### Easy Miniature Pumpkin Pies: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you're looking to impress your guests or simply satisfy a sweet tooth with a fall-inspired treat, homemade miniature pumpkin pies are perfect! These adorable little pies not only look delightful but also taste fantastic. Follow these simple steps to make them at home.
#### Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust (you can use store-bought or make it from scratch)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Whipped cream or vanilla frosting (optional)
#### Equipment Needed
- Mini muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Parchment paper
### Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Easy Miniature Pumpkin Pies
#### 1. Prepare the Pie Crust
If you're using a pre-made pie crust, simply roll it out and cut circles slightly larger than your mini muffin tins. Place them in each tin.
For homemade pie crust:
- Mix 2 cups all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon salt.
- Cut 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter into the flour mixture until crumbly.
- Add 3 tablespoons ice water and mix until a dough forms. Roll out to desired size.
#### 2. Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, egg, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
#### 3. Assemble the Mini Pumpkin Pies
- Using a spatula, carefully spoon the filling into each prepared mini muffin tin.
- Fill about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way full; overfilling can lead to pies bursting during baking.
#### 4. Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffin tins in the center rack and bake for approximately 18-22 minutes, or until the fillings are set but still slightly jiggly in the middle.
#### 5. Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can garnish with whipped cream or vanilla frosting if desired.
### Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Pies
- Use high-quality pumpkin puree for best flavor.
- Ensure your filling isn't too runny to prevent it from seeping out during baking.
- To speed up the process, consider using a food processor to mix the crust and filling ingredients quickly.
### Conclusion
With these easy steps, you can enjoy delicious miniature pumpkin pies that are perfect for holidays or casual gatherings. The combination of spices and pumpkin makes them a delightful treat that's both comforting and festive. Happy baking! 🎃