With quicker bake and cool times, plus no need for blind baking the pie crust, there’s no denying that mini pumpkin pies are easier than the full-size version. They’re fun, festive, and baked in a mini muffin pan. This recipe uses my homemade pie crust and a deeply spiced filling like my original pumpkin pie.
Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin donuts, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin chili, pumpkin spice potato chips (they exist!), pumpkin scented candles, and about a billion other pumpkin spice items this time of year. But where does it all begin? The Iconic Pumpkin Pie, of course.
The motherhood of everything pumpkin spice, pumpkin pie is the original source for our pumpkin fix. It’s a very popular recipe this time of year and one of the most frequent questions I receive is “how can I turn this into mini pumpkin pies?”
I’m always happy to answer this, but I figured it’d be most helpful to have a separate post dedicated to Mini Pumpkin Pies. Instead of telling you how I do it, let’s show you the process. These are FUN and let’s be honest… the cuteness is hard to resist on a dessert table next to your other Thanksgiving pies!
You Will Love These Mini Pumpkin Pies Because:
- They’re fun to make with kids
- Unlike the full-size version, there’s no blind baking the crust (YAY!)
- They’re deeply spiced and sweetened with flavorful brown sugar
- Bake time & cool time are a lot quicker than regular pie
- Decoration can be minimal with a simple dollop of whipped cream
- They’re handheld & easy to serve, just like mini cinnamon sugar pumpkin muffins
If larger pies intimidate you, try shrinking it. Or if you don’t want to mess with pie crust at all, you’ll appreciate my easy pumpkin pie bars instead.
One reader, Abby, commented: “I just made these for a Halloween party yesterday and they were delicious! They’re so convenient to serve, no cutting required. They taste exactly like The Great Pumpkin Pie Recipe but with a little more crust (which is great for people who just can’t get enough of that flaky, buttery goodness). Thanks for another great recipe! ★★★★★”
Overview: How to Make Mini Pumpkin Pies
Have you made my mini pecan pies or mini quiches before? We’re doing the same thing here, only switching the filling. (One note, if you ever try my mini pecan pies, you need to pre-bake the crusts since the filling is so thin. Not necessary today though.)
- Make pie dough: My pie crust yields 2 crusts and you’ll conveniently use both here. This crust is a staple in my kitchen, a recipe I’ve had memorized for years. I use a mix of butter and shortening to make it. Why shortening? Shortening aids in creating flakiness. Why butter? Butter adds unparalleled flavor. If you’d like, try my all butter pie crust instead. The pie dough needs to chill for 2 hours before it’s useable, so I always recommend making it ahead.
- Make the filling: I’m certain you could make this filling in your sleep—it’s that easy. Mix all the ingredients together. That’s it, you’re done. Chill the filling in the refrigerator as you work on the dough or you could even make the filling 1-2 days in advance. See make ahead instructions in the recipe below.
- Roll out pie dough & cut into small circles: I recommend a 2.5 inch cookie cutter. If you don’t own a cookie cutter that size, I bet you have a measuring cup that’ll work. I use my 1/3 cup measuring cup. Re-roll the dough scraps until all the pie dough is used. You’ll have about 24 from each crust (48 total). Work quickly because the dough becomes delicate the longer it sits at room temperature.
- Fit the dough rounds into your mini muffin pan: Grease a mini muffin pan. Press the dough flat into the bottom of the crevice and up the sides.
- Fill each with the filling: The filling is pretty thick, but you can try pouring it into each crust. Spooning it in is a little neater.
- Bake until the crust is browned: These are so much quicker to bake and cool than a full size pumpkin pie. Cuter, quicker, more convenient! Have I sold you on these yet?
- Cool & serve: As always, fresh whipped cream finishes things off. I used a Wilton 1M tip to pipe a simple star-shape dollop on each.
Filling is Adapted From My Favorite Pumpkin Pie
These mini pumpkin pies are an adaptation of my favorite pumpkin pie recipe.
- Reduced Amount: The most notable change is the reduced amount of filling. We don’t need as much filling as we would for a large 9-inch pie. These mini pumpkin pies are dough heavy—lots of crust in each bite. The filling really has to stand out, so we’ll use flavorful brown sugar and extra pumpkin pie spice. You can use homemade pumpkin pie spice here!
