Adorable Mini Pumpkin Pies bring all the rich, spiced flavors of traditional pumpkin pie into perfectly portioned mini desserts. These easy-to-make treats are ideal for Thanksgiving, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a cozy autumn dessert. The creamy pumpkin filling pairs perfectly with a flaky crust, and a dollop of whipped cream makes each bite irresistibly festive.
INGREDIENTS- Unbaked pie crusts: 2 (9-inch, store-bought or homemade) rolled out to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Brown sugar: 1/3 cup, for a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: 2 tbsp, to balance the filling's flavor.
- Pumpkin pie spice: 1 1/2 tsp, for warm, spiced flavor.
- Salt: 1/4 tsp, to enhance the filling's flavor.
- Pumpkin puree: 1 cup (canned, not pumpkin pie filling) for the creamy base.
- Evaporated milk: 3/4 cup, to add richness to the filling.
- Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten, to bind the filling.
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 tsp, for a touch of sweetness and depth.
- Whipped cream: For topping, to complete the pies.
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Roll out the pie crusts to 1/8-inch thickness and use a 3.5-inch cutter to create 18 circles. Place each circle into a standard muffin tin, pressing gently to fit. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Step 2:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Add pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Step 3:
- Fill each prepared pie crust with approximately 2 tablespoons of the pumpkin mixture, ensuring they’re evenly filled.
- Step 4:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 16-20 minutes, or until the tops are set and the crusts are golden brown.
- Step 5:
- Allow the pies to cool in the muffin tin for 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 6:
- Once cooled, store the pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight to chill.
- Step 7:
- Before serving, top each mini pie with a dollop of whipped cream and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature with whipped cream for a classic finish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use a decorative cutter for the pie crust circles to add a festive touch.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the whipped cream.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chill the pie crust before cutting to ensure clean, even edges.
- Bake the pies on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips and make removal from the oven easier.