If you’re anything like me, there’s something just irresistibly charming about a perfectly baked mini pumpkin pie. These tiny treats pack all the cozy flavors of fall into little bite-sized delights that are perfect for sharing or sneaking a few extras when no one’s looking. I absolutely love this Mini Pumpkin Pies Recipe because it’s straightforward yet delivers that classic creamy pumpkin filling with a buttery, flaky crust that just melts in your mouth.

What makes this recipe truly special is how versatile and approachable it is. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a cozy weekend treat, or just craving a pumpkin dessert without the fuss of a full-sized pie, these mini pies hit the spot. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find yourself making this Mini Pumpkin Pies Recipe again and again — your friends and family will go crazy for them, and you’ll love how easily they come together.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect Portion Size: These mini pies let you enjoy pumpkin pie without committing to a whole slice, great for portion control or sharing.
  • Simple and Quick: The recipe comes together easily, with a straightforward filling and store-bought crust option if you want to save time.
  • Family Favorite: I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t smile when these come out of the oven — perfect for holiday parties or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Mini Pumpkin Pies Recipe really comes from simple, classic ingredients that work beautifully together. You can find everything easily at the supermarket, and the key is quality pumpkin puree — not the pre-sweetened pie filling— for that authentic flavor.

  • Pie crusts: Use either homemade or store-bought for convenience, just make sure they’re good quality and well chilled.
  • Brown sugar: Adds a rich sweetness and depth that plain sugar can’t quite match.
  • Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and keeps the filling from becoming too dense.
  • Pumpkin pie spice: This blend is essential to achieving that warm, fragrant pumpkin flavor we all love.
  • Salt: A pinch enhances all the other flavors, don’t skip it.
  • Canned pumpkin puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling — this lets you control the sweetness and spice.
  • Evaporated milk: This adds creaminess without extra sweetness, crucial for that smooth filling texture.
  • Large egg: Helps the filling set perfectly while keeping it tender.
  • Vanilla extract: A little extra warmth and sweetness to round out the spices.
  • Homemade whipped cream: Optional, but trust me — it takes the finished pies to the next level.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Mini Pumpkin Pies Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I love experimenting by adding different spices or toppings to suit our mood or the occasion. You can tailor these mini pies to your liking without changing a thing about the base recipe.

  • Spiced Up: I like to add a pinch of cinnamon or even a dash of nutmeg to my pumpkin pie spice mix for extra warmth.
  • Vegan-Friendly: Swap out the egg for a flaxseed egg and use a vegan pie crust if you’re avoiding animal products.
  • Extra Crunch: Sometimes I sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a lovely texture contrast.
  • Sweet Twist: Drizzle a little caramel sauce over the whipped cream for an indulgent touch when serving.

How to Make Mini Pumpkin Pies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crust Circles

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F — this ensures a nice crispy crust. Roll out your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface until they’re about 1/8-inch thick. Using a 3 1/2-inch cookie cutter or a sturdy cup, cut out 18 circles. Don’t toss those scraps! Re-roll them gently to cut out more circles, so you can fill the muffin pans completely. Press each circle snugly into the muffin pan cups and pop the pans into the fridge while you prepare your filling. Chilling the dough helps keep the crust from shrinking during baking, which I learned the hard way the first time I made these.

Step 2: Whisk Together Your Flavorful Pumpkin Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until combined. Then add in the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, lightly beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything thoroughly—it should be smooth with no lumps. This is where the magic happens, so take a minute to enjoy how those cozy fall scents start filling your kitchen.

Step 3: Fill and Bake Your Mini Pies

Take your muffin pans out of the fridge, and evenly spoon about 2 tablespoons of pumpkin filling into each crust. Don’t overfill – these little pies puff up slightly as they bake. Then pop the pans in the oven and bake for 16 to 20 minutes until the tops are set and the crusts are lightly browned. Keep an eye on them after 15 minutes, as ovens vary and you want that crust golden but not burnt. It took me a few tries to get the timing right, and now I’m confident that slight golden glow is the cue to pull them out.

Step 4: Cool, Chill, and Serve

Once baked, let the mini pies cool on a wire rack for about 30 minutes before gently removing them from the muffin pans. Then transfer them back to the rack and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight in the fridge. Chilling helps the filling set properly, making them easier to handle and richer in flavor. When you’re ready, serve them chilled or at room temperature with a big dollop of homemade whipped cream on top — this is my favorite way!

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Pro Tips for Making Mini Pumpkin Pies Recipe

  • Prevent Shrinking Crusts: Chill your pie crusts in the muffin pan before baking to help them hold their shape better.
  • Watch Your Oven: Mini pies bake super quickly—check them early to avoid overbaking and dryness.
  • Use Pure Pumpkin: I used to use pumpkin pie filling but found the puree lets me control sweetness and texture much better.
  • Let Them Chill: Don’t skip the chilling step; it really helps the filling set so your mini pies slice cleanly and look picture-perfect.

