When fall rolls around, comfort baking takes center stage—and nothing says festive like these adorable gluten-free ghost pies with blueberry filling. Perfectly spook-tacular for a Halloween celebration, these mini Halloween pies combine the charm of a kid-friendly recipe with the rich flavor of homemade blueberry filling. Shaped like little ghosts, they’re both cute and delicious, making them a seasonal treat that’s as fun to bake as it is to eat. Whether you’re new to gluten-free baking or looking for easy kids’ Halloween recipes, this ghost pies recipe is a show-stopping way to bring family and friends together this autumn.
Making Gluten-Free Ghost Hand Pies a Family Memory
Every fall, my kitchen turns into a little workshop of flour-dusted countertops and giggles from my kids as we dive into seasonal recipes. One tradition that has quickly become a favorite is creating ghost-shaped hand pies. Unlike complicated desserts, these gluten-free ghost hand pies are truly approachable—simple enough for kids to help shape and decorate, yet special enough to serve at a party. They instantly become part of the memory-making magic that kids carry with them into adulthood.
What I especially love is the balance between creativity and comfort food. While many kids’ Halloween recipes are overly sugary or candy-based, this ghost pies recipe feels wholesome yet festive. Shaping the dough into friendly little ghosts adds an adorable touch, while the blueberry filling sneaks in a fruity surprise that’s both flavorful and naturally vibrant. We even started a tradition of lining the finished pies on the counter to “haunt” our family dinner before digging in.
Baking them together creates hands-on fun: little ones love pressing cookie cutters into the dough, while older kids help seal the edges or brush on an egg wash. It’s baking with a seasonal twist—where even the tiniest steps feel like part of a celebration. These ghost pies have become more than just food; they’re a way to slow down, connect, and welcome autumn with warm, fragrant kitchen moments.
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Gluten-Free Ghost Pies with Blueberry Filling
- Total Time: 42 mins
- Yield: 12 mini pies 1x
Description
Adorable gluten-free hand pies shaped like ghosts and filled with a tart-sweet blueberry mixture, perfect for Halloween celebrations and family baking.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. In a large bowl combine gluten-free flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then add ice water a tablespoon at a time until dough forms.
3. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion of dough to 1/8-inch thickness and use a ghost-shaped cutter to cut matching top and bottom pieces.
5. In a medium bowl, toss blueberries with lemon juice and cornstarch until coated.
6. Place bottom dough pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, add 1–2 tablespoons of blueberry filling to each, then top with second dough piece.
7. Crimp edges with a fork, cut small vents or eye shapes, and brush each pie with beaten egg.
8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes until edges are golden and filling bubbles.
9. Let pies cool for 15 minutes before glazing.
10. Whisk powdered sugar with milk and a splash of lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over cooled pies.
11. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 22 mins
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sodium: 135
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Protein: 2
Why Blueberry Filling Works So Well
When it comes to mini Halloween pies, filling makes all the difference. While apple or pumpkin might feel more traditional for the season, I’ve found that blueberry brings something truly unique to the table. The tart-sweet flavor of blueberries cuts through the richness of buttery, gluten-free crust, balancing every bite perfectly. And when baked, the filling develops a gorgeous purple-blue hue that makes each ghost pie look beautifully eerie when split open—just the right amount of spooky fun!
Adding a light lemon glaze on top seals the deal. The citrus acts as a bright contrast to the berries, giving the pie a fresh pop of flavor, while also adding a glossy, ghostly shimmer that kids absolutely love. Unlike heavier desserts that dominate Halloween tables, these blueberry-filled pies feel lighter and a bit more sophisticated without losing that element of seasonal joy.
