Nutella Mummy Hand Pies

Vegan Nutella Mummy Hand Pies are a delightful Halloween treat that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also delight kids and adults alike. These treats are easy to prepare, making them perfect for parties, gatherings, or even a fun family baking day. With their flaky pastry and rich filling, they stand out as a creative dessert option that brings festive spirit to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these hand pies in no time.
• Kid-Friendly: Fun to make and eat, these pastries are perfect for little hands.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even as part of a Halloween-themed breakfast.
• Guilt-Free Indulgence: Made with vegan ingredients, these pies cater to various dietary preferences.
• Creative Presentation: Their mummy design adds a spooky touch that’s sure to impress guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will help streamline your experience and allow you to focus on creating delicious treats.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Ensures an even thickness for the puff pastry, helping achieve the perfect texture.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for your hand pies while allowing heat to circulate evenly during baking.

Ingredients

For the Pastry

• 2 sheets of ready roll puff pastry (Vegan & gluten-free)

For the Filling

• 6 tablespoons of Vegan Nutella
• 2 medium sized bananas

For the Egg Wash

• 3 tablespoons of dairy-free milk (for the ‘egg wash’)

For Topping

• 2 tablespoons of caster / granulated sugar
• 1 packet of dairy-free white chocolate buttons
• 2 tablespoons of icing sugar (dusting)

How to Make Nutella Mummy Hand Pies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for ensuring that your pies bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden color.

Step 2: Prepare the Pastry

Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into rectangles approximately 4×6 inches.

Step 3: Fill with Nutella and Bananas

On half of each rectangle, spread about 1 tablespoon of Vegan Nutella. Slice the bananas and place them on top of the Nutella.

Step 4: Seal the Pastries

Fold the other half of each pastry rectangle over the filling. Press down firmly around the edges to seal them shut. Use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security.

Step 5: Apply Egg Wash

Brush the tops of each pastry with dairy-free milk using a pastry brush. This will help create a beautiful golden crust as they bake.

Step 6: Add Sugar Topping

Sprinkle caster sugar over the top of each hand pie before placing them in the oven.

Step 7: Bake

Place your prepared pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.

Step 8: Decorate

Once baked and slightly cooled, melt dairy-free white chocolate buttons in a microwave-safe bowl. Drizzle melted chocolate over each pie to create mummy wrapping. Dust with icing sugar for an extra spooky touch!

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Vegan Nutella Mummy Hand Pies! Perfect for Halloween festivities or any fun gathering!

How to Serve Nutella Mummy Hand Pies

Nutella Mummy Hand Pies make for a delightful Halloween treat that can be served in various fun ways. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your spooky dessert experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve with slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or oranges. The sweetness of the fruit complements the rich chocolate filling.

Ice Cream Delight

• Pair with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the warm hand pies.

Dusting of Icing Sugar

• Lightly dust with icing sugar before serving. This adds an extra touch of sweetness and enhances the visual appeal.

Halloween-Themed Platter

• Arrange on a festive platter alongside other Halloween treats. This creates an inviting display for your guests.

Hot Chocolate Dip

• Serve with a side of warm dairy-free hot chocolate for dipping. This cozy combination is perfect for chilly autumn nights.

How to Perfect Nutella Mummy Hand Pies

To ensure your Nutella Mummy Hand Pies turn out perfectly, consider these simple tips.

• Chill your pastry: Keeping puff pastry chilled makes it easier to handle and results in a flakier texture when baked.

• Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas enhance sweetness and add moisture, making the filling more delicious.

• Seal edges well: Ensure you press down on the edges firmly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.

• Even egg wash application: A uniform coating of dairy-free milk gives your hand pies a beautiful golden color when baked.

• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on them in the oven; they should be golden brown but not overcooked.

Best Side Dishes for Nutella Mummy Hand Pies

Nutella Mummy Hand Pies can be complemented with various side dishes that enhance their flavors and provide a well-rounded meal.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the hand pies.

2. Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Crunchy veggie sticks like carrots and celery paired with hummus add a savory element to your dessert spread.

3. Spiced Nuts: A bowl of lightly spiced nuts provides a crunchy contrast to the soft hand pies.

4. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup offers a comforting and seasonal touch, perfect for fall gatherings.

5. Dairy-Free Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries creates a light, refreshing side option that pairs well with rich desserts.

6. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: Salty pretzels coated in dairy-free chocolate make for an irresistible crunchy treat alongside sweet pastries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Nutella Mummy Hand Pies can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your Halloween treats. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Ignoring Puff Pastry Temperature: Using puff pastry straight from the fridge can lead to tough pies. Always let it come to room temperature for better results.
• Overfilling the Pies: Adding too much filling can cause spills during baking. Use a tablespoon of Vegan Nutella and ensure there’s enough space for sealing.
• Skipping the Egg Wash: Not applying dairy-free milk for an ‘egg wash’ can result in dull pies. Brush the tops before baking to achieve a golden color.
• Cutting Decorations Too Late: Waiting until after baking to cut mummy strips may lead to uneven shapes. Cut the pastry into strips before assembling.
• Not Using Baking Paper: Placing pies directly onto a baking tray can cause sticking. Always use parchment paper for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Nutella Mummy Hand Pies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Nutella Mummy Hand Pies

• Place completely cooled pies in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months; just remember to separate layers with parchment paper.

Reheating Nutella Mummy Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes for crispy results.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds but note that this may make them soft.
• Stovetop: Warm in a non-stick pan over low heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Nutella Mummy Hand Pies.

Can I use regular Nutella instead of vegan?

Yes, you can use regular Nutella if dietary preferences allow, but it won’t be vegan-friendly.

How do I customize my Nutella Mummy Hand Pies?

You can add chopped nuts or different spreads like almond or peanut butter for unique flavors.

What should I serve with Nutella Mummy Hand Pies?

They pair well with fresh fruit or dairy-free whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience.

How long do Nutella Mummy Hand Pies take to make?

The total prep and cook time is about 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute Halloween treats.

Final Thoughts

Nutella Mummy Hand Pies are not only delicious but also fun and versatile. You can customize them with various fillings or decorations, making them suitable for any occasion. Try this easy recipe and enjoy these spooky delights at your next gathering!