Nutella Mummy Hand Pies

Vegan Nutella Mummy Hand Pies are a delightful Halloween treat that will make your celebrations even more special. These hand pies combine the rich flavor of vegan Nutella with the sweetness of bananas, all wrapped in a flaky pastry. They’re perfect for parties, school events, or fun family gatherings. Easy to prepare and delicious to eat, these mummy hand pies are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these treats in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of vegan Nutella and bananas creates a tasty filling that everyone will love.
• Fun Presentation: The mummy design makes these hand pies visually appealing, perfect for Halloween festivities.
• Versatile Treat: Serve them at parties, as an after-school snack, or even for breakfast!
• Make Ahead Option: These hand pies can be prepped in advance and baked just before serving.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Nutella Mummy Hand Pies, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Knife or pizza cutter
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking your hand pies and ensures they cook evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the pastry to the desired thickness for shaping your hand pies.

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 Wash and Topping

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

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure it’s fully heated before placing your hand pies inside for optimal baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface if needed.
2. Cut each sheet into rectangles about 4×6 inches.

Step 3: Assemble the Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
2. Add in the Vegan Nutella and mix until well combined.

Step 4: Fill the Pastry Rectangles

1. Place about one tablespoon of the filling in the center of each pastry rectangle.
2. Fold over one side to create a pocket and seal by pressing down with your fingers or using a fork.

Step 5: Create Mummy Strips

1. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut strips from any leftover pastry.
2. Place these strips over each filled pocket to create a mummy effect.

Step 6: Brush with Milk

1. Brush the top of each pie with dairy-free milk for a golden finish.
2. Sprinkle caster sugar on top for extra sweetness.

Step 7: Bake

Place the prepared hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 8: Decorate

Once baked, melt some dairy-free white chocolate buttons and drizzle over your mummies for eyes.

Step 9: Serve

Dust with icing sugar before serving warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Nutella Mummy Hand Pies!

How to Serve Nutella Mummy Hand Pies

These delightful Nutella Mummy Hand Pies are perfect for Halloween gatherings or simply as a fun treat. They are versatile and can be served in various creative ways.

On a Halloween-Themed Platter

• Arrange the hand pies on a spooky platter surrounded by fake spider webs and plastic insects for a festive touch.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or oranges to balance the sweetness of the pies.

Drizzled with Dairy-Free Chocolate Sauce

• Add an extra layer of indulgence by drizzling dairy-free chocolate sauce over the hand pies just before serving.

As Part of a Dessert Table

• Include these hand pies on a dessert table with other Halloween treats such as ghost-shaped cookies and pumpkin cupcakes.

With Dairy-Free Ice Cream

• Pair your hand pies with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for an irresistible dessert experience.

How to Perfect Nutella Mummy Hand Pies

Making perfect Nutella Mummy Hand Pies is easier than you think. Here are some tips to ensure they come out delicious every time.

• Chill the Pastry: Keep the puff pastry chilled until ready to use. This helps maintain its flakiness during baking.

• Seal Well: Ensure that you seal the edges properly to prevent any filling from leaking out while baking.

• Use a Fork for Decoration: Use a fork to crimp the edges before baking, which adds both beauty and ensures a tight seal.

• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the oven; these pies bake quickly and can burn if left unattended.

• Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings like almond butter or fruit preserves for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Nutella Mummy Hand Pies

Nutella Mummy Hand Pies can be complemented perfectly with various side dishes. Here’s a list of options that work well together:

1. Pumpkin Soup: A warm, creamy pumpkin soup adds a savory contrast to the sweet hand pies.
2. Apple Slices with Cinnamon: Crisp apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon provide a fresh, crunchy side.
3. Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad with nuts brings freshness and balances out the richness of the pies.
4. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: These add crunch and sweetness, making them an ideal pairing for dessert-style hand pies.
5. Caramel Popcorn: For those who love sweets, caramel popcorn offers a fun, crunchy texture alongside the pastries.
6. Fruit Skewers: Colorful fruit skewers make for an appealing side dish and are easy for guests to grab and enjoy.
7. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: The salty-sweet combination is always a hit, complementing the Nutella filling beautifully.
8. Rice Crispy Treats: These chewy treats are simple to make and add another fun texture to your dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Nutella Mummy Hand Pies can be a delightful experience, but some common pitfalls can hinder your results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using the wrong pastry: Ensure you select vegan and gluten-free puff pastry for the best results. Regular pastry may not yield the same light, flaky texture.

• Overfilling the pies: It’s tempting to fill your hand pies generously with Nutella, but too much filling can cause them to burst during baking. Stick to 1 tablespoon per pie.

• Skipping the egg wash: Not applying dairy-free milk as an ‘egg wash’ can result in dull-looking pastries. A quick brush will give them a nice golden color.

• Not letting them cool: Cutting into your hand pies while they’re hot can lead to a messy filling. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.

• Ignoring storage instructions: Properly storing your Nutella Mummy Hand Pies ensures they stay fresh. Follow the guidelines for refrigeration or freezing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Nutella Mummy Hand Pies

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Nutella Mummy Hand Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds. Keep an eye on them to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, turning frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What are Nutella Mummy Hand Pies?

Nutella Mummy Hand Pies are delightful pastries filled with vegan Nutella and shaped like mummies, perfect for Halloween festivities!

Can I customize the filling of the hand pies?

Absolutely! You can use other spreads like almond butter or fruit preserves if you want to switch things up.

How long does it take to make Nutella Mummy Hand Pies?

The entire process takes about 30 minutes, making it a quick treat for Halloween gatherings.

Are there any variations I can try?

Yes! Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor or using different fruits, like apples or berries, along with the Nutella.

Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake and serve.

Final Thoughts

Nutella Mummy Hand Pies are not only easy and fun to make, but they also appeal to both kids and adults alike. With their customizable fillings, you can create unique versions that suit any taste preference. Try making these spooky treats for your next Halloween gathering!