The result? A playful treat that isn’t just about looks—it tastes incredible, too. That combination of gluten-free flakiness, fruity filling, and sweet-tangy glaze creates a dessert worthy of both weeknight baking with kids and a showy addition to a Halloween party spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Gluten-Free Ghost Pies
When it comes to this ghost pies recipe, the magic starts with simple pantry staples. Using gluten-free flour ensures the crust is tender yet safe for anyone avoiding gluten, while blueberries provide a jewel-toned filling that feels festive and fun. Below is a clear breakdown of what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free all-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups | Base for the pie crust; choose a blend with xanthan gum for best results |
| Unsalted butter (cold, cubed) | 1 cup (2 sticks) | Creates a rich, flaky crust |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | Light sweetness for the dough |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Enhances overall flavor |
| Ice water | 6–8 tbsp | Helps bind the dough without making it sticky |
| Fresh or frozen blueberries | 2 ½ cups | Sweet-tart ghost pie filling |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp | Balances the berries with bright acidity |
| Cornstarch or arrowroot powder | 1 ½ tbsp | Thickens the blueberry filling |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup | Base for simple lemon glaze |
| Milk (dairy or non-dairy) | 1–2 tbsp | Helps thin glaze consistency |
| Egg (for wash) | 1 large | Adds golden color to pies when baked |
Naturally Gluten-Free Benefits: The beauty of this recipe is that the crust and filling rely on ingredients that are easy to find and naturally gluten-free. Not only does it ensure your ghost hand pies come out light, buttery, and crisp, but it also makes them accessible for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Tools and Kitchen Setup for Easy Ghost Pies
- Rolling Pin: For flattening the dough to an even thickness.
- Ghost-Shaped Cookie Cutter: The star of the show! If you don’t have one, use a paper stencil and a paring knife.
- Parchment Paper & Baking Sheet: Prevents sticking and speeds up cleanup.
- Mixing Bowls: One for dry ingredients, one for wet, and a small one for glaze.
- Pastry Brush: Handy for egg wash or glazing evenly.
- Fork: Crimps the edges and seals pies securely.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For precise gluten-free baking.
- Kid-Friendly Tools: Silicone spatulas, safe cutters, or small decorating brushes.
Pro Tip for Kids: Prep the dough in advance so kids can focus on shaping, pressing, or glazing their ghost pies without a messy kitchen scene.
Shaping and Filling the Ghost Hand Pies
- Roll the dough on floured parchment paper to about ⅛-inch thickness.
- Cut out ghost shapes in pairs using a cutter or stencil.
- Place 1–2 tablespoons of blueberry filling onto the base cutout.
- Seal by adding the top cutout and crimping edges with a fork.
- Optionally carve out ghostly eyes or a tiny mouth for personality.
- Brush with egg wash for golden-brown results.
Tip: Gluten-free dough can be delicate. Patch cracks with extra dough and smooth gently. Once baked, they’ll look perfectly rustic.
Baking, Glazing, and Serving the Mini Halloween Pies
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake pies for 18–22 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Cool 15 minutes before glazing.
- Whisk lemon juice, milk, and powdered sugar into a smooth pourable glaze.
- Brush or drizzle over cooled pies; enhance faces with mini chocolate chips or icing.
- Serve warm with ice cream, arrange on Halloween-themed platters, or let kids decorate individually.
Pro Tip: These hand pies pack easily, making them fantastic for school events or parties.
FAQs
Can I use other fillings instead of blueberry?
Yes! Apples, cherries, raspberries, or pumpkin butter all make delicious substitutions. Just make sure your filling isn’t runny.
How do I prevent gluten-free dough from cracking?
Keep butter cold, add enough ice water, and don’t worry about small cracks—patch them easily with extra dough.
Can I make these ghost pies ahead of time?
Definitely. Refrigerate dough and filling separately a day in advance, or bake and store in an airtight container for 2 days. Freeze unglazed pies for longer storage.
Are these ghost pies good for classroom Halloween snacks?
Yes! They’re handheld, low-mess, and gluten-free friendly. For school parties, serve plain or lightly sugared without glaze for easiest transport.
Conclusion
Gluten-free ghost pies with blueberry filling are more than just pastries—they’re little bundles of joy wrapped in flaky crust and fruity magic. With their playful ghost shapes and vibrant blueberry centers, these mini Halloween pies hit the perfect balance of seasonal fun and homemade flavor. Whether you’re sharing them at a classroom party, enjoying a cozy family bake, or setting up a Halloween dessert table, this ghost pies recipe makes every bite memorable.
Bake, decorate, and share these fun ghost hand pies to create seasonal traditions that bring joy year after year. Sweet, spooky, and always delightful—they’re the perfect way to welcome Halloween into your kitchen.
