There’s something magical about fall baking—the crisp air, the shifting golden leaves, and the cozy afternoons spent in a warm kitchen. Few recipes capture the Halloween spirit better than Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies with Lemon Icing. These adorable, flaky hand pies are filled with juicy blueberries, drizzled with tangy lemon icing, and shaped like little ghosts to bring a playful twist to spooky season traditions. Not only are they plant-based and family-friendly, but they’re also as fun to make as they are to eat.
What makes these ghost hand pies special is how they balance festive creativity with simple baking steps, making them the perfect activity for families, school gatherings, or Halloween parties. Whether you’re looking to start a new fall tradition or just want a sweet and spooky treat, these Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies with Lemon Icing are guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite.
Halloween baking was always one of the most exciting parts of my childhood. I remember the kitchen filled with the scent of warm pastry and bubbling fruit, while laughter echoed as my siblings and I cut out ghost shapes from dough scraps. It was messy, loud, and full of joy. Over time, those simple traditions evolved, and one recipe emerged as the star of our spooky bakes: Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies with Lemon Icing.
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Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies with Lemon Icing
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 hand pies 1x
Description
Adorable ghost-shaped hand pies with a juicy blueberry filling and bright lemon icing. Fully vegan, kid-friendly, and perfect for spooky-season gatherings.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp fine sea salt
1 cup cold vegan butter, cubed
6–8 tbsp ice-cold plant milk or water
1–2 tbsp plant milk, for brushing
2 1/2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tsp lemon juice
Pinch of salt
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1–2 tsp plant milk, as needed
Mini chocolate chips or melted dark chocolate, for eyes (optional)
Instructions
1. Whisk flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold vegan butter until pea-sized crumbs form.
2. Drizzle in ice-cold plant milk/water, mixing just until dough holds together. Divide, flatten into 2 disks, chill 20 minutes.
3. In a saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium, stirring, until thick and jammy; cool.
4. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
5. On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut an even number of ghost shapes.
6. Arrange half the cutouts on the sheet. Spoon a small mound (about 1–1 1/2 tsp) filling in the center, leaving a border.
7. Top with remaining cutouts. Press edges to seal; crimp with a fork. Poke a tiny vent with a toothpick.
8. Brush tops lightly with plant milk. Bake 18–22 minutes, until golden and bubbling at edges.
9. Cool on a rack completely. Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice, thinning with plant milk to a drizzle.
10. Drizzle icing over pies. Add chocolate dots or chips for eyes once icing sets. Serve and enjoy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
What I love most about these ghost hand pies is how effortlessly they bring family together. The dough is easy to prepare, the filling comes together quickly, and kids light up at the chance to press cookie cutters into rolled pastry dough to reveal ghostly silhouettes. Parents, on the other hand, appreciate how little cleanup is required—no frosting explosions or sticky hands everywhere. The best part is pulling the tray out of the oven and watching everyone’s excitement when these ghost-shaped pies appear golden and glowing.
Over the years, this recipe has become more than just a Halloween dessert; it’s turned into a cozy autumn ritual. Every bite of flaky pastry filled with bursting blueberries and topped with fresh lemon icing tastes like fall wrapped in nostalgia. That’s what makes Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies with Lemon Icing such a special seasonal bake—they’re truly as memorable to make as they are to enjoy.
Why ghost hand pies are perfect for Halloween gatherings
When it comes to Halloween parties, snacks that are playful yet practical always shine. Ghost hand pies check every box. Their spooky ghost shape delights kids and adds instant charm to the dessert table, while the hand-held size makes them wonderfully portable—no plates, forks, or messy frosting smears required. Instead, you get a portion-sized pastry that’s easy to tuck into a lunchbox, pass around at trick-or-treat gatherings, or pack for an autumn picnic under falling leaves.
And of course, the flavor combination is irresistible. The vibrant blueberry filling creates a rich, jammy center that naturally complements the zesty kick of lemon icing drizzled over the top. Together, they balance sweetness with brightness, giving these spooky little pies a taste as memorable as their appearance. Every bite combines warm, flaky pastry with juicy blueberry bursts and the refreshing tang of citrus glaze.
