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Ah, the arrival of fall! For me, it’s that exquisite time of year when the golden leaves begin to blanket the ground and warm spices waft through the air. I’ll never forget the first time I stumbled upon mini pumpkin pies—my best friend and I were exploring a local farmer’s market, trying every lovely fall treat we could find. Just as the sun was setting, we found a charming stall offering adorable mini pumpkin pies. One bite was all it took—those sweet, spiced morsels melted in my mouth, filling the air with the most delightful aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg. Ever since, these little darlings have been a staple in my home kitchen each autumn. With their buttery crusts and velvety pumpkin filling, they’re perfectly portioned to enjoy and share. Trust me, once you try these cozy mini pumpkin pies, you’ll be counting down the days to fall every year, just as I do!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Perfect for beginners or seasoned pros—we’ll guide you every step of the way.
- Quick Treat: From prep to plate in just under an hour!
- Crowd-Pleasing: These little pies are always a hit at fall gatherings or cozy family nights.
- Flavorful & Comforting: Each bite is bursting with warm spices and the essence of autumn.
- Perfectly Portion-Controlled: Bite-sized goodness means guilt-free snacking!
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree: The star ingredient! Opt for pure pumpkin puree—no added sugar or spices here.
- 3/4 cup sugar: Sweeten it up! Feel free to adjust depending on how sweet you like your desserts.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors, making the pie filling richer.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cozy vibes in a spice! It’s essential for that warm fall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a delightful zing that dances on your taste buds.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A warm undertone that rounds out the spice profile beautifully.
- 2 large eggs: These give the filling structure and a lovely richness.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: For that luxuriously creamy texture that melts in your mouth!
- 1 package (1 crust) refrigerated pie crusts: A time-saver! Make sure your crust is nice and cold for easy handling.
- Whipped cream (for serving, optional): Who can resist a dollop of cream on top?
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and let it warm up. The smell of that preheating oven will have you dreaming of cozy fall evenings!
2. Whisk the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, eggs, and heavy cream. Start whisking until everything is smooth and creamy. Imagine that enticing aroma filling your kitchen as you mix—pure autumn bliss!
3. Prepare the Pie Crust
Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Grab a round cookie cutter or a small glass, and cut out small circles, about 3 inches in diameter. Gently press each circle into a mini muffin tin, making sure they fit snugly.
4. Fill the Crusts
Spoon the luscious pumpkin mixture into each crust, filling them about 2/3 full. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—the charm is in their cozy imperfections!
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake your mini pies in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until they’re set. Keep an eye on them—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
6. Cool and Serve
Allow the mini pies to cool for a few minutes before gently removing them from the tin. Serve these little treasures warm with a dollop of whipped cream—pure comfort in every bite.
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill the crust: If your pie crust is too warm, it can become sticky. Keep it cool before rolling.
- Don’t overfill: Leave some space in the crusts to avoid overflow as they bake.
- Test for doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
- Make it a family affair: Get loved ones involved in cutting, filling, and enjoying together!
Flavor Variations
- Spice it up: Add a touch of allspice or cloves for an extra depth of flavor.
- Nutty twist: Stir in some finely chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
- Sweet potato swap: Try using sweet potato puree instead of pumpkin for a sweeter flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these cozy mini pumpkin pies with warm chai or spiced cider for a lovely autumn afternoon. For plating, serve them on a rustic wooden board with a sprinkle of cinnamon and some fresh mint leaves. Drizzle a rich caramel sauce over the top for added elegance!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prep the filling a day in advance to save time. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Once baked, these pies last for about 3-4 days if stored in the refrigerator. Just pop them in a container with a lid to keep them fresh!
Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (unlikely, but just in case!), crumble them over some vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert sundae. Or, turn them into pumpkin pie parfaits with layers of whipped cream.
Freezing
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked mini pies. Just wrap each filled crust tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To bake from frozen, add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to enjoy them!
Reheating
The best way to reheat your mini pumpkin pies is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes to keep that crust crispy. If you’re short on time, the microwave does work—just be cautious, as it can make the crust a bit soft.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust instead?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust will add a wonderful touch of love and flavor.
Can I make these without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute with flax eggs or applesauce to keep them egg-free.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or even whole milk, but the cream does offer that rich texture we love.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Certainly! Use gluten-free pie crust from your favorite brand, and you’re good to go!
Final Thoughts
As we cozy up for the fall season with warm sweaters and vibrant leaves, I hope these mini pumpkin pies find a special place in your kitchen and your heart. There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking and sharing these little delights with loved ones. Grab your apron, fill your home with that lovely pumpkin-spice aroma, and let’s create tender memories together, one small pie at a time. Happy baking, my friends! 🥧🍂