Irresistible Pumpkin Pie Bites Recipe

Irresistible Pumpkin Pie Bites Recipe: Tiny Autumn Treats

Crafting delectable pumpkin pie bites can turn an ordinary afternoon into a sweet celebration of autumn’s warmth.

Cool kitchen adventures often start with unexpected inspirations.

Perfectly portioned and bursting with seasonal charm, these miniature treats capture the essence of comfort.

Spices dance through each tiny morsel, creating a sensory experience that whispers memories of cozy gatherings.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness in this simple yet elegant recipe.

Rich flavors meld together, promising a delightful escape from everyday monotony.

I promise these little bites will spark joy and tempt even the most hesitant dessert enthusiast to indulge.

Pumpkin Bites That Make Snacking More Festive

  • Effortless Mini Dessert Delight: Perfect bite-sized treats that require minimal culinary skills, making them ideal for bakers of all experience levels.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser Preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps allow you to whip up these adorable pumpkin pie bites in just a few easy stages, perfect for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous sweet cravings.
  • Versatile Party Favorite: Excellent for various occasions like holiday parties, potlucks, afternoon tea, or family dessert nights, these mini pies offer a portable and elegant dessert option that everyone will adore.
  • Customizable Flavor Experience: Easy to modify with different spices or toppings, allowing creative bakers to experiment and personalize the recipe to suit individual taste preferences or seasonal themes.

Pumpkin Pie Bites Must-Have Ingredients

Main Crust Ingredients:
  • Flour: Fine, powdery base for pie crust.
  • Butter: Cold and cubed for flaky texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Ice Water, Buttermilk, Milk: Helps bind the dough together.
  • Vinegar: Helps tenderize pie crust.
Pumpkin Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides creamy base for filling.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Signature fall flavor.
  • Butter: Adds richness to filling.
  • Egg, Egg Yolk: Provides structure and binding.
  • Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling.
  • Cinnamon, Pumpkin Pie Spice: Classic warm spices.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness.
Whipped Cream Topping:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates light, fluffy texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness.
  • Vanilla: Enhances cream flavor.

Pumpkin Pie Bites Baking Instructions

Step 1: Create Buttery Pie Crust

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend flour and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to break cold butter into tiny crumbly pieces. Pour in ice water or buttermilk and mix gently until dough forms. Shape the dough into a smooth disk, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.

Step 2: Craft Creamy Pumpkin Filling

Whip softened cream cheese until silky smooth. Add:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Melted butter
  • Vanilla extract

Blend ingredients thoroughly. Incorporate egg and egg yolk. Gradually fold in powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and a hint of salt until mixture becomes luxuriously creamy.

Step 3: Shape and Bake Mini Delights

Warm oven to 350°F. Roll out chilled dough on flour-dusted surface until thin. Cut circular shapes using cookie cutter. Gently press dough circles into mini muffin pan, covering bottom and sides completely. Spoon pumpkin filling into each crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and set. Cool completely.

Step 4: Top with Dreamy Whipped Cream

Whip heavy cream until soft peaks emerge. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Continue beating until cream forms stiff, fluffy peaks. Generously dollop or pipe cream atop cooled pumpkin bites right before serving.

Tips That Help with Pumpkin Pie Bites

  • Perfect Pie Crust Technique: Chill the butter and use cold water to ensure a flaky, tender crust that doesn't shrink during baking.
  • Smooth Filling Secret: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier mixing and a silky-smooth texture without lumps.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Lightly dust the pie crust with graham cracker crumbs or ground nuts to create a barrier that keeps the crust crisp.
  • Whipped Cream Pro Tip: Chill your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help the cream whip up faster and hold its shape more effectively.
  • Portion Control Hack: Use a small ice cream scoop to create uniform filling amounts in each mini pie bite for consistent baking and presentation.

Pumpkin Pie Bites: Store Them Just Right

  • Store cooled pumpkin pie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual bites tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Keep whipped cream separate until serving.
  • Remove frozen bites from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Alternatively, transfer to the refrigerator overnight for gentle thawing.
  • Warm bites in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the crispy crust texture. Add fresh whipped cream just before serving.

