Fall has a way of inviting us back into the kitchen. As the air turns crisp and the days shorten, cozy treats filled with seasonal fruits become more than just desserts — they turn into traditions. That’s especially true around Halloween, when kitchens overflow with spooky-yet-cute recipes perfect for family gatherings. Among all the fun ideas out there, one recipe that has quickly stolen the spotlight is easy vegan ghost hand pies. These playful little pastries are not just adorable; they’re also a hit for anyone searching for kids Halloween recipes or mini Halloween pies that feel festive without being complicated.
Every October when I was growing up, the kitchen became a whirlwind of flour, cinnamon, and laughter. My mom would pull out her well-worn rolling pin while we kids scrambled to press cookie cutters into whatever dough she had on hand. Some days we’d help shape pumpkins or bats, but my favorite memories are of making mini Halloween pies that we’d decorate with goofy expressions. It wasn’t about perfection — it was about being together, giggling as ghost-shaped dough turned into funny little characters with uneven “faces.”
Now that I’m a parent myself, I carry on the same tradition with my own children. They get so excited about kids Halloween recipes because the steps are easy and the results are instantly rewarding. There’s something special about watching children proudly hold up their ghost-shaped pies before sliding them into the oven. It’s playful baking at its best: memorable, delicious, and filled with the spirit of the season.
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Easy Vegan Ghost Hand Pies
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 hand pies
Description
Adorable ghost-shaped vegan hand pies with flaky dairy-free crust and cozy fruit filling—perfect for Halloween and fall baking.
Ingredients
All-purpose flour – 2 1/2 cups
Granulated sugar – 1–2 tbsp
Fine sea salt – 1 tsp
Cold vegan butter, cubed – 1 cup
Ice water – 6–8 tbsp
Thick fruit filling (apple, blueberry jam, or compote) – 1 1/2 cups
Ground cinnamon – 1/2 tsp (optional)
Cornstarch – 1 tsp (for juicy fillings)
Lemon zest – 1 tsp (optional)
Plant-based milk or aquafaba – 2 tbsp (for brushing)
Coarse sugar – 1 tbsp (for sprinkling)
Flour for rolling; ghost-shaped cutter; parchment-lined baking sheet
Instructions
1. Whisk flour, sugar, and salt; cut in cold vegan butter until pea-sized. Add ice water just until dough comes together; form two disks and chill 30 minutes.
2. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
3. Stir fruit filling with cinnamon and cornstarch (and lemon zest if using).
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-inch thick. Cut ghost shapes, re-rolling scraps as needed; make an even number of pieces.
5. Place half the ghosts on the sheet. Spoon 1–1 1/2 tsp filling in the center, leaving a small border.
6. Cut vent ‘eyes’ in the matching tops. Cap each bottom with a top; press edges to seal, then crimp with a fork.
7. Brush with plant milk or aquafaba and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
8. Bake 18–22 minutes until golden at the edges and lightly browned on top.
9. Cool 10 minutes before serving. Store airtight 2 days at room temp or 5 days refrigerated; re-crisp in a warm oven. Freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
I’ll admit, discovering vegan baking was almost accidental. A few years ago, one of my nieces became vegan, and I didn’t want her to feel left out during our annual Halloween treat-making night. That year, instead of the usual butter and cream-based recipes, I experimented with a dairy-free pie crust and fruit fillings. To my surprise, not only did the vegan swap work perfectly, but everyone fell in love with the taste — even the non-vegans in the family!
Since then, vegan ghost hand pies have become a non-negotiable part of our fall themed baking. Whether stuffed with cinnamon apples or dark berry jam, these pastries are proof that Halloween food vegetarian recipes can be just as indulgent and fun as traditional ones. What started as a way to make sure everyone felt included turned into a new family favorite, proving that inclusivity in the kitchen can add even more warmth to our traditions.
Why Vegan Ghost Hand Pies are Perfect for Fall
Seasonal Ingredients that Make Them Special
One of the best parts about fall baking is the abundance of seasonal fruits that are just waiting to be transformed into delicious desserts. Apples, blueberries, and pears take center stage this time of year, and they happen to work beautifully in these Halloween food vegetarian ghost hand pies. Their natural sweetness and cozy flavor profiles make them ideal for fillings that feel both indulgent and fresh.