- No Cornstarch: Cornstarch thickens the filling for the full-size pie so we’re guaranteed neat slices. We’re not slicing these mini pumpkin pies—and the crust already keeps the filling tight and compact.
- Black Pepper: Black pepper is our secret ingredient. I learned about the addition of black pepper to pumpkin pie filling over at King Arthur Flour a few years ago. I’m forever changed. Seriously! This little bit of spice turns your pumpkin pie into the BEST pumpkin pie. No one will know it’s there—all they’ll taste is a delightfully spiced flavor. I’m just going to shout it: IT’S SO GOOD.
This recipe uses 1 and 1/4 cups (285g) of pumpkin puree and if you have more to use up, here are recipes to make with leftover pumpkin puree.
More Variations of Pumpkin Pie
- Pumpkin Pie Bars
- Pecan Praline Pumpkin Pie
- Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake
- No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Pumpkin Hand Pies
- Pumpkin Streusel Bars
For even more inspiration, here are my 30+ best pumpkin dessert recipes.
Print
Mini Pumpkin Pies
- Prep Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (includes pie dough chilling)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 48-50 mini pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious pumpkin pie filling recipe is adapted from my beloved pumpkin pie. Bake in my super flaky homemade pie crust in mini muffin pans.
Ingredients
- 2 unbaked discs of Pie Crust (what I used) or All Butter Pie Crust*
- 1 and 1/4 cups (285g) pumpkin puree*
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice*
- small pinch black pepper (optional—see note)
Instructions
- Pie crust: I like to make sure my pie dough is prepared before I begin the mini pies. Make pie dough the night before because it needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before using.
- Prep the filling: In a large bowl with a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment—or simply using a whisk and mixing bowl—beat/whisk the pumpkin, brown sugar, heavy cream, milk, egg, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and black pepper together (on medium high speed if using a mixer) until completely combined, about 2 minutes. You’ll have about 3 cups of filling. Cover and refrigerate filling until step 6.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C). Grease two 24-count mini muffin pans. Nonstick spray is best. (If you only have 1 mini muffin pan, bake these in batches. Roll out first pie dough, shape, fill, and bake then roll out the second pie dough, shape, fill, and bake.)
- Shape the mini crusts: Working with 1 chilled pie dough at a time, place the dough onto a floured work surface. Roll into a large 12-inch circle. Use your warm hands to mold any cracking edges back together if needed. From the circle, cut rounds using a 2.5 inch cookie cutter. (Sometimes I use my 1/3 cup measuring cup, which is 2.5 inches in diameter.) You’ll have to re-roll the dough scraps a few times. Work quickly, as the dough becomes much more delicate the longer it’s at room temperature. You’ll get about 24 rounds per pie crust. Repeat with 2nd chilled pie dough for a total of about 48.
- Place the dough rounds into greased 24-count mini muffin pan(s). Press the dough flat into the bottom of the crevice and up the sides.
- Evenly spoon cold filling into each unbaked crust, filling to the top.
- Bake mini pies until the center is just about set and edges are lightly browned, about 21–25 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan. If greased well, the mini pies pop right out using a spoon to scoop them up. Cool, then serve at room temperature or refrigerate until chilled and serve cold. Filling deflates a bit as they cool. Top with whipped cream if desired. (Also pictured are sugared cranberries.)
- Cover leftover pies tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: The pie dough can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. The filling can also be made ahead of time, covered, and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To freeze, cool baked mini pumpkin pies completely, then layer between sheets of parchment paper in a large freezer-friendly container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Special Tools (affiliate links): Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand) or Glass Mixing Bowl and Whisk | Wilton Mini Muffin Pan or Williams Sonoma Mini Muffin Pan | Rolling Pin | 2.5-inch Cookie Cutter
- If using a 12-count standard muffin pan: Cut the pie dough into 3.5 inch circles. Other assembly instructions are the same using a 12-count muffin pan. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the centers are set and edges are lightly browned. Yields about 16.
