Go Back
To make these fun and tasty vegan blueberry ghost hand pies, you will need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup coconut oil, solid - 1/4 cup maple syrup - 1/2 tsp salt - 3-4 tbsp cold water - 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries - 2 tbsp cornstarch - 1 tbsp lemon juice - 1 tsp vanilla extract - Powdered sugar (for dusting) - Black food coloring (optional, for ghost eyes and mouth) These ingredients come together to create a flaky crust and a sweet filling. The blueberries provide a fresh burst of flavor. The coconut oil gives the crust a nice texture, while maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness. If you have allergies or dietary needs, fear not! Here are some easy swaps: - Flour: Use gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free option. - Coconut Oil: Replace with vegan butter or any neutral oil. - Maple Syrup: Agave syrup serves as a great substitute. - Cornstarch: You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch instead. These substitutes keep the spirit of the recipe without sacrificing taste or texture. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Here’s what to keep in mind: - Blueberries: Choose ripe and sweet berries. If using frozen, ensure they are not mushy. - Flour: Store in a cool, dry place for the best quality. - Coconut Oil: Make sure it is solid when you mix it into the dough. Fresh ingredients lead to better flavor and texture. Always check your pantry for the best options before you start cooking. Enjoy the process and have fun with these ghostly treats! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Next, add 1/4 cup of solid coconut oil. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. This texture is key for a flaky crust. Now, sweeten the dough by adding 1/4 cup of maple syrup. Pour in cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough forms a ball. Wrap it in plastic and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough become easier to roll out. While the dough chills, let's make the filling. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of blueberries, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Set the heat to medium. Cook this mix for about 5-7 minutes. Stir gently until the blueberries burst. The mixture should thicken a bit. Once done, remove it from heat and let it cool. This filling will be sweet and tangy, perfect for our hand pies. After the dough has chilled, take it out. Roll it out on a floured surface until it is about 1/8-inch thick. Use a round cutter, about 4 inches in diameter, to cut out circles. Place a tablespoon of the blueberry filling in the center of half the circles. Brush the edges with a little water to help seal them. Then, cover with the remaining circles and press to seal. To make sure they stay closed, use a fork to crimp the edges. If you want, you can create ghost faces using black food coloring. Just use a toothpick or small brush for the eyes and mouth. Now, you’re ready to bake! To keep your hand pies from leaking, sealing is key. After you place the filling, brush the edges with water. This helps the dough stick. Press firmly, but gently, to seal them. I like to use a fork to crimp the edges. This adds a fun design and ensures they stay shut. Also, don’t overfill! A tablespoon of filling is just right. For the best flavor, use fresh blueberries when possible. They burst with juice and taste great. If you use frozen berries, let them thaw first. This helps them cook evenly. Adding lemon juice brightens the flavor. It balances the sweetness of the maple syrup too. Also, let the filling cool before you use it. This prevents the dough from getting soggy. You can make these pies extra spooky! Use black food coloring to draw ghost faces. A toothpick works well for small details. Try making silly eyes and a mouth to give them character. For a dusting of magic, sprinkle powdered sugar on top after baking. It looks like ghostly dust! These little touches make your hand pies stand out and fun. {{image_2}} You can change the filling in your hand pies. Try using fresh or frozen strawberries, raspberries, or cherries. Each fruit gives a unique taste. For a fun twist, mix berries together! You can also use apple pie filling or pumpkin puree. Just remember to adjust the sugar based on the fruit's sweetness. To make gluten-free hand pies, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for a mix that works well for baking. You may also need to add extra cold water to help the dough hold together. Follow the same steps as in the Full Recipe to create your gluten-free delight. If you want to change the sweetener, you have options. Agave syrup or coconut sugar can work well. For a low-carb version, try using erythritol or stevia. Just use less, as these sweeteners are often stronger than maple syrup. Adjust the amount based on your taste and dietary needs. If you have extra vegan blueberry ghost hand pies, storing them is easy. Place the cooled pies in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. Make sure they cool completely before sealing. This keeps them from getting soggy. You can freeze these hand pies for future treats. Wrap each pie in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To enjoy your hand pies again, reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the crust flaky and the filling warm. You can also use a microwave, but the oven gives a better texture. Enjoy your tasty treat! Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. They work well and save time. Just be sure to thaw them first. This helps with even cooking and flavor. You may need to adjust the cornstarch a bit. Frozen berries release more juice than fresh ones. Store your vegan hand pies in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them. They stay fresh for about a week in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze them. Just seal them well to avoid freezer burn. To make this recipe nut-free, use coconut oil instead of any nut-based oil. Ensure your cornstarch and other ingredients are also nut-free. This way, you can enjoy the hand pies without worry. You can get creative with themes! Try using icing to make fun faces. Use seasonal colors for holidays. For Halloween, add spooky eyes or spider webs. For spring, go with flowers. The options are endless, so have fun with it! Yes, you can make these ahead of time. Prepare the dough and filling a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake the hand pies when you're ready to serve. This way, you save time and still enjoy fresh, flaky goodness. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. You learned about vegan blueberry ghost hand pies, from ingredients to storage. Fresh ingredients lead to better flavor. Follow the steps for making the dough and filling. Use tips for perfect hand pies, like sealing them well. Feel free to customize flavors or alter for allergies. In the end, these sweet treats are fun and easy. Enjoy making them for any occasion!

Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

Whip up a spooky treat with these Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies! Perfect for Halloween, these delightful pastries are made with a flaky dough and a sweet blueberry filling. Easy to make, they are a fun family project that will impress your guests. Follow the simple steps to create these adorable ghostly snacks and get ready to treat your taste buds! Click through for the full recipe and bring some festive fun to your kitchen today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup coconut oil, solid

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/2 tsp salt

3-4 tbsp cold water

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

2 tbsp cornstarch

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla extract

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Black food coloring (optional, for ghost eyes and mouth)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add in the solid coconut oil and use a pastry cutter (or your hands) to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.

    Sweeten the Dough: Add maple syrup and cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Form it into a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

      Make the Filling: In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract over medium heat. Cook until the blueberries start to burst and the mixture thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool.

        Roll Out the Dough: Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick. Using a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter), cut out circles from the dough.

          Assemble the Pies: Place a tablespoon of blueberry filling in the center of half of the circles. Brush the edges with a little water, and then cover with the remaining circles, pressing to seal the edges. Use a fork to crimp and ensure the pies are well sealed.

            Create Ghost Faces (Optional): If using black food coloring, use a toothpick or a small brush to add ghost eyes and a mouth to each hand pie.

              Bake the Pies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

                Cool and Serve: Allow the hand pies to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for an extra ghostly effect.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8 hand pies