As I pulled the golden-brown pastries from the oven, the room filled with warmth and the sweet aroma of melting vegan Nutella mixed with ripe bananas. It’s hard to resist the charm of these Nutella Mummy Hand Pies, especially when they promise to turn your Halloween into a delightful, homemade experience! With only four ingredients and a mere ten-minute prep time, these vegan, gluten-free treats are not only quick to whip up but also sure to delight both kids and adults at any spooky gathering. Whether you’re gearing up for a Halloween party or simply looking for a fun way to enjoy a classic dessert, these hand pies offer a whimsical twist that’s deliciously satisfying. Ready to see how we can make baking a little more enchanting this season?
Why Will You Love These Hand Pies?
Simplicity at Its Core: The ingredients are minimal, requiring just four approachable items for a hassle-free baking experience.
Irresistible Flavor Combination: The delightful mix of vegan Nutella and ripe bananas creates an indulgently sweet filling that pairs perfectly with the flaky pastry.
Quick Preparation: Bake these treats in just 10 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute addition to your Halloween festivities.
Spooky Fun Presentation: Their mummy-like appearance will spark joy and excitement, ensuring they are a hit at any gathering, just like my Chicken Caesar Sandwich.
Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients for personal twists, like using almond butter or adding chocolate chips for extra richness!
Nutella Mummy Hand Pie Ingredients
• Only four ingredients needed!
For the Pastry
- Ready Roll Puff Pastry – Make sure it’s vegan and gluten-free if needed for all dietary preferences.
For the Filling
- Vegan Nutella – This sweet spread provides the creamy texture; feel free to substitute with a homemade chocolate-hazelnut spread for a personal touch.
- Bananas – Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
For Brushing
- Dairy-Free Milk – This will help brush the pastry for a lovely golden finish; any plant-based milk works wonderfully.
For Sweetness
- Caster/Granulated Sugar – Optional! A sprinkle on top gives added sweetness and a decorative shine to your mummies.
Get ready to impress with these deliciously fun Nutella Mummy Hand Pies!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Nutella Mummy Hand Pies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (fan) and lining a baking tray with grease-proof paper. This step is crucial for ensuring your Nutella Mummy Hand Pies bake evenly and develop that perfect golden-brown hue. While the oven heats, gather the other ingredients and equipment, setting the stage for your delightful baking adventure.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Next, roll out your ready roll puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to flatten it slightly. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into rectangles that measure approximately 10 cm by 6 cm. Don’t forget to slice additional long strips for creating the mummy effect later. This preparation will ensure your hand pies have impressive and spooky aesthetics.
Step 3: Chill the Pastry
To help maintain the pastry’s flakiness, chill the prepared rectangles in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes. This brief resting time will solidify the fat in the pastry, leading to an irresistibly flaky texture once baked. It’s a great opportunity to tidy up your workspace or prep your filling ingredients.
Step 4: Add the Filling
After the chilling period, take the pastry rectangles out of the fridge. Pipe or spread a generous layer of vegan Nutella in the center of each rectangle, leaving space around the edges. Then, add a few slices of ripe banana on top of the Nutella. This sweet filling will create a gooey surprise inside your Nutella Mummy Hand Pies.
Step 5: Brush with Dairy-Free Milk
Using a pastry brush, apply dairy-free milk around the edges of each pastry rectangle. This helps seal the edges of your hand pies, preventing the filling from escaping during baking. Coating the edges with milk also enhances browning, resulting in visually appealing golden crusts.
Step 6: Create the Mummy Effect
Now, take the previously cut pastry strips and lay them over the filled rectangles in a zig-zag pattern to form the mummy’s wrappings. Press down gently to secure the strips and ensure the outer pastry clings well to the filling. This step adds a playful spookiness to your hand pies, making them instantly recognizable as Mummies.
Step 7: Final Touches Before Baking
Before placing your Nutella Mummy Hand Pies in the oven, brush the assembled pastries with a little more dairy-free milk for a shiny finish. If desired, sprinkle a touch of caster or granulated sugar on top to add sweetness and sparkle. These final touches make your treats look enticing and festive!
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place your hand pies in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color and the pastry becoming flaky. The delightful aroma of vegan Nutella and banana will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist the anticipation.
Step 9: Cool and Decorate
Once the Nutella Mummy Hand Pies are beautifully baked, allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. For an extra fun touch, add googly eyes made from chocolate buttons before serving. Optionally, dust the pies with icing sugar for a whimsical, snowy effect that completes their spooky look and makes them irresistibly charming.
How to Store and Freeze Nutella Mummy Hand Pies
Room Temperature: Ideally, enjoy your hand pies fresh out of the oven, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
Fridge: If you have leftovers, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. Allow them to reach room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unbaked Nutella Mummy Hand Pies. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: If stored in the fridge, reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through, preserving that flaky texture of the hand pies.
Nutella Mummy Hand Pies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize these delightful treats with these fun ideas!
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Nut Butter Swap: Replace Nutella with almond or peanut butter for a uniquely nutty flavor. This twist adds a different dimension to the gooey filling, making it equally delicious and fun!
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Add Chocolate Chips: Incorporate mini vegan chocolate chips into the filling for an indulgent bite. The combination of melting chocolate with creamy Nutella is a heavenly match you’ll swoon over.
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Fruit Alternatives: Swap bananas for strawberries or apples to change up the fruity fillings. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor, allowing you to tailor these hand pies to your liking.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the filling for a sweet and spicy surprise. This unexpected twist might just become your new favorite flavor!
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Dough Variations: Use a flaky gluten-free dough or homemade pastry to enhance texture and flavor. Crafting your own pastry can elevate these treats even further!
