These Harry Potter inspired Pumpkin Pasties are perfect for fall. It’s a fun recipe that is easy to make and can be served as an appetizer or dessert!
It’s that time of year again. The leaves are changing color, the air is getting crisper and pumpkin spice lattes are in full force.
To celebrate the change of seasons, we’re going back to Hogwarts for some Harry Potter-themed food — specifically, pumpkin pasties.
Our Pumpkin Pasties are mini hand pies filled with warm spiced pumpkin pie filing that will have you closing your eyes and saying mmm. They are not only delicious but ridiculously easy to make.
You only need 3 ingredients: pre-made pie crust (or you could make your own), canned or homemade pumpkin pie filling, and maple syrup or turbinado style sugar for your glaze.
They’re perfect for any Harry Potter themed party, Halloween, Fall or just because, and they taste amazing!
What are Pumpkin Pasties?
For those of you that haven’t seen or read the Harry Potter books (ps. you’re missing out!)
Pumpkin pasties are a flaky, pie-like pastry filled with a pumpkin filling. They are generally small and hand-sized, but can vary in size.
The Pumpkin Pasty is a variation of a British Pasty. Most say it resembles a Cornish pasty.
But, pasties themselves have been around since the thirteen century.
Think of them as the very first hot pocket. They allowed people to bake meats and vegetables in a sealed crust and carry them around with them.
Are pumpkin pasties sweet or savory?
Traditionally, pasties are savory, but they are what you want them to be in the Wizarding world.
There isn’t a clear explanation in the Harry Potter books or movies that designates them one way or the other.
I have tried recipes for savory and sweet pumpkin pasties, both of which I like.
I decided to go with a sweet variation for this recipe because you just can’t go wrong with a good dessert that fits in the palm of your hand.
A little Harry Potter Trivia
Pumpkin Pasties weren’t the most popular treat mentioned in Harry Potter, but they were the center of a noticeable moment between Harry’s crush Cho and him on the Hogwarts express during the beginning of the fourth movie, The Goblet Of Fire.
In all, pumpkin pasties were only mentioned twice throughout the series. The other time was when Harry bought them with him on the trolly his first year going to Hogwarts.
Even this lack of limelight in the series hasn’t had any effect on their popularity among muggles, like us. If you haven’t tried them, now’s your chance!
How do you glaze pumpkin hand pies?
We like to glaze our hand pies by brushing with maple syrup. Then sprinkling with sugar on top of the pies.
How long do you bake them for?
Our recipe calls for a baking time of about 11 to 14 minutes. But keep in mind this time will completely depend on the size of the pies and thickness of the crust.
So keep a close eye on the first batch to try and get a feel for how long it will take for the next tray.
How to store leftovers
In the unlikely event that you have any left over mini pumpkin pies, you will want to store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep fresh for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze pumpkin hand pies?
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Due to the high moisture content of the pumpkin, it does not lend itself well to thawing.
You’ll most likely end up with a soggy pie crust, so it’s best only to make what you think you will eat in 5 days’ time.
How To Make Harry Potter Pumpkin Pasties
Our Pumpkin Pasties are perfect for fall, Halloween, or Harry Potter themed parties. These are really simple to make all around.
No fancy kitchen equipment required, just a baking sheet and parchment paper.
Parchment paper will help keep them from sticking without adding any excess grease to the baking sheet.
Pumpkin-shaped cookie cutters are totally optional, but may be helpful for younger helpers.
Ingredients For Pumpkin Pasties
This recipe calls for all pre-made ingredients, but if you prefer to make your own pie dough for the crust and pumpkin pie filling, you can.
You can also do an egg wash instead of the sugar for that shiny glaze effect.
- 1 package (two rolls) of pie crust
- 1 can pumpkin pie filling or pumpkin puree
- optional: pure maple syrup and turbinado style sugar
Directions for Pumpkin Mini Hand Pies
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out the pie crust and use pumpkin cookie cutters (or you can free hand it with a sharp knife).
Remember to make an even number of each size you’re making as you will need both a front and back to make one pasty.
Place enough pumpkin pie filling on one side to make sure the pumpkins are stuffed, but not so much it will leak out the sides when pressing down the edges with a fork.
This will be trial and error at first, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly. Try to match our photo above as a guide.
Optional portion: Brush with maple syrup. Place the tray of assembled pumpkins in the oven for about 2 minutes.
Then carefully remove, sprinkle the sugar on top of the pies and return to the oven for the rest of their cook time.
Bake for a total of about 11 to 14 minutes or until golden brown.
Keep in mind this time will completely depend on the size of the pies and thickness of the crust so keep a close eye on the first try to get a feel for how long it will take for the next tray.
I hope you enjoy this recipe and that it helps bring some of the magic of Harry Potter into your everyday life.
Since these mini-hand pies only require 3 ingredients, they are perfect if you don’t have much time on your hands but still want to throw an awesome event with some delicious sweet treats.
If you enjoy this recipe, we recommend checking out our other pumpkin recipes too!
3 Ingredient Mini Pumpkin Hand Pies (aka Pumpkin Pasties)
Ingredients
- 1 package (two rolls) pie crust
- 1 can pumpkin pie filling
- pure maple syrup or turbinado style sugar optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pie crust and use pumpkin cookie cutters (or you can free hand it), to make an even number of each size you’re making.
- Place enough pumpkin filling to make sure the pumpkins will be stuffed, but not so much it will leak out the sides when pressing down the edges with a fork.
- Brush with maple syrup or you can place the tray of finished pumpkins in the oven for about 2 minutes. Then carefully remove, sprinkle the sugar on top of the pies and return to the oven for the rest of their cook time.
- Bake for about 11 to 14 minutes, but keep in mind this time will completely depend on the size of the pies and thickness of the crust so keep a close eye on the first try to get a feel for how long it will take for the next tray.
Notes
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