Easy Mini Pumpkin Pies Recipe

If you’ve been dreaming of the perfect autumn treat that’s both delightful and effortless, these Easy Mini Pumpkin Pies are exactly what you need. They capture all the cozy, spiced flavors of a classic pumpkin pie but in bite-sized portions that are as adorable as they are delicious. With a flaky, buttery crust and a creamy pumpkin filling that’s perfectly balanced with warm spices, these mini pies are the star of any holiday table or a sweet everyday indulgence. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make, ensuring you can enjoy fall’s favorite flavors without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right ingredients is like laying a solid foundation for flavor. Each component here plays an essential role, from creating a tender crust to giving the filling that signature pumpkin pie warmth and sweetness.

• 2 unbaked pie crust: Soft but cool, these provide the flaky, buttery base that holds everything together beautifully.
• 1 cup (245 g) pumpkin purée: Be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pie filling, for the freshest natural sweetness and texture.
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the filling, giving it a luscious mouthfeel.
• 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar: Offers gentle caramel notes that meld perfectly with the spices.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binder for the filling and helps it set with a silky finish.
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: The star spice blend that delivers that iconic pumpkin pie flavor punch.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds depth and a comforting hint of spice.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Crucial for balancing sweetness and elevating all other flavors.

How to Make Easy Mini Pumpkin Pies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375° F, the perfect temperature for baking these mini marvels. Grease your mini muffin tin so the pies come out cleanly and maintain their beautiful shape. This little prep step ensures every mini pie will look as good as it tastes.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, heavy cream, light brown sugar, egg, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk vigorously for about 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This is where the magic happens — getting that silky, creamy texture that makes these pies so irresistible.

Step 3: Cut and Press the Pie Crust

Roll out your pie dough on a floured surface and use a 2 ½-inch round cookie cutter to cut circles. Press each circle into the greased mini muffin tin cups, making sure to gently push the dough up the sides with your thumb. This delicate step creates a lovely crust pocket ready to cradle the luscious filling. Don’t forget to reroll the scraps to make the most of your dough!

Step 4: Fill the Pie Crusts

Carefully spoon the pumpkin filling into each prepared muffin cup, filling them all the way to the top. This ensures every mini pie delivers that perfect ratio of crust to filling, giving a satisfying bite every single time.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake at 375° F for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye out for crust edges turning a gorgeous golden color and the center of the filling setting firmly. After baking, let the pies cool for 5 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the filling set fully and prevents breakage when you remove them.

How to Serve Easy Mini Pumpkin Pies

Garnishes

Nothing beats a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of these pies, sprinkled with a pinch of cinnamon for an extra festive touch. Alternatively, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted pecans adds wonderful texture and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

These mini pies pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or a rich espresso. If you’re serving these at a holiday gathering, consider offering fresh fruit like cranberries or a tangy citrus salad to complement the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Easy Mini Pumpkin Pies on a rustic wooden board with autumn leaves for a festive touch. For parties, place each pie in a decorative cupcake liner or top with edible gold leaf to make them extra special and visually stunning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Easy Mini Pumpkin Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them chilled preserves their texture and flavor, so they taste almost as good as fresh the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze these pies either before or after baking. For the best results, freeze baked pies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and thaw beautifully in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To bring these little treats back to life, warm them in a 325° F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the crust crisp and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?

It’s best to use pure pumpkin purée rather than canned pumpkin pie filling because the filling already contains added spices and sweeteners. This allows you to control the flavors and texture perfectly for these mini pies.

What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?

If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, small tart pans or even silicone cupcake molds can work well. Just adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on the crust to prevent burning.

Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a vegan pie crust to make these pies dairy-free and vegan-friendly. Using an egg replacer like flax egg can help the filling set nicely.

How long do these pies keep their best flavor?

Easy Mini Pumpkin Pies are freshest when enjoyed within 2-3 days of baking, but they stay delicious up to 4 days refrigerated or frozen for longer storage.

Can I double or halve this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible. Just adjust your ingredient quantities proportionally and bake in batches if needed. Just watch the baking time and doneness accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a pumpkin pie purist or just discovering the charm of this fall favorite, these Easy Mini Pumpkin Pies offer a perfect balance of flavor, ease, and festive flair. They’re a wonderful way to bring a little seasonal joy into your kitchen and share something truly special with family and friends. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll become your go-to autumn treat time and time again. Happy baking!

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