Mini Pumpkin Pies

This mini vegan pumpkin pie recipe gets rich depth of flavor from maple syrup and warming spices. Make a big batch for your next fall gathering!

I’ve always had an affinity for mini things – mini frittatas, mini apple crisps, mini stuffed peppers. Today, I’m sharing my latest mini obsession: vegan pumpkin pie! Warmly spiced and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, these delectable treats are perfect for fall entertaining. First, they’re intended to be made ahead, as the baked pies need to chill for at least an hour to set. Second, they’re adorable! Fill a tray with bite-sized vegan pumpkin pies dotted with coconut cream and toasted pecans, and you have a guaranteed party hit.

My Vegan Pumpkin Pie Filling

I set out to make a vegan pumpkin pie filling that didn’t require soaking nuts or dragging out the blender. This filling – made of almond milk, corn starch, maple syrup, and pumpkin – whisks together in just a few minutes. Thick & creamy, sans the cream…

My Mini Vegan Pumpkin Pie Crust

Because I’m not a fan of vegan butter substitutes, I used this coconut oil pie crust recipe, by Gena for Food 52. I used half white flour, half spelt flour, and it turned out great. I rolled the dough into mini tart pans because that seemed like the cute and easy way to go. You could also make these in a regular muffin tin. I made the teeny ones (pictured above), in a mini muffin tin. They would be adorable on a dessert platter at any fall gathering!

Of course, the worst part about pumpkin pie is waiting for it to chill. I can’t help you there. Have some patience and enjoy pie the next day!

If you love this vegan pumpkin pie recipe…

Try my pumpkin cake, pumpkin pancakes, or pumpkin bread next!

5.0 from 2 reviews

Vegan Pumpkin Pie

 

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Prep time

20 mins

Cook time

30 mins

Total time

50 mins

 

This mini vegan pumpkin pie recipe is a delicious fall treat! Don't skip the final chilling of the pies, as it's necessary for them to fully set.

Author: Jeanine Donofrio

Recipe type: Dessert

Serves: 6-8 3-inch mini pies

Ingredients

for the filling:

• 1 cup original Almond Breeze Almond Milk
• 3 tablespoons corn starch
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• optional - 2 more teaspoons maple syrup

for the pies:

• this recipe for vegan pie dough
• Crushed pecans, for garnish
• Coconut cream or whipped topping of choice

Instructions

1. Make your pie dough and set it in the fridge to chill while you make the filling. (note-leave in the fridge if you're not going to assemble pies right away. Dough will harden the longer it chills. If it gets too hard, let sit at room temp and it'll become more pliable).
2. In a small (unheated) saucepan, combine the almond milk and corn starch. Whisk until combined and all lumps are incorporated. Add the maple syrup, then bring to a simmer over low to medium-low heat. Whisk continuously until the mixture thickens and looks like the above photo. (about 2 minutes).
3. Turn the heat off and whisk in the pumpkin puree, coconut oil, vanilla, spices, salt, and a little bit more maple syrup. (Taste and adjust spices & sweetness if you want to).
4. Set aside, and let cool to room temp. (chill in the fridge if you're not going to assemble pies right away).
5. Roll/form pie dough into mini tart pans, regular muffin pans, or mini muffin pans. (note - mini muffin pans are the easiest - just use your fingers to press a small ball of dough into each muffin cup - you will have delicious 2-bite pies).
6. In a 350 degree oven, pre-bake dough for 8-12 minutes or until it's just barely not raw. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then spoon in the filling and sprinkle with a few crushed pecans. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the top sets & turns darker orange. Remove, let cool, and refrigerate for 8-24 hours until fully chilled and set.
7. Garnish with coconut cream and a dusting of cinnamon.

Notes

You can sub fresh pumpkin or sweet potato for the canned puree - cook it and mash it first - then puree the final filling in a food processor to smooth the mixture before filling the pies. Use slightly less than 1 cup of fresh mash, because it's thicker and less watery than canned puree.

This filling recipe is intended for mini pies (which are more fun anyway). It is not quite thick enough to set firmly within a full-sized pie.

For a gluten free version: Skip the crust. Crush up lots of pecans with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of coconut oil and make a parfait.

3.4.3177

milky cornstarch concept inspired by this recipe from vegetarian.about.com. Link found via minimalistbaker.com.