Fall baking has a way of bringing families and friends together, and nothing says Halloween cheer quite like ghost-shaped treats. These vegan blueberry ghost hand pies with lemon icing are the perfect mix of whimsy and flavor—easy to bake, fun to decorate, and filled with juicy blueberry goodness. The zesty lemon icing adds just the right pop of brightness, making every bite spooky-sweet and unforgettable. Whether you’re creating new Halloween traditions or reminiscing about childhood kitchen adventures, this recipe will guide you through the story, the flavors, the ingredients, and the step-by-step method to craft these festive little pies.
A Spooky Memory at the Baking Table
There’s something magical about Halloween in the kitchen. Picture flour dust floating through the air, pumpkin decorations glowing on counters, and little hands reaching eagerly for ghost-shaped cookie cutters. Baking has always been one of those activities that turns ordinary afternoons into cherished memories. Growing up, recipes often became less about perfection and more about laughter—dough stuck to elbows, blueberry juice staining fingertips, and everyone rushing to see who could make the funniest ghost shape.
That spirit inspired these vegan blueberry ghost hand pies with lemon icing. They capture the nostalgic joy of family baking while giving the classic treat a modern, plant-based twist. Shaping the pies into ghosts keeps things festive, while the rich blueberry filling and glossy lemon glaze promise that first sweet-tart bite will be worth every bit of playful mess. Just like carving pumpkins or sipping on warm cider, these hand pies feel like a tradition in the making—something simple yet charming to bring to Halloween parties, bake sales, or cozy weekend nights at home.
Why Blueberry and Lemon Make Magic Together
When it comes to flavor, blueberries and lemons are a match made in spooky heaven. The deep, jewel-toned blueberries simmer down into a lusciously sweet filling with subtle tartness, perfect for nestling into a flaky, buttery vegan pastry. Then comes the lemon icing—bright, tangy, and slightly citrusy—which cuts through the richness with a refreshing zing. It’s not just about flavor, though. The blueberry filling naturally tints the pies with a vibrant purple-blue hue, which pairs beautifully with the pale ghost-shaped crust once baked.
This duo also makes the hand pies seasonal without going heavy on typical pumpkin or apple flavors (though we love those too!). Instead, vegan blueberry ghost hand pies with lemon icing provide a lighter, fruit-forward option for fall gatherings. The contrast of soft, jammy blueberries and crisp pastry topped with sweet lemon drizzle makes every bite playful yet balanced. And let’s be honest: ghost shapes smiling back at you from the dessert plate are enough to charm even the spookiest skeleton at the party.
Essential Vegan Ingredients You’ll Need
Every successful recipe begins with the right ingredients, and for these vegan blueberry ghost hand pies with lemon icing, you don’t need anything overly complicated. Most of the essentials are pantry-friendly or easy to pick up at your local grocery store. What makes this recipe special is how it transforms simple plant-based ingredients into a festive Halloween dessert that feels both nostalgic and modern.
| Component | Ingredients (Vegan-Friendly) | Notes & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Dough | – All-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend) – Plant-based butter (cold) – Coconut sugar or cane sugar – Dairy-free milk (soy, oat, or almond) – Pinch of salt | You can use pre-made vegan pie dough to save time—it works beautifully with ghost cookie cutters. |
| Blueberry Filling | – Fresh or frozen blueberries – Organic cane sugar or maple syrup – Cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) – Lemon juice – Pinch of cinnamon (optional) | Frozen blueberries work just as well—no need to thaw completely before cooking down. |
| Lemon Icing | – Powdered sugar (vegan-certified) – Lemon juice – Lemon zest – Small splash of dairy-free milk (optional) | The zest makes the icing extra flavorful while giving it a pretty speckled look. |
This combination ensures the pies are perfectly balanced: a crisp, golden crust, juicy and jam-like blueberry filling, and a bright lemon glaze on top. Since the recipe is entirely plant-based, it’s a thoughtful Halloween treat for anyone avoiding dairy or eggs without sacrificing taste.
Tools and Tricks for Perfect Halloween Hand Pies
- Rolling Pin: Essential for flattening the dough evenly.
- Ghost-Shaped Cookie Cutter: The star of the show to give your pies their charming personality.
- Baking Sheet + Parchment Paper: Keeps pies from sticking and promotes even browning.
- Pastry Brush: Ideal for brushing dairy-free milk for a golden crust.
- Fork or Dough Crimper: Adds texture while sealing edges.
- Skewer or Straw: Perfect for poking ghostly little eye holes.
Keep in mind: chill your dough before cutting, avoid overfilling the hand pies, and flour your cutter to prevent sticking. These small tricks ensure your ghosts come out clean, sharp, and festive.
Making the Blueberry Filling and Lemon Icing
For the blueberry filling:
- Place 2 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries in a saucepan with ¼ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- Simmer 5–7 minutes until berries burst and juices release.
- Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) until thickened. Cool completely.
For the lemon icing:
- Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp finely grated zest.
- Add a drop of dairy-free milk if too thick. Set aside until pies are baked and cooled.
Assembling and Baking the Ghost Hand Pies
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet.
- Roll dough to ⅛-inch thickness and cut even ghost shapes.
- Place half the ghosts on the sheet, spoon 1–2 teaspoons of filling onto each, and top with remaining cutouts.
- Seal edges with a fork, poke “eyes” with a straw, and brush tops with dairy-free milk.
- Bake 18–22 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool 15 minutes, then drizzle with lemon icing.
Common Questions About Vegan Ghost Pies
- Can you make these pies gluten-free? Yes, just use a gluten-free flour blend or store-bought gluten-free vegan crust.
- Can frozen blueberries be used? Definitely, no need to thaw before cooking.
- How far in advance can you prepare? Filling lasts 3 days; you can freeze assembled pies unbaked and bake fresh.
- Can I try other fillings? Yes—spiced apples, pumpkin butter, or chocolate spreads work great.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container at room temp up to 2 days, or refrigerated 5 days.
Wrapping Up With a Sweet Halloween Treat
Halloween is the season for warmth, fun, and a little spooky mischief, and these vegan blueberry ghost hand pies with lemon icing deliver it all. With their flaky golden crust, juicy blueberry center, and bright lemon glaze, they’re as festive as they are delightful. Whether you’re baking as a family project, making treats for a party, or just adding whimsical charm to your October evenings, these little ghosts are sure to spark smiles.
So dust off that rolling pin, grab your cookie cutter, and let these pies haunt your kitchen in the sweetest way possible. Happy Halloween!
