why make this recipe
Jack o’Lantern Mini Pumpkin Pie Pops are perfect for celebrating the fall season and Halloween. They capture the spooky spirit in a fun, delicious way. Not only are they cute and festive, but they’re also easy to make and share with friends and family. Kids and adults alike will enjoy these tasty treats, making them a great addition to any autumn gathering.
how to make Jack o’Lantern Mini Pumpkin Pie Pops
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 eggs (divided)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 (14 oz) box refrigerated pie crust or puff pastry
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Make sure the oven rack is on the middle rung. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into a small saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring until the filling thickens, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Add in the cream cheese, 1 lightly beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix well and set aside.
- Roll out the chilled pie crust and cut out pumpkin shapes. Place them on the parchment paper.
- Insert popsicle sticks in the center of each pumpkin. Make sure the stick is halfway up each pumpkin with the longest portion sticking out from the bottom.
- Add a small spoonful of filling to the center of each pumpkin cutout.
- Cut out the tops of the pumpkins. Use a small knife to cut eyes and a mouth for each pumpkin.
- Place the tops back on the pies. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges.
- Brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
- Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the cookie sheet. Use a spatula to lift the pies and place them in a glass Kerr canning jar full of sugar to display and serve.
how to serve Jack o’Lantern Mini Pumpkin Pie Pops
Serve these adorable pie pops at your next Halloween party or fall gathering. They make a great dessert table centerpiece and are easy for guests to grab and enjoy. You can also display them in a jar or in a fun Halloween-themed basket to add to the festive atmosphere.
how to store Jack o’Lantern Mini Pumpkin Pie Pops
Store any leftover pie pops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can also freeze them for longer storage, wrapped individually in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
tips to make Jack o’Lantern Mini Pumpkin Pie Pops
- For a smoother filling, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it in.
- Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter for perfect designs or be creative and freehand your pumpkin shapes.
- If you want a softer crust, consider using puff pastry instead of pie crust.
variation
You can switch up the pumpkin pie filling by adding chocolate chips or nuts for an extra crunch. It’s also interesting to swap out pumpkin for sweet potato or butternut squash to create different flavors!
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes, homemade pumpkin puree works great! Just make sure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake them just before serving.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for cream cheese?
Yes, you can use non-dairy cream cheese or a nut-based cream cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.