How to Serve Mini Pumpkin Pies Recipe

Mini Pumpkin Pies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishes, I keep it classic with a generous swirl of homemade whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top. For a festive touch, sometimes I add a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans. The creamy topping balances the spices and adds that inviting, fluffy finish every pumpkin pie needs.

Side Dishes

These mini pumpkin pies are quite the star on their own, but I love pairing them with spiced apple cider or a warm cup of coffee. If serving as part of a fall dessert spread, they complement salted caramel ice cream or vanilla bean panna cotta beautifully for a well-rounded sweet finale.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to serve these mini pies on a wooden platter with fall leaves and small pumpkins around for decoration — it’s a simple but stunning arrangement. You can also tie colorful ribbons around the muffin cups before removing the pies for a charming gift presentation. Mini pie pops on sticks are another fun way to enjoy these at family gatherings or potlucks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover mini pumpkin pies in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep beautifully for up to 4 days. One time I made these ahead for a potluck and they still tasted fresh and moist days later — perfect for busy schedules!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze mini pumpkin pies! I wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw them overnight in the fridge — they reheat nicely without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the pies in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes, which refreshes the crust’s crispness and warms the filling without drying it out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust flaky — it just doesn’t have the same texture.

FAQs

  1. What size cutter should I use for mini pies?

    I recommend a 3 1/2-inch cookie cutter or a sturdy cup to cut the pie dough circles. This size fits perfectly in a standard muffin tin and makes about 18 mini pies.

  2. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

    Yes, but you’ll need to roast and puree the pumpkin yourself until smooth and thick. Fresh pumpkin puree may add a fresher flavor but the texture can be wetter, so make sure to drain excess moisture before using.

  3. How can I avoid the crust shrinking during baking?

    Chilling the formed pie crusts in the muffin pan for at least 15 minutes before adding filling and baking helps maintain their shape and prevents shrinking.

  4. Can I make these mini pies ahead of time?

    Definitely! Bake and chill them overnight, then serve chilled or at room temp the next day. They keep well in the fridge for a few days and can also be frozen for longer storage.

  5. What’s the best way to serve mini pumpkin pies?

    I love them with homemade whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. They’re perfect with warm drinks like cider or coffee to balance the spice.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Mini Pumpkin Pies Recipe enough — it’s one of those feel-good, soul-warming desserts that bring comfort and smiles every time. I remember the first time I baked them for a friend’s gathering; they disappeared so fast I had to make a second batch! Whether you’re a pumpkin pie traditionalist or just looking for a fun way to celebrate the season, these mini pies will become your go-to. So roll up your sleeves, grab that pie crust, and enjoy the cozy goodness—it’s like fall on a plate, one mini pie at a time.

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Mini Pumpkin Pies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 53 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 48 minutes
  • Yield: 18 mini pumpkin pies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Mini Pumpkin Pies are perfect for fall celebrations or a cozy dessert. Made with a buttery pie crust and a smooth pumpkin filling spiced with pumpkin pie spice, each bite offers a deliciously creamy and flavorful experience. Baked in muffin pans for bite-sized convenience, they are fantastic served chilled or at room temperature, topped with a dollop of homemade whipped cream.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Pie Crust

  • 2 9-inch unbaked pie crusts, homemade or store bought

Filling

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 3/4 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

  • Homemade whipped cream, for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the mini pies.
  2. Prepare Pie Crust Circles: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crusts to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a 3 1/2-inch cookie cutter or cup, cut out 18 circles. Re-roll scraps as needed to get all circles.
  3. Line Muffin Pans: Place each pie crust circle into each slot of two standard 12-count muffin pans, pressing gently to fit snugly and evenly around the edges. Refrigerate the pans to keep the dough firm while preparing the filling.
  4. Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until combined. Add the canned pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, lightly beaten egg, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
  5. Fill Crusts: Remove the muffin pans from the refrigerator. Evenly spoon the pumpkin filling into each pie crust circle, distributing about 2 tablespoons per mini pie.
  6. Bake: Bake the mini pumpkin pies in the preheated oven for 16-20 minutes or until the filling is set and the crusts are lightly golden. Watch carefully near the end to prevent burning.
  7. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the pies to cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Carefully remove each mini pie from the muffin pans and continue cooling completely on the rack.
  8. Chill: Once cooled, place the mini pies in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and filling to set.

  9. Serve: After chilling, gently remove the pies from pans if not done earlier. Serve chilled or at room temperature, topped with homemade whipped cream if desired.

Notes

  • Ensure the pumpkin puree used is plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, to control sweetness and spice level.
  • Chilling the pies helps the filling to firm up and enhances the flavor.
  • You can prepare these mini pies a day ahead for convenience.
  • Store leftover pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 mini pie
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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