- Pie Crust: Both linked pie crust recipes make 2 crusts. You need 2 crusts for this recipe. You can use store-bought pie crust if desired. Make sure it is thawed.
- Pumpkin: Canned pumpkin is best in this recipe. If using fresh pumpkin puree, lightly blot it before adding to remove some moisture. The filling will be thinner and the bake time may be a little longer.
- Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: These are the best options to use to guarantee the filling sets up. In a pinch, use 3/4 cup (180ml) of full fat half-and-half.
- Spices: You can use 1 teaspoon of store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice in this recipe. Instead of prepared pumpkin pie spice, though, you can use 1/4 teaspoon each: ground nutmeg, ground cloves, ground allspice, and ground ginger. (You will still want to use 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in the recipe, in addition to these spices.) A pinch of black pepper adds incredible spice flavor. If using my homemade pumpkin pie spice, you don’t need to add it again here since it’s included in that homemade spice blend.
Reader Comments and Reviews
The black pepper!! This is now my new “go-to” recipe for pumpkin pie. The spice level is fantastic and the crust to filling ratio is spot on. The bake time did take a little longer for me (about 27-30 minutes). I am making another batch today for our second Thanksgiving tomorrow. Thanks Sally!
Hi Sally, I will be using a 12 count mini muffin pan. Would I follow the baking instructions for the 12 count “standard” muffin pan?
Hi Ali, if the cavities are mini-sized, you’ll want to follow the directions as written for mini pumpkin pies. You will have to bake them in a few batches if your mini muffin pan has only 12 cavities. Hope you enjoy them!
Would the filling work in an Air Fryer pie? I made these last year and filling was ahhhmazing! I don’t even like Pumpkin Pie. This year my oven doesn’t work so I’m trying to improvise♀️
Hi Leonor, we haven’t tried using an air fryer for these pumpkin pies, but we’d love to know if you give it a try!
Tried this recipe was so easy and delicous! I use a lot of recipes from sally and every single one turns out delicous! whenever i look for a recipe i try to see if sally has what im looking for and she usually does!
How long would you bake them in a normal sized muffin pan?
Hi! See recipe Note. Cut the pie dough into 3 or 3.5 inch circles. Other assembly instructions are the same. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the centers are set and edges are lightly browned. Yields about 16.
Hi. I have silicone mini muffin molds. Do I need to bake them longer?
Hi Tricia, we haven’t baked these in silicone muffin molds so we’re unsure. Bake time should be about the same but keep a close eye on them.
Can I use buttermilk as a substitute for either milk/dairy option?
Hi Sara, I don’t recommend buttermilk for the filling in these mini pies. Half-and-half is the best substitute.
Can I use 100% pumpkin instead of puree
Hi Jody, yes that is what is used in this recipe. These are all usually the same thing: canned pumpkin puree, solid-pack pumpkin, 100% pumpkin.
I commented on the zucchini bread muffins the other day and forgot to thank Sally for a fantastic recipe. So here’s double the thanks because these mini pumpkin pies are AMAZING. I love pumpkin pie but hate baking them because I can never get the spices just right. Thought that perhaps Sally might have a good recipe and it’s phenomenal. I mean PERFECTION. And yes, you could make this filling in your sleep. Everyone loved them; thank you again Sally.
The recipe says it can make 48–50 mini pies in a mini muffin pan, but it makes 16 pies in a regular muffin pan.
This doesn’t really seem right?
Hi Orezan! Mini pies in a mini muffin tin are really quite a lot smaller than a regular muffin tin. Let us know if you give us a try!
Made these for Canadian Thanksgiving. The family loved them! The filling is SO good.
And that pastry is the easiest and best pastry dough I’ve ever made.
Just a tip for anyone Living in Ontario, Canada. I’ve made the pastry recipe 3 times now and I’ve never had to use the entire 1/2 cup of water. It might be more humid here and maybe not all is needed? Just make sure to use the 1 TBSP method and all will be good!
could I use graham cracker crust instead? if yes how much? thanks again
Hi Abby, you could try using the graham cracker crust from this recipe for mini cheesecakes. See the recipe Notes for instructions for making in a mini muffin pan. Enjoy!