Think of cinnamon-dusted apple pie filling tucked into a flaky vegan crust, or a rich blueberry jam oozing from behind a ghost-shaped “face.” These seasonal ingredients not only boost flavor but also connect the recipe to autumn traditions. By keeping the fillings plant-based, you get treats that are light, vibrant, and naturally aligned with fall themed baking. Best of all, these ingredients are easy to find at your local market during the cooler months, so you can bake something festive without hunting down specialty items.
Fun for Families & Kids
Beyond the pumpkins on porches and costume planning, food is one of the most memorable parts of Halloween for children. That’s why kids Halloween recipes like vegan ghost hand pies are such a win. Unlike complex desserts that require hours of prep, these little pies are incredibly hands-on and easy for small helpers to join in on. Kids love using cookie cutters to stamp out the ghost shapes, poking eye designs, and even spooning in the fruit fillings (messy or not, it’s all part of the fun!).
The beauty of this recipe is that it invites participation without stress. Even if the shapes come out silly or uneven, that just adds to the charm. This is exactly why families return to mini Halloween pies year after year: they’re adorable, creative, and a great bonding activity everyone can share. What emerges from the oven isn’t just food, but a tray of edible little characters that kids can proudly say they helped make.
By combining wholesome autumn flavors with playful presentation, vegan ghost hand pies become more than a dessert—they’re a seasonal memory-maker. For parents, it’s peace of mind knowing these Halloween food vegetarian delights are healthier yet still festive, while for kids, it’s pure joy seeing their ghost-shaped handiwork baked into something delicious.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Easy Vegan Ghost Hand Pies
Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need
- For the Vegan Pie Crust (homemade version):
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup vegan butter (cold, cubed)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1–2 tbsp sugar (optional)
- 6–8 tbsp ice-cold water
- Shortcut option: Store-bought vegan pie crust
- For the Filling:
- 1 ½ cups fruit filling (apple, blueberry, strawberry jam, etc.)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp sugar (if needed)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- For Assembly & Baking:
- Ghost cookie cutter
- Rolling pin
- Baking tray with parchment paper
- Small spoon
- Plant-based milk or aquafaba (for brushing)
- Pinch of sugar for sprinkling
Preparation & Baking Instructions
- Prepare the Dough – Combine flour, salt, sugar, and vegan butter until crumbly. Add ice water gradually until dough comes together. Chill 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling – Toss sliced fruits with cinnamon, sugar, and cornstarch. For jams, ensure thickness to prevent spillage.
- Cut Out Ghost Shapes – Roll dough ⅛-inch thick, cut with ghost cutter.
- Add the Filling – Spoon small dollops onto half the cutouts, leaving space on edges.
- Seal & Decorate – Top with matching ghost cutouts, seal edges, poke out “eyes.”
- Brush & Bake – Brush with plant milk, sprinkle sugar, bake at 375°F for 18–22 minutes until golden.
- Cool & Serve – Allow to cool, then serve these cute easy baked goods warm or at room temp.
FAQs
Are vegan ghost hand pies freezer-friendly?
Yes! Freeze fully cooled pies in a single layer, then transfer to a container. Keeps 2–3 months. Reheat in oven before serving.
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely. Vegan-friendly crusts work perfectly for mini Halloween pies, saving prep time while keeping a flaky texture.
What fillings work best for mini Halloween pies?
Apple, blueberry, raspberry, peach, or pumpkin purée work well. Thick jams or compotes are best to prevent leaking, keeping your cute easy baked goods neat.
How do you store these pies after baking?
Store in a sealed container up to 2 days at room temp or 5 days in the fridge. Reheat in oven for crispness.
Conclusion
Vegan ghost hand pies bring together the best of fall themed baking: seasonal fruits, cozy flavors, and whimsical shapes. They’re playful, simple, and fun for every age group, while also making a thoughtful Halloween food vegetarian addition to your table.
Whether you serve them fresh from the oven at a party or enjoy them as a family tradition, these cute easy baked goods are sure to be a seasonal highlight. Grab that ghost cookie cutter and delight everyone with these spooky-sweet treats!
