All the cozy flavor of pumpkin pie in a fun, two-bite form! These adorable mini pies have a simple graham cracker crust and a velvety spiced pumpkin filling—perfect for Thanksgiving parties or a grab-and-go treat.
Transform the classic Thanksgiving dessert into a charming, shareable treat. These Mini Pumpkin Pie Bites deliver all the beloved flavors of the season—spiced pumpkin, creamy filling, and a buttery graham cracker crust—in a perfectly portable, two-bite package.
They’re surprisingly easy to make, require no rolling of pastry dough, and are a guaranteed hit on any holiday dessert table or as a festive snack.
The Science of a Stable Mini Filling & No-Soggy Crust
Creating the perfect mini pie involves two key challenges: a filling that sets firmly in a small space and a crust that stays crisp. The filling uses a higher ratio of egg to pumpkin than a full-sized pie. The eggs provide the protein structure needed to set the filling firmly without a long bake time, which would overcook the crust.
Using evaporated milk instead of regular milk or cream adds richness and proteins that also aid in setting. For the crust, a pre-baked (par-baked) graham cracker shell is essential. The butter in the crust solidifies during this initial bake, creating a moisture barrier that prevents the wet pumpkin filling from making the base soggy.
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets)
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
For the Pumpkin Filling:
- 1 cup (245g) canned pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ⅓ cup (67g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk, room temperature
- ¼ cup (60ml) evaporated milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice*
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Serving (optional): Whipped cream or whipped topping.
Note: You can make your own blend: ½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp ginger + ⅛ tsp nutmeg + ⅛ tsp allspice or cloves.
Instructions
1. Make & Pre-Bake the Crusts: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt until it resembles wet sand. Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of each cup of a 24-cup mini muffin tin.
Use a small glass or tamper to compact it. Bake for 6-8 minutes until fragrant. Let cool while you make the filling. Leave the oven on.
2. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree and brown sugar until smooth. Add the whole egg, egg yolk, evaporated milk, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform in color.
3. Fill the Crusts: Spoon or pipe the pumpkin filling into the cooled crusts, filling each to just below the rim (about 1 heaping teaspoon each). The filling will not rise much.
4. Bake Until Set: Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the filling is set around the edges and the center only has a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. Do not overbake.
5. Cool Completely: Let the pies cool in the muffin tin on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Then, carefully run a small offset spatula or knife around the edge of each to loosen. Gently lift each pie bite out and transfer to the rack to cool completely, about 1 hour. They will firm up as they cool.
6. Serve & Store: Once completely cool, top with a small dollop of whipped cream if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Pro-Tips for Perfect Mini Pies
- Press the Crust Firmly: A well-compacted crust is essential for the bites to hold together when removed from the pan. Use a tamper or the bottom of a small shot glass.
- Use Pure Pumpkin Puree: Ensure you buy 100% pumpkin, not the pre-sweetened “pumpkin pie filling.”
- Room Temperature Eggs: They incorporate more smoothly into the filling, preventing a lumpy texture.
- Don’t Overfill: Leave a tiny gap at the top to make removal easier and prevent spillover.
- The Jiggle Test: The centers should look slightly underdone when you take them out—they will set fully as they cool. Overbaking can cause cracking.
- Chill for Clean Removal: If any bites are stubborn, place the entire pan in the fridge for 15 minutes; the chilled butter in the crust will firm up and release.
These Mini Pumpkin Pie Bites are the ultimate festive, fuss-free holiday dessert.
