flavors can add a new layer to your hand pies that everyone will adore. Creative Faces: Different Designs: Get playful with your ghost faces! Use a piping nozzle or even cutout shapes to create unique expressions on each ghost, making them a fun project, especially for kids. Zesty Glaze: Add Flavors: Mix a splash of almond extract or vanilla into your icing sugar glaze. This little touch can elevate the taste and make your pies even more irresistible! Don’t forget to enjoy your Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies alongside a delightful vegan vanilla custard or a scoop of dairy-free whipped cream for dipping. For more inspiration, check out those delightful Lemon Blueberry Muffins or indulge in a Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake to keep your dessert table wonderfully festive! Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe blueberries for the filling? Absolutely! When selecting blueberries, look for plump, firm berries with a deep blue color. Avoid any with green or reddish hues as they might not be fully ripe. A good quality blueberry will also have a slight bloom on the surface, which indicates freshness. For a more balanced flavor, use a mix of fresh and frozen blueberries if they’re out of season. How should I store leftover Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies? To keep your spooky treats fresh, store the Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This way, they maintain their delightful flaky texture. If you anticipate leftovers, you can also freeze them for longer storage; see the next question for details. Can I freeze these hand pies, and if so, how? Very! To freeze, place your assembled but unbaked Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time! What should I do if the filling leaks out during baking? The more the merrier with flavors, but if you find the filling oozing out, it could be due to overfilling or if the filling was too warm when assembled. To prevent this, stick to a tablespoon of filling per pie and ensure the filling has cooled before you seal the pastries. If some does leak, don’t worry too much; they will still taste delightful! Are these hand pies suitable for those with allergies? Definitely! These Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are naturally dairy-free, egg-free, and can easily be made gluten-free with appropriate puff pastry. However, check the specific puff pastry brands for any potential allergens, and if you’re making them for guests with allergies, consider substituting sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener. Always double-check all ingredient labels for allergens! Can pets eat blueberries? Are they safe? Absolutely! Blueberries are generally safe for pets like dogs in moderation. They’re low in calories and packed with vitamins. However, keep in mind that the Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies include other ingredients like sugar and puff pastry which aren’t suitable for pets. Always be sure to consult a veterinarian if you’re unsure about feeding new foods to your furry friends. Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies for a Spooky Delicious Treat Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are a delightful treat perfect for Halloween, combining festive flavors and a healthy twist. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 25 minutes minsCook Time 18 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 53 minutes mins Servings: 12 hand piesCourse: DessertCuisine: VeganCalories: 180 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pastry1 package Vegan Puff Pastry Choose gluten-free options if needed.2 tablespoons Dairy-Free Milk For brushing the pastry.For the Filling2 cups Blueberries Fresh or frozen works great.1/2 cup Sugar Consider coconut sugar or agave for natural sweetness.2 tablespoons Cornstarch (Cornflour) Essential for thickening.1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Alternatively, use almond extract.For the Glaze1 cup Icing Sugar Equipment Baking sheetMedium Saucepancookie cutterMixing bowlWhisk Method Preparing the PastryPreheat your oven to 180°C (fan). Unroll the vegan puff pastry and cut out ghost shapes using a cookie cutter.Add spooky faces on half of the cutouts and chill them in the fridge for about 5 minutes.Making the FillingCombine blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat for 5-8 minutes.Cook until thickened, then cool for 10 minutes.Assembling the GhostsPlace plain ghost shapes on a baking sheet. Spoon blueberry filling onto each base ghost.Brush edges with water and press ghost cut-outs on top to seal.BakingBrush tops with dairy-free milk and sprinkle sugar before baking for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.Adding the GlazeMix icing sugar with lemon juice until smooth, drizzle over cooled pies, and let set before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1hand pieCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.5gSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 4mg NotesKeep puff pastry chilled until use for best results. Allow the filling to cool completely before assembly to prevent sogginess. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!