I made this recipe for Frensgiving and they were a hit! I only got to eat one!
This is a great recipe! It came right out of the pan. I was wondering if you can sub the filling with apple pie filling?
Hi Aria, we can’t see why not! Let us know if you give it a try.
These were super yummy but a bit too sweet for my taste – will cut down sugar next time.
Thanks for another great recipe, Sally! How thin can I make the dough? I’d like it to be at least half what I see in your photos, but want them to stay together when someone picks one up and eats it. LOL
Made these for Thanksgiving and loved them. I think you’re on to something with the black pepper. I used fresh pumpkin and it worked out fine. The candied cranberries are a great touch. Good job Sally!
Delicious! I loved how they are smaller portions, but still have that yummy pumpkin pie taste. I used the all-butter crust recipe, and it worked well. I would say that a 1/2 cup measuring cup is better for filling a regular-size muffin pan.
These were so fun to make! Filling with black pepper added was delish. Highly recommend a tartlet tamper as well as the 2.5” cutter as suggested, it made the mini discs easy to get into the mini muffin tin, and produced even results.
Making this recipe now, I’m a little concerned as my pie filling is not thick at all. No turning back now, ill keep my fingers crossed!
I made the full pie version last year and it was soo delicious so I hope these minis come out right!
Hi Monica, the filling thickens as it bakes. As long as you followed the recipe, you’ll be all set. Enjoy!
Hi, I also followed the recipe exactly- with exact ingredients, no substitutions- and my filling is the consistency of soup. I am a little concerned, and am leaving it in he fridge overnight before baking tomorrow, but should I add extra pumpkin or something to thicken this?
Hi Haley! The filling is thin, it thickens when it bakes.
These turned out really well! I didn’t have heavy cream so I used milk and melted butter instead. I also used the all-butter crust recipe, and made them into a standard count muffin tin. It made 18 mini pies. They are great and a Covid friendly dessert for Thanksgiving! Next time I would add more pumpkin pie spice.
I made your Great Pumpkin Pie Recipe for Friendsgiving and it was a success! I have some filling left and a package of Mini Graham Pie Crusts (6), so I’ll attempt to use them. Any suggestions on pre-baking the crust (or not) and baking time? Thank you!
Hi Taquito! You should still pre-bake the crust (about 6-8 minutes) for mini pies in a graham cracker crust. Let us know how they go!
I have these cute mini tart tins. If I spray them generously with nonstick spray do you think they will come out as easily as in the muffin tins? They’re about the same size just fluted like tart pans.
Hi Rachel, Those should definitely work. Enjoy!
Will these turn ok if I half the recipe? I don’t think I will need 50 mini pies! Any tips for halving the recipe?
Hi Jill, you can halve this recipe! Our general rule for halving an egg is to crack it open, beat the yolk and white together with a fork, measure the volume (should be a few Tbsp), then use half.
Made these with my daughter and LOVED THEM! I don’t even like pumpkin pie but she wanted to make them. So good and so simple!
Hi,
Can I use the Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust for this recipe?
Yes!
Can these mini pumpkin pies be frozen?
Hi Mason, See note #1 about freezing instructions. To freeze, cool baked mini pumpkin pies completely, then layer between sheets of parchment paper in a large freezer-friendly container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Enjoy!
How much calories is each one?
Hi Maya, We don’t usually include nutrition information as it can vary between different brands of the same ingredients. Plus, many recipes have ingredient substitutions or optional ingredients listed. However, there are many handy online calculators where you can plug in and customize your exact ingredients/brands. Readers have found this one especially helpful: https://www.verywellfit.com/recipe-nutrition-analyzer-4157076
The crust didn’t brown, but the filling was done?
Hi Connie, The dough won’t get super dark. Was your crust fully cooked? If you notice that the filling is finished before your crusts, you can loosely cover the tops of your pans with aluminum foil and continue to bake for a few extra minutes.
Hi Sally ! the mini pumpkin pies worked out great! although i tried to make mini fudge pies but i could not get the fudge one out of the pan. do you think they crystalized in the oven?
Hi Aria, This would be difficult to answer without knowing which fudge recipe you used.