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Decorative Touch: After cooling, top each pie with a drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate for an extra festive flair. Imagine the ooey-gooey goodness as you dive in!
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Savory Option: Try filling with savory items like hummus or avocado mixed with spices for a unique hand pie experience. This makes for a fun, unexpected twist that savory lovers will adore.
Consider pairing your Nutella Mummy Hand Pies with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for a heavenly dessert combo, just like my Chicken Caesar Sandwich goes perfectly with a fresh salad. Happy baking!
What to Serve with Nutella Mummy Hand Pies
Indulge in a Halloween gathering that delights the senses with a variety of scrumptious sides and treats.
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Creamy Dairy-Free Ice Cream: A scoop of this luscious dessert adds a cool contrast to the warm, flaky hand pies, enhancing every bite.
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Festive Fruit Salad: A mix of ripe bananas, strawberries, and apples brings a refreshing burst of flavor, perfect for balancing the sweetness of the hand pies.
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Spiced Pumpkin Soup: The savory, warm notes of a creamy pumpkin soup pair beautifully, creating a comforting autumn vibe alongside the mummy treats.
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Crunchy Veggie Platter: Serve with a mix of colorful veggies and hummus. The crunch and freshness offer a delightful texture contrast to the sweet pies.
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Warm Chai Latte: This aromatic spiced beverage enhances the cozy fall atmosphere and complements the sweet, chocolatey flavors of the hand pies.
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Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels coated in chocolate creates a deliciously whimsical snack that will satisfy both sweet and savory cravings.
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Caramel Sauce for Dipping: A rich caramel dip transforms the dessert experience, inviting everyone to enjoy an extra layer of indulgent flavor.
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Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: For a simple yet delicious finishing touch, sprinkle your hand pies with cinnamon sugar for an added sweet aroma and flavor.
Expert Tips for Nutella Mummy Hand Pies
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Filling Control: Ensure the filling isn’t too generous, as overfilling can cause the pies to burst during baking. Less is more for neat hand pies!
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Chill for Flakiness: Don’t skip chilling the pastry; this step is vital for achieving that delightful, flaky texture that makes your Nutella Mummy Hand Pies so irresistible.
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Clean Cuts: Use a sharp pizza cutter for quick, clean slicing of the puff pastry. This will give your mummies a more professional and tidy appearance.
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Watch Closely: Keep an eye on the oven during baking, as every oven is different. Look for that perfect golden-brown color for the ideal finish.
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Cool Before Decorating: Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before adding chocolate googly eyes. This prevents them from melting and keeps the spooky aesthetic intact!
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Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, like almond butter or other fruits. Customizing adds a personal touch to your Nutella Mummy Hand Pies!
Make Ahead Options
These Nutella Mummy Hand Pies are perfect for meal prep, allowing busy home cooks to streamline their Halloween festivities. You can prepare the pastry rectangles and fill them with vegan Nutella and banana up to 24 hours in advance. Simply assemble the hand pies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. To maintain their flaky texture, avoid pre-baking the pies; instead, bake them fresh for best results. When it’s time to serve, just brush with dairy-free milk and bake directly from the fridge for 15-18 minutes. You’ll have delightful treats ready with minimal last-minute effort!
Nutella Mummy Hand Pies Recipe FAQs
What type of puff pastry should I use?
Absolutely! When selecting puff pastry, ensure it’s ready roll puff pastry that is specifically marked as vegan and gluten-free if you need those accommodations. Many brands now cater to these dietary needs, making it easier to find the right option at your local grocery store.
How should I store leftover Nutella Mummy Hand Pies?
You can store any leftover Nutella Mummy Hand Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain their delightful texture and flavor, let them come to room temperature before serving. I often find it’s best to savor them fresh, but they still taste great after chilling!
Can I freeze the Nutella Mummy Hand Pies?
Yes, you can freeze these hand pies! I recommend freezing them unbaked, placing the assembled pastries on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored this way for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, cook them from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time for perfect results.
What if my filling overflows during baking?
If you’ve placed too generous a scoop of filling inside your pies, don’t worry too much! To avoid this, ensure you pipe or spread the filling to the center and leave enough space around the edges for sealing. If a few pies do overflow, they’ll still taste delicious – just expect a little extra delicious gooeyness!
Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
Definitely! These Nutella Mummy Hand Pies are made with ingredients that are safe for most humans, but be cautious if serving to anyone with nut allergies, especially with Nutella’s hazelnut base. Always check labels to ensure no allergens are present. Also, while our furry friends might be curious about these treats, it’s best to avoid sharing baked goods with pets, as some human ingredients can be harmful.
How do I achieve that perfect golden brown finish?
For a lovely golden finish, make sure to brush the assembled pastries generously with dairy-free milk before baking. This is crucial; it helps the mummies achieve that eye-catching color while also allowing any optional sugar topping to stick. Keep an eye on them as they bake, and remember that every oven is a bit different, so adjust baking time as needed!
Nutella Mummy Hand Pies: Easy Halloween Treats Everyone Loves
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan) and line a baking tray with grease-proof paper.
- Roll out your ready roll puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into rectangles measuring approximately 10 cm by 6 cm, slicing additional long strips for mummy wrapping.
- Chill the pastry rectangles in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes to maintain flakiness.
- Pipe or spread a generous layer of vegan Nutella in the center of each rectangle, then add slices of ripe banana on top.
- Brush the edges of each pastry rectangle with dairy-free milk to seal.
- Lay the previously cut pastry strips over the filled rectangles in a zig-zag pattern to create the mummy effect.
- Brush the assembled pastries with more dairy-free milk and sprinkle with sugar if desired before baking.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and flaky. Watch closely for perfect color.
- Allow to cool slightly on a wire rack and add googly eyes made from chocolate buttons before serving.
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