Mini Pumpkin Pies with Flaky Crust and Whipped Cream: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe

Mini Pumpkin Pies with Flaky Crust and Whipped Cream are an amazing addition to any autumn gathering. Bursting with the nostalgic flavors of fall, these delightful little pies are perfect for treating your friends and family during the holiday season or anytime you’re in the mood for a cozy dessert. The combination of the rich pumpkin filling and the light, flaky crust topped with freshly whipped cream creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist.
Pumpkin pie is a classic dessert, but mini versions make it even more appealing by allowing everyone to enjoy their personal portion. Each bite of these mini pies melts in your mouth, providing a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether served at Thanksgiving or a casual weeknight dinner, your loved ones will be showering you with compliments after they take their first bite.
In this guide, you’ll learn why this Mini Pumpkin Pies with Flaky Crust and Whipped Cream recipe is so special, the precise preparation and cooking times, and step-by-step instructions for perfecting this delightful dessert. Get ready to impress your guests and create lasting memories around the dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mini Pumpkin Pies with Flaky Crust and Whipped Cream offer an amazing array of features that make them irresistible. Here are several reasons you’ll want to whip up this fantastic dessert:
1. Perfect Portion Size: Mini pies are easy to serve and great for individual servings, making them an ideal choice for gatherings.
2. Delicious Flavor Combination: The creamy pumpkin filling combined with a delicate flaky crust and light whipped cream makes every bite a heavenly delight.
3. Seasonal Favorite: These pies capture the essence of autumn with warm spices and pumpkin that everyone loves during the fall season.
4. Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward, allowing even novice bakers to succeed with minimal effort.
5. Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings, such as caramel or crushed nuts, to personalize your mini pies.
6. Aesthetically Pleasing: These mini desserts are adorable and will surely impress your guests with their charming presentation.
With these standout features, it’s no wonder that Mini Pumpkin Pies with Flaky Crust and Whipped Cream are a hit at any event!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Creating these delicious Mini Pumpkin Pies should take around 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. Here’s a breakdown of the time required:
– Preparation Time: 30 minutes
– Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
– Cooling Time: 15-20 minutes
These times may vary slightly based on your experience and kitchen equipment. Use this framework as a good estimate to plan ahead.

Ingredients

– For the Flaky Crust:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
– 3-4 tablespoons ice water
– For the Pumpkin Filling:
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
– For the Whipped Cream:
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create your Mini Pumpkin Pies with Flaky Crust and Whipped Cream:
1. Prepare the Flaky Crust:
– In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
– Add the chilled butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
– Stir in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.

2. Chill the Dough:
– Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes while you prepare the filling.
3. Make the Pumpkin Filling:
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Preheat the Oven:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills.
5. Roll Out the Dough:
– On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or a round glass to cut out circles that fit into your mini pie pan.
6. Assemble the Pies:
– Place the dough circles in the mini pie pan and gently press them into the bottom and sides. Fill each crust with the pumpkin filling until it reaches about ¾ full.
7. Bake and Cool:
– Bake the mini pies in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool for about 15-20 minutes.
8. Prepare Whipped Cream:
– While the pies cool, make the whipped cream. In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until stiff peaks form.
9. Serve:
– Once the mini pumpkin pies are fully cooled, dollop a generous amount of whipped cream on top and serve!

How to Serve

Serving Mini Pumpkin Pies with Flaky Crust and Whipped Cream is all about presentation and creating an inviting atmosphere:
1. Garnish: Consider garnishing with cinnamon or a sprinkle of nutmeg on top of the whipped cream for a touch of elegance.
2. Serving Dish: Use a beautiful serving platter to display your mini pies. The visual appeal adds to the dining experience.
3. Accompaniments: Pair the pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of spiced cider for a complete fall-themed dessert experience.
4. Plating: Serve the pies on individual dessert plates for a personal touch. This encourages guests to indulge completely in their mini creations.
5. Add Fresh Fruit: Consider including slices of fresh apple or pear beside the mini pies for a refreshing contrast.
By considering these serving tips, you will ensure your Mini Pumpkin Pies with Flaky Crust and Whipped Cream are not only delicious but also memorable experiences for your guests!

Additional Tips

– Use Fresh Pumpkin: For a more robust flavor, consider using fresh pumpkin instead of canned. Roast and puree your pumpkin for the best taste.
– Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and sweetened condensed milk are at room temperature. This helps them blend more smoothly into the filling.
– Dust with Cinnamon: Before serving, lightly dust the whipped cream with ground cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
– Check Doneness: To ensure the filling is perfectly set, gently shake the pie; the center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid.

Recipe Variation

Get creative with these delicious variations for your Mini Pumpkin Pies with Flaky Crust and Whipped Cream:
1. Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the pumpkin filling for a subtle kick of heat.
2. Nutty Crust: Consider adding ground pecans or walnuts to your crust for added texture and flavor.
3. Vegan Substitute: Replace the sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream and the egg with a flaxseed egg for a vegan version.
4. Chocolate Twist: Drizzle melted chocolate over the whipped cream for a delightful chocolate pumpkin flavor combination.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Keep any leftover mini pumpkin pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
– Freezing: These mini pies freeze beautifully! Place them in an airtight container separated by layers of parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Special Equipment

To craft your Mini Pumpkin Pies perfectly, gather the following kitchen tools:
– Mini pie pan: This is essential for achieving the right size for your mini pies.
– Rolling pin: Ensure your crust is evenly rolled out.
– Mixing bowls: Use different sizes for crust preparation and filling mixing.
– Whisk: Ideal for blending the filling ingredients together smoothly.
– Pastry cutter or fork: Helpful for cutting in butter into the crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ensure my crust is flaky?
Use cold butter and avoid over-mixing your dough. This creates that desirable flaky texture.
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! For a quicker option, store-bought crust works well if you’re short on time.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the pie?
Feel free to modify the amount of sweetened condensed milk according to your taste preference.
What can I serve alongside these mini pies?
Consider pairing them with spiced tea, hot cider, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a complete fall dessert experience.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pies.

Conclusion

Mini Pumpkin Pies with Flaky Crust and Whipped Cream are a delightful treat that encapsulates the spirit of fall. Whether enjoyed at a festive gathering or as a beloved family dessert, these mini pies bring warmth and joy. The combination of a buttery flaky crust, rich pumpkin filling, and cloud-like whipped cream creates an unforgettable dessert. Your loved ones will surely appreciate the effort, and you’ll love sharing these delectable mini treats!

Print