Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. These charming pastries, shaped like playful ghosts, are filled with juicy blueberries and topped with a luscious lemon glaze. Whether it’s Halloween, a family gathering, or simply a cozy night in, these hand pies will delight everyone. Their flaky vegan pastry makes them not only delicious but also suitable for various dietary preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon creates a delightful taste that is hard to resist.
• Fun Presentation: The ghost shapes make these pies visually appealing, perfect for parties or festive occasions.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, anyone can whip up these hand pies in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or even a breakfast treat alongside your morning coffee.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made without animal products, these hand pies cater to vegan diets while still tasting amazing.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies, gather all necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Ghost-shaped cookie cutter or stencil
• Medium saucepan
• Fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheets: They provide a flat surface for even baking and easy transfer of pastries.
• Rolling pin: This tool helps flatten the pastry sheets evenly for better shape and texture.
• Ghost-shaped cookie cutter: Essential for creating fun shapes that make your treats festive and inviting.

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Ingredients

Flaky vegan pastry filled with blueberries and topped with sweet lemon glaze, crafted into charming ghost shapes.

Ingredients:
– 2 sheets vegan gluten-free puff pastry
– 3.5 ounces fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1.75 ounces granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 teaspoons lemon juice
– 1.75 ounces confectioners’ sugar

How to Make Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 355°F using the convection setting. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Pastry Sheets

Unroll the pastry sheets while keeping them on their baking paper. Lightly flatten them with a rolling pin to remove any wrinkles.

Step 3: Cut Out Ghost Shapes

Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter or stencil to cut out ghost shapes from the pastry sheets. Reroll any scraps to cut out additional shapes.

Step 4: Create Faces for Half of the Ghosts

For half of the ghost shapes, use a small piping tip to cut out two eyes and a larger tip for the mouth. Set these pieces aside as pastry tops.

Step 5: Chill Pastry Shapes

Arrange all cut pastries on a tray and refrigerate them for about 5 minutes while you prepare the filling.

Step 6: Cook the Blueberry Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently for about 5 to 8 minutes until thickened while keeping some berries whole. Remove from heat and let cool until gelatinous.

Step 7: Fill the Pastries

Spoon blueberry filling onto the center of each pastry shape that does not have faces. Brush water along the edges of the pastry to help seal them properly without overfilling.

Step 8: Assemble the Hand Pies

Place a face-top pastry over each filled base shape, pressing along the edges to seal tightly. Use a fork to crimp the edges securely.

Step 9: Prepare for Baking

Brush the tops lightly with dairy-free milk and sprinkle granulated sugar on top for an attractive golden finish when baked.

Step 10: Bake Until Golden

Bake about 5 to 6 pastries at a time on the center rack for approximately 15 to 18 minutes until they are golden brown and crisp.

Step 11: Cool Down

Allow your pastries to cool briefly on the tray before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 12: Make Lemon Glaze

Mix confectioners’ sugar with remaining teaspoon of lemon juice until you achieve a pourable glaze consistency.

Step 13: Drizzle Glaze

Once cooled, drizzle your lemon glaze over each pastry. Allow it to set for at least five minutes before serving these delightful Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies!

How to Serve Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. They make an excellent addition to any gathering or festive occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your enjoyment of these charming pastries.

With a Scoop of Vegan Ice Cream

• Pair your hand pies with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla or coconut ice cream for a creamy contrast.

Drizzled with Extra Lemon Glaze

• Add more lemon glaze on top for those who love a zesty kick with their dessert.

Accompanied by Fresh Berries

• Serve alongside fresh blueberries or raspberries for a refreshing, fruity touch.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include the hand pies on a dessert platter alongside other sweet treats, like cookies and brownies, for variety.

Warm from the Oven

• Enjoy them warm right out of the oven, as they are especially delicious when freshly baked.

With Herbal Tea

• Pair with a calming herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, to balance the sweetness.

How to Perfect Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

To ensure your Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips. A few simple adjustments can elevate your pastry-making game.

• Use chilled pastry: Ensure your puff pastry is cold before working with it. This helps achieve that flaky texture when baked.

• Don’t overfill: Keep the filling modestly portioned to avoid overflow during baking. This ensures clean edges and maintains the shape.

• Seal edges well: Brush water along the edges before sealing the pastry tops to create a strong bond and prevent leakage.

• Experiment with shapes: While ghost shapes are fun, try using other cookie cutters for different occasions or themes.

• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on the hand pies as they bake; ovens vary. They should be golden brown when ready.

• Cool before glazing: Allow pastries to cool completely before adding the glaze so it sets nicely without melting away.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delicious options that complement their sweetness beautifully.

1. Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy coconut whipped cream adds richness without dairy, making it a perfect companion.

2. Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad brings freshness and balances sweetness—mix berries, melon, and citrus for best results.

3. Almonds or Pecans: Roasted nuts give a crunchy texture that contrasts delightfully with soft hand pies.

4. Chia Seed Pudding: Serve chia pudding infused with vanilla or almond milk for a nutritious side that’s also indulgent.

5. Vegan Yogurt Parfait: Layer vegan yogurt with granola and fruits in small cups for an appealing presentation alongside the hand pies.

6. Herbal Tea Infusion: A warm cup of herbal tea enhances flavors while providing a comforting drink option during dessert time.

7. Apple Sauce: Homemade apple sauce is both sweet and tangy, making it an excellent dipper for hand pies.

8. Caramelized Bananas: Sweet caramelized bananas add warmth and flavor complexity that pairs well with blueberry filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Using too much filling: Overfilling can cause the pies to burst open during baking. Use just enough filling to cover the base without spilling over the edges.
• Not chilling the pastry: Skipping the refrigeration step can lead to dough that spreads too much while baking. Always chill your shaped pastries for at least 5 minutes before baking.
• Ignoring sealing techniques: Failing to properly seal the edges can result in leaking filling. Make sure to crimp the edges with a fork and brush water along them before sealing.
• Neglecting egg wash alternatives: Forgetting to brush the tops with dairy-free milk can result in less golden pastries. Use a plant-based milk for a nice browning effect.
• Skipping cooling time: Cutting into warm pies can cause the filling to ooze out. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat for 20-30 seconds, but this may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies.

Can I use other fruits in these hand pies?

Yes! You can substitute blueberries with raspberries or cherries for different flavors.

How do I make Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies gluten-free?

Ensure you use gluten-free puff pastry as specified in the ingredients list, which is crucial for this recipe.

How long do these Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies last?

They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Can I customize the glaze on my Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add flavors like vanilla extract or almond extract to your glaze for extra taste.

What is the best way to serve Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies?

Serve them warm or at room temperature as a delightful dessert or snack!

Final Thoughts

Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies are a fun and delicious treat perfect for any occasion. Their flaky crust and sweet blueberry filling make them irresistible. You can customize them with different fillings or glazes based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these charming pastries!