Mini Vegan Pumpkin Pies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (174 C), and see notes about coconut oil before starting.

Add all pie filling ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth, scraping down sides as needed. Taste and adjust flavor as needed (it shouldn’t need anything). Set aside.

To prepare crust, add flour and salt to a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine.

Next add coconut oil in spoonfuls (see photo) and use a pastry cutter (or fork) to cut the two together, until it resembles wet sand - about 30-45 seconds.

Add ice cold water 1 Tbsp at a time and use a wooden spoon to gently mix. Add only as much water as needed to help it come together and form a dough - about 3-4 Tbsp (as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size).

Use your hands to gently knead/form the dough in the bowl and gather any loose scraps. Then transfer directly to a well-floured surface and form into a disc with your hands.

Roll out your dough into a circle about 1/4-inch thick, adding more flour if the crust sticks. Then use a large, round cookie cutter (~3 1/4-inch in diameter) to cut out as many circles as the dough will allow - you’re aiming for 12 (as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size), and you should have more than enough dough.

Dust a large wooden cutting board (or other surface) with flour, and use a spatula to scoop on one circle at a time.

Lightly flour top of circle, then use your rolling pin to gently roll it out slightly larger and thinner - about 1.5 times its starting size. Be careful not to get it too thin or it will be difficult to work with.

Use your spatula to lift the crust, then use your hands to drape the crust into your muffin tin, allowing the edges to fold and curl over itself to accommodate its shape (see photo). Use your hands to carefully form the crust into the tins, being careful not to stretch the dough, but rather fold and push it down to meet the tin’s shape.

Repeat until all tins have been filled and most of the crust is used - reserve any leftover for future pies or other baked goods.

Pour filling into pie crusts a generous 3/4 full, and use a spoon to level the top. Bake at 350 degrees F (174 C) for 40-50 minutes, or until the crust is light golden brown and the filling appears golden brown and slightly cracked on top.

Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving - about 2-3 hours. Serve at room temperature, or transfer to a serving platter, loosely cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours, or overnight. Will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, though best when fresh.

Serve as is, or with coconut whipped cream and an additional sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, and/or pumpkin pie spice (optional). These would also be amazing with my Brown Sugar Pecans!