That’s the real secret: Halloween treats don’t have to be complicated or overloaded with artificial colors. With just a few simple ingredients, Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies with Lemon Icing manage to be festive, flavorful, and wholesome. Whether served with a cup of cider on a chilly night or shared at a pumpkin-carving party, they embody everything cozy, spooky, and delicious about fall.
Recipe Ingredients & Baking Tools
Key ingredients for vegan blueberry ghost hand pies
One of the best things about Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies with Lemon Icing is how simple and straightforward the ingredient list is. You don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of pantry staples, a few fresh or frozen blueberries, and a zesty touch of lemon. To make Halloween baking stress-free, it helps to divide the ingredients into three parts: dough, filling, and icing.
- For the vegan pie dough: All-purpose flour for structure, vegan butter for that flaky texture, a pinch of sugar for balance, salt to highlight flavors, and plant-based milk to create a soft, workable dough. A gluten-free flour blend works as a substitute too.
- For the blueberry filling: Blueberries combined with sugar and cornstarch to form a jammy center, brightened with lemon zest. Fresh or frozen blueberries both work well.
- For the lemon icing: Powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a splash of plant-based milk whisk together to form a tangy glaze.
| Category | Ingredients | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dough | All-purpose flour, vegan butter, sugar, salt, plant-based milk | Swap with gluten-free flour if needed |
| Filling | Blueberries, cornstarch, sugar, lemon zest | Fresh or frozen blueberries both work |
| Icing | Powdered sugar, lemon juice, dairy-free milk | Adjust thickness by changing lemon juice ratio |
With these pantry-friendly ingredients, you’ll have the perfect base for festive Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies with Lemon Icing. They’re adaptable, flavorful, and easy to tailor for all dietary needs.
Baking tools and kitchen setup
While the ingredients are simple, the right tools make the process fun and stress-free, especially when baking with kids. Essentials include a ghost-shaped cookie cutter, rolling pin, parchment-lined baking sheet, mixing bowls, whisk, and a cooling rack. Keeping tools and ingredients organized in advance lets kids participate without overwhelming the process. With everything ready, these ghost pies become more than a bake—they’re a family event full of spooky fun.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
How to assemble the ghost hand pies
Begin with the chilled pie dough rolled to ⅛-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut ghost shapes in pairs—one for the base and one for the top. Spoon a small amount of blueberry filling onto each base, leaving a border for sealing. Place the top layer gently over and press edges with fingers or a fork. Brush tops with plant-based milk for a golden finish before baking.
Baking and icing techniques
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake pies for 18–22 minutes until golden and bubbling slightly. Cool on a wire rack before icing. Whisk together lemon icing ingredients and drizzle over the cooled pies in spooky streaks. For extra character, add ghost “eyes” with melted chocolate or small chocolate chips. The flaky pastry, juicy filling, and tangy glaze make Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies with Lemon Icing both festive and delicious, guaranteeing they’ll vanish quickly from the tray.
FAQs
Can I make these ghost hand pies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for equally tasty results.
How do I store leftover pies?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerate for 5 days, or freeze for 2 months. Reheat to restore crispness.
Can I use other berries instead of blueberries?
Yes, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, or mixed berries all pair deliciously with lemon icing.
How far in advance can I prepare the dough?
The dough stores in the fridge for 2–3 days or the freezer for a month. Thaw before rolling and cutting shapes.
Can kids help with this recipe?
Definitely! They’ll enjoy cutting ghost shapes, spooning filling, and drizzling icing after baking.
Conclusion
Halloween brings out the joy of cozy baking and festive creativity, captured beautifully in Vegan Blueberry Ghost Hand Pies with Lemon Icing. These spooky treats balance fun and practicality with flaky pastry, juicy blueberry filling, and zesty lemon drizzle. Perfect for parties, family evenings, or autumn picnics, they’re portion-sized and playful while simple enough for kids to join in the fun. This recipe isn’t just about flavor—it’s about tradition, togetherness, and the seasonal spirit. Bake up a batch this Halloween, and watch these ghostly hand pies disappear just like real ghosts—sweet, spooky, and unforgettable.
