Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies: A Fun and Tasty Halloween Dessert

Are you looking for a fun and festive treat this Halloween? Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the perfect combination of holiday spirit and irresistible flavors. These adorable, flaky pies feature two delicious fillings: bourbon apple and roasted blackberry, making them a hit at any gathering. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into how to make these delightful pies, share tips for success, and offer insights into their health benefits. So, grab your rolling pin, and let’s get baking!

What Are Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies?

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are individual-sized pies shaped like pumpkins with faces carved into the top layer of the crust. They’re filled with fruit-based fillings, and when baked, they resemble mini Jack-O-Lanterns. These hand pies are not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty. They offer a perfect balance between a buttery, flaky crust and rich, flavorful fillings.

Why You’ll Love These Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are a must-try this fall. Here are a few reasons why these pies are perfect for Halloween:

• Fun and festive: The cute Jack-O-Lantern shapes add a creative twist to traditional pies.
• Customizable fillings: You can switch between sweet bourbon apple or tangy roasted blackberry—or even mix and match!
• Portable desserts: These hand pies are the perfect grab-and-go treat for parties or trick-or-treating.
• Kid-friendly activity: Get the kids involved by letting them cut out the Jack-O-Lantern faces.

Ingredients for Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies

To make these delightful pies, you’ll need a few basic pantry staples and fresh fruits. Here’s a breakdown of everything required:

For the Pie Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 sticks (8 oz) unsalted butter, diced and very cold
• 6-9 tablespoons ice water
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1/4 cup raw or turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)

For the Bourbon Apple Filling:

• 2 large Honeycrisp apples, peeled and diced
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2/3 cup brown sugar

The Roasted Blackberry Filling:

• 18 oz fresh blackberries
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

These simple ingredients come together to create a rich, buttery dough and decadent fruit fillings that are perfect for hand pies.

How to Make Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough

A good pie starts with a perfect dough. Follow these steps for a flaky crust:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the very cold diced butter and mix until the texture resembles coarse sand.
2. Slowly add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together.
3. Divide the dough into two portions, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Cold dough will ensure that your crust remains light and flaky during baking.

Step 2: Make the Bourbon Apple Filling

The bourbon apple filling adds warmth and depth of flavor, making it perfect for fall:

1. Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced apples, bourbon, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender and syrupy. Let the filling cool completely before using it.

Step 3: Roast the Blackberries

For a tangy and slightly sweet roasted blackberry filling:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Spread the blackberries evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
3. Combine roasted blackberries with sugar and vanilla extract in a small pot. Simmer for 10 minutes and let cool.

Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies

Here’s where the fun part begins:

1. Roll out your chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness.
2. Use a 4-inch pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the bottom layers of your pies. For the top layers, cut out the same pumpkin shapes, but this time, carve out Jack-O-Lantern faces.
3. Spoon 1 1/2 tablespoons of either filling onto each uncut pumpkin shape. Brush the edges with egg wash, then place the Jack-O-Lantern face cutouts on top.
4. Seal the edges with a fork and brush the tops with egg wash. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar for added crunch.

Step 5: Bake the Hand Pies

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Bake the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Allow the pies to cool before serving.

Notes and Tips for Perfect Hand Pies

• Keep the dough cold: Warm dough can result in a tough crust. If your dough becomes too soft while rolling, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes before continuing.
• Don’t overfill: While it’s tempting to load the pies with filling, too much can cause them to burst open in the oven.
• Seal the edges: Be sure to seal the edges of the pies well by pressing with a fork. This prevents the filling from leaking during baking.
• Vary the fillings: These pies are highly customizable! You can swap out the fruit fillings for pumpkin, cherry, or chocolate for a fun twist.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

While these pies are certainly a treat, they also offer some nutritional benefits. Apples are a great source of fiber, and blackberries are packed with antioxidants. Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional profile of these hand pies:

Nutrition Details (per serving):

• Serving Size: 1 pie
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg
• Sodium: 170 mg
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 22 g
• Vitamin C: 12%
• Calcium: 2%
• Iron: 8%

FAQs

Conclusion

Jack-O-Lantern Hand Pies are the perfect fall dessert, combining festive fun with irresistible flavors. Whether you’re filling them with bourbon apples or roasted blackberries, these pies are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. The flaky crust paired with the flavorful fillings makes these hand pies a must-have for any Halloween celebration. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up some spooky, delicious fun!

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