These Mini Pumpkin Pies are the perfect bite-sized treat for the holiday season! With a buttery, flaky crust, a creamy spiced pumpkin filling, and a candied pecan topping, these mini pies are a fun and elegant twist on classic pumpkin pie. They’re easy to serve, require no slicing, and are sure to impress at any gathering!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade)
- Cooking spray
- Pie weights or dried beans
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice (divided)
- ¼ tsp salt (divided)
- 1 large egg
For the Candied Pecans:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
For Topping (Optional):
- Whipped cream
Directions
Prepare the Pie Crusts:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat a 24-well mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Roll out pie crusts into 12-inch rounds and cut out 24 (3-inch) circles.
- Press each round into a muffin tin well.
Par-Bake the Crusts:
- Place mini muffin liners over the dough rounds and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool. Carefully remove the muffin liners and weights.
Make the Pumpkin Filling:
- In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, heavy cream, sugar, flour, vanilla, nutmeg, cloves, half the pumpkin pie spice, half the salt, and egg until smooth.
- Spoon about 1 heaping teaspoon of the filling into each prepared crust.
Bake the Mini Pies:
- Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 15 minutes or until the filling is set.
- Let cool before transferring to a serving platter.
Make the Candied Pecans:
- In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, remaining pumpkin pie spice, and salt over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble, then add pecans.
- Cook until pecans are toasty and fragrant, then spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool.
Assemble & Serve:
- Chop the candied pecans and sprinkle over the cooled mini pies.
- Add whipped cream if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrients (Per Mini Pie)
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Protein: ~2g
- Fat: ~6g
- Saturated Fat: ~3g
- Sugar: ~8g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sodium: ~80mg
Why These Mini Pumpkin Pies Are a Must-Try
Mini Pumpkin Pies offer all the comforting flavors of classic pumpkin pie in a fun, individual-sized form. They are easy to prepare, simple to serve, and bake faster than a full pie, making them a convenient dessert option for busy holiday seasons.
The flaky, golden crust holds up perfectly against the creamy, spiced pumpkin filling, while the candied pecan topping adds a delightful crunch and caramelized sweetness. If you love fall spices, velvety pumpkin desserts, and a mix of textures, these mini pies will quickly become your new favorite treat.
They’re also versatile and can be easily adapted for different dietary preferences. Whether you want a gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free version, these mini pies can be customized to suit any need.
The Health Benefits of Mini Pumpkin Pies
1. Pumpkin is Nutrient-Dense and Low in Calories
Pumpkin is naturally rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutrient-packed ingredient for desserts. It’s loaded with vitamin A, which supports eye health and immune function, as well as fiber, which promotes digestion and keeps you feeling full.
Pumpkin is also low in calories compared to many other pie fillings, meaning you can indulge in this dessert without feeling too heavy or overly full.
2. Spices Offer Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The warm spices used in these pies, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, are more than just flavor enhancers. They contain powerful antioxidants that help fight inflammation and support overall wellness. Cinnamon, in particular, has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion.
3. Pecans Provide Healthy Fats and Protein
The candied pecan topping is not just delicious—it’s also a great source of healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and zinc. Pecans provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which help reduce bad cholesterol levels and promote overall cardiovascular health.
4. Portion Control Helps with Balanced Indulgence
Because these pies are mini-sized, they allow for built-in portion control. Instead of committing to a full slice of pumpkin pie, you can enjoy a smaller serving while still satisfying your sweet tooth. This makes them a great option for mindful indulgence during the holiday season.
How to Customize This Recipe
One of the best things about these Mini Pumpkin Pies is their adaptability. Whether you need a gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free version, there are plenty of ways to modify the recipe without compromising flavor or texture.
For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free pie crust or a nut-based crust made from almond flour. Many grocery stores carry gluten-free pie crusts, or you can make one from scratch using a mix of almond flour, coconut flour, and butter or coconut oil.
For a dairy-free alternative, swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or almond milk. These alternatives still provide a creamy texture while keeping the recipe lactose-free. If you’re looking for a plant-based version, use a vegan butter substitute for the crust and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water).
For a nut-free option, simply omit the candied pecans or replace them with toasted pumpkin seeds or crushed graham crackers for extra crunch.
If you love extra texture in your pies, try adding chocolate chips, a sprinkle of shredded coconut, or a swirl of maple syrup into the filling before baking. For an extra crunchy topping, mix in crushed pretzels or granola with the candied pecans.
Best Ways to Serve and Enjoy Mini Pumpkin Pies
Mini Pumpkin Pies are best served chilled or at room temperature, allowing the flavors to fully develop and the filling to set properly. However, if you enjoy warm desserts, they can be lightly reheated in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
For an elegant presentation, garnish each pie with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. If you want to elevate the dessert for special occasions, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm spiced chai latte.
If you’re hosting a holiday party, consider setting up a dessert platter featuring mini pies in different flavors, such as apple, pecan, or chocolate, alongside fresh fruit, nuts, and coffee.
These mini pies also make a fantastic addition to holiday dessert tables, allowing guests to enjoy a small sweet treat without committing to a full slice of pie.
Perfect Occasions for Mini Pumpkin Pies
Mini Pumpkin Pies are ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and fall gatherings, but they’re also perfect for any occasion that calls for a delicious, make-ahead dessert. Since they don’t require slicing, they are a great choice for potlucks, office parties, and Friendsgiving celebrations.
They are also a fun, kid-friendly treat that can be packed into lunchboxes, enjoyed as an after-school snack, or served at birthday parties. Their portable size and mess-free serving style make them a great option for serving at large events.
If you’re looking for a homemade gift idea, these mini pies can be beautifully packaged in small boxes or tins, making them a thoughtful and delicious holiday present for friends, neighbors, or teachers.
FAQs About Mini Pumpkin Pies
Many people wonder if these pies can be made ahead of time. Absolutely! You can bake the mini pies a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just be sure to add the whipped cream and toppings right before serving to keep them fresh.
Another common question is whether store-bought pie crust works as well as homemade crust. Yes! Store-bought pie crust saves time and works great, but if you prefer a more buttery and flaky texture, making the crust from scratch is always worth it.
For those who want a stronger pumpkin spice flavor, simply increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves in the filling. You can also add a splash of maple syrup or bourbon for extra depth and warmth.
If you’re wondering whether these pies can be frozen, the answer is yes! You can freeze them for up to 2 months, then thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.
Conclusion
Mini Pumpkin Pies are a festive, fun, and flavorful dessert that delivers all the rich taste of traditional pumpkin pie in a bite-sized form. Their flaky crust, creamy spiced filling, and crunchy candied pecan topping make them a must-try for the holiday season and beyond.
With their easy-to-make recipe, customizable options, and elegant presentation, these mini pies are perfect for any gathering, special occasion, or everyday treat. Whether you’re serving them at a party, packing them for a snack, or giving them as gifts, they are sure to impress and delight.
Make a batch today and enjoy the perfect blend of buttery crust, smooth pumpkin filling, and sweet candied pecans in every bite!