Bite Sized Mini Pumpkin Pies: Fall’s Perfect Treats

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Bite Sized Mini Pumpkin Pies are the ultimate fall dessert, capturing the essence of autumn in every bite. These delightful treats feature a buttery, flaky crust filled with creamy pumpkin goodness, making them perfect for gatherings, holiday dinners, or just a cozy night in. With a touch of pumpkin pie spice and a dollop of whipped cream, they are sure to bring warmth and joy to any occasion. Let’s dive into how to create these charming little pies!

Why You’ll Love This Bite Sized Mini Pumpkin

There are countless reasons to adore these mini pumpkin pies. First, they are incredibly cute, making them ideal for parties or family gatherings. Second, each pie is a perfect portion, eliminating the need for slicing and serving. Third, the combination of flavors is classic and comforting, appealing to both adults and kids alike. These tiny treats can also be easily customized with toppings like whipped cream or cinnamon, allowing for personalization. Additionally, they utilize simple ingredients, making the recipe accessible for everyone. This Bite Sized Mini Pumpkin recipe also fits into a vegetarian diet, ensuring that all your guests can enjoy them!

Ingredients for Bite Sized Mini Pumpkin

Gather these items:

2 (9-inch) refrigerated pie crusts
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup pure pumpkin puree
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream, for topping

How to Make Bite Sized Mini Pumpkin Step-by-Step

Step 1: Unroll pie crusts and cut into 3.5-4 inch circles using a round cutter. Gently press each dough circle into the cups of a standard 12-cup muffin tin. Trim excess dough. Chill the muffin tin with crusts for 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Step 3: In a separate large bowl, combine 1 cup pure pumpkin puree, 3/4 cup evaporated milk, 1 large egg, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Pour the dry sugar and spice mixture into the wet pumpkin mixture. Stir gently until fully combined and smooth.
Step 5: Carefully pour pumpkin filling into the chilled pie crusts, filling each about ¾ full. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Remove from oven and let cool in the muffin tin on a wire rack for 20-30 minutes.
Step 6: Once partially cooled, gently remove pies from muffin tin and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely at room temperature (1-2 hours). Garnish with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a mini cinnamon stick before serving.
Step 7: Store any leftover mini pumpkin pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Bite Sized Mini Pumpkin

Keep these in mind:

Make sure to chill the pie crusts before filling; this helps maintain their shape while baking.
For an extra flavor boost, use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned.
Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
Avoid overfilling the crusts to prevent spillage while baking.

Best Ways to Serve Bite Sized Mini Pumpkin

These delightful mini pies can be served in various ways. Consider offering them with a side of vanilla ice cream for a rich dessert experience. Alternatively, they pair wonderfully with coffee or spiced cider for a cozy gathering. For a festive touch, top each pie with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Bite Sized Mini Pumpkin

To keep your mini pumpkin pies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you have leftovers, you can reheat them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. This will help to revive the flaky crust and warm the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bite Sized Mini Pumpkin

What’s the secret to perfect Bite Sized Mini Pumpkin?

The secret lies in the crust! Make sure to chill your pie crusts thoroughly before filling. This ensures that they hold their shape and provide a nice flaky texture. Also, using high-quality pumpkin puree enhances the flavor immensely.

Can I make Bite Sized Mini Pumpkin ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mini pumpkin pies a day in advance. Just bake them, allow them to cool, and store them in the refrigerator. They taste just as delicious the next day!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Bite Sized Mini Pumpkin?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure you don’t overfill the crusts, as this can lead to spillage. Also, keep an eye on the baking time; they should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when done.

Variations of Bite Sized Mini Pumpkin You Can Try

There are many delicious variations to explore. For a chocolate twist, add mini chocolate chips to the filling. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider using a whole wheat pie crust or a nut-based crust. You can also substitute some of the sugar with maple syrup for a different flavor profile!

For more pumpkin recipes, check out our Pumpkin Gnocchi Recipe or Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread. You can also learn about the benefits of pumpkin in your diet here.