These Jack O Lantern Hand Pies are a fun and tasty treat for Halloween! With flaky crust and sweet pumpkin filling, they’re perfect for celebrating the spooky season.
Shaped like little pumpkins, they are a hit with kids and adults alike. I always love making these with my family—it’s a great excuse to get creative and eat dessert first! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crusts: You can use store-bought refrigerated pie crusts to save time, or make your own if you want a personal touch. For a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free pie crust mix!
Apples: I recommend Granny Smith for a tart bite or Honeycrisp for sweetness. If you can’t find these, Fuji or Gala apples will also work well. The key is to pick apples that hold their shape when baked.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is super convenient, but you can roast fresh pumpkin if you’re feeling adventurous! Simply roast and puree it until smooth. Just ensure you don’t use pumpkin pie filling, which is sweetened and spiced.
Spices: The spices really make the filling shine. If you don’t have nutmeg or ginger, just increase the cinnamon a bit. You can also try pumpkin pie spice for a mix of all the flavors.
Egg Wash: The egg wash gives the pies a lovely golden color, but if you prefer a vegan option, you can brush them with a little milk or almond milk instead!
How Do I Seal the Pies Properly?
Sealing the pies is crucial to prevent the filling from leaking out. Here’s how to ensure a good seal:
- After adding the filling, lightly brush the edges of the bottom crust with beaten egg to moisten it.
- Place the top crust carefully over the filling, making sure it’s well aligned. Press down gently around the edges.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges, sealing them tight and giving a decorative touch.
- If you’re worried about leaks, you can use a bit of the leftover dough to create a rope around the edges for extra assurance!
These tips should help you make delightful and well-sealed Jack O’ Lantern Hand Pies that are perfect for your Halloween festivities!
Jack O Lantern Hand Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie Filling:
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crust:
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough), thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sugar for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake, making a total of about 40 minutes until you can enjoy your delicious hand pies. Let them cool for a bit after baking, and they’ll be perfect for Halloween parties or a cozy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your hand pies get crispy and golden. While that heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, toss together the diced apples, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Stir well until the apples are nicely coated, and all ingredients are combined.
3. Roll Out the Crust:
On a lightly floured surface, unroll the pie crusts. Using a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter or a round cutter that’s about 4 inches in diameter, cut out an even number of shapes for the bottoms of your pies.
4. Create Jack O’ Lantern Faces:
For half of your pie crust shapes, carefully cut out faces of Jack O’ Lanterns (like eyes, a nose, and a mouth) using a small knife or pumpkin face cookie cutters. Place these cut-out shapes aside; they’ll be the tops of your pies!
5. Assemble the Pies:
Take the whole shapes (the bottoms) and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the apple-pumpkin filling onto each bottom crust. Make sure to keep the filling centered and away from the edges to avoid spills.
6. Seal the Hand Pies:
To help seal your hand pies, lightly brush the edges of the bottom crusts with the beaten egg. This makes it easier for the top crusts to stick.
7. Add the Tops:
Carefully place the Jack O’ Lantern face crust shapes on top of the filling. Gently press around the edges with a fork to secure and crimp the edges, ensuring there’s no gap for the filling to escape.
8. Brush & Sprinkle:
Brush the tops of the pies with the remaining beaten egg for that beautiful golden finish. If you like a bit of sweetness, sprinkle a little sugar on top!
9. Bake the Pies:
Now, pop the baking sheet into the oven! Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are puffed and nicely golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. Serve them warm or let them cool to room temperature. They’re perfect for snacking any time during the Halloween season!
These Jack O Lantern Hand Pies are a fun combination of spiced apple and pumpkin filling encased in a flaky, delicious crust. Enjoy the festive treats with family and friends!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, definitely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, roast a small pumpkin until soft, then scoop out the flesh and puree it until smooth. Just be sure it’s not too watery—drain any excess moisture if needed!
What Can I Use Instead of Apples?
If you want to switch it up, try using pear slices or even canned pie filling. You can also make a pure pumpkin filling by increasing the amount of pumpkin puree and adjusting the spices to your liking!
How Do I Store Leftover Hand Pies?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for a crispy finish!
Can I Make These Pies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free pie crust from your local grocery store or make your own. Ensure all filling ingredients are also gluten-free for a worry-free treat!