Pumpkin Pie Bites Go Great With

  • Pair Sweet Spiced Wine: Complement the pumpkin pie bites with a warm mulled wine, enhancing the dessert's autumnal spices and creating a cozy flavor experience.
  • Boost with Vanilla Bourbon: Drizzle a smooth vanilla bourbon over the whipped cream, adding depth and richness that perfectly matches the pumpkin's warm notes.
  • Match with Caramel Latte: Serve alongside a creamy caramel latte, which echoes the dessert's sweet, spiced profile and provides a complementary warm beverage.
  • Elevate with Cinnamon Chai: Pour a spiced cinnamon chai tea that mirrors the pie's warm spices, creating a harmonious and comforting flavor combination.

Irresistible Pumpkin Pie Bites: Seasonal Style Swaps

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie Bites: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Pie Bites: Substitute butter with coconut oil, cream cheese with cashew cream, eggs with flax eggs, and heavy cream with coconut whipped cream. Use plant-based milk and vegan powdered sugar.
  • Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Pie Bites: Use almond flour or coconut flour for crust, replace sugar with erythritol or stevia, and swap regular milk with heavy cream. Add extra spices to enhance flavor while keeping carbs low.
  • No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Bites: Skip the baking process by using graham cracker crust, chilling the filling, and setting in refrigerator. Top with no-bake whipped cream for a quick, easy dessert option.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make the pie crust unique?

The crust uses cold butter and a special liquid option like buttermilk, ice water, or milk/vinegar mix, which creates a flakier and more tender texture compared to traditional pie crusts.

  • How do I prevent my pie bites from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the pumpkin filling and bake at a consistent temperature. Cooling the bites gradually helps prevent surface cracking and maintains a smooth appearance.

  • Can I prepare the pie bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the pie crust and pumpkin filling a day in advance. Store the prepared components separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking for the freshest results.

  • What's the best way to remove pie bites from the muffin tin?

Let the bites cool completely first. Use a small offset spatula or knife to gently loosen the edges, then carefully lift them out to maintain their shape.

Print
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Irresistible Pumpkin Pie Bites Recipe

Irresistible Pumpkin Pie Bites Recipe


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4.9 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delightful Pumpkin Pie Bites bring autumn’s warmth to your dessert table with miniature spiced perfection. Creamy, rich morsels offer a portable twist on classic holiday comfort, inviting sweet memories and delectable moments you’ll savor with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust:

  • 1 1/4 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
  • 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup ice water (or buttermilk or milk/vinegar mix)
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) vinegar (if not using buttermilk)

Filling:

  • 4 ounces softened cream cheese
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) vanilla
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) pumpkin pie spice
  • Pinch of salt

Topping:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) vanilla (optional)

Instructions

  1. Craft the pastry foundation by blending flour and salt in a spacious mixing vessel. Incorporate chilled butter fragments until the texture mimics coarse sandy particles. Drizzle ice water or buttermilk mixture, gently kneading until the dough coheres. Shape into a compact disc, encase in plastic film, and chill for a minimum of half an hour.
  2. Whip cream cheese until velvety and uniform. Fold in pumpkin puree, melted butter, and vanilla essence, stirring until thoroughly integrated. Introduce egg and additional yolk, blending seamlessly. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, warm spices, and a delicate salt sprinkle, creating a luxuriously smooth filling.
  3. Heat culinary workspace to 350°F. Unleash the chilled dough onto a flour-dusted surface, rolling to a gossamer 1/8-inch thickness. Utilize a circular pastry cutter to fashion delicate rounds. Tenderly nestle dough circles into miniature muffin cavities, ensuring complete coverage. Ladle pumpkin mixture into each diminutive crust.
  4. Transfer to preheated oven, allowing golden transformation for 20-25 minutes. Verify doneness by observing firm filling and bronzed edges. Permit complete temperature descent.
  5. Construct ethereal topping by vigorous cream whipping until soft peaks emerge. Gradually introduce powdered sugar and optional vanilla, continuing until peaks stand proudly. Embellish cooled pumpkin morsels with billowy cream just prior to presentation.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is extremely cold for the flakiest, most tender pie crust that melts in your mouth.
  • Vinegar helps tenderize the dough, creating a more delicate and soft pastry texture that will impress everyone.
  • Chill the mini muffin tin before pressing the dough circles to help maintain the crisp crust shape during baking.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for better binding.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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