Log inSign up
Halloween mini pumpkin tarts with Jack-o'-lantern faces and whipped cream, served on a wooden board.

United StatesBaking & Pastry

Halloween Mini Pumpkin Tarts

The Halloween mini pumpkin tart reinvents the American pumpkin pie in festive, playful individual portions. Filled with a creamy, gently spiced custard and topped with a carved face or whipped cream, these treats delight kids and adults alike at the October 31 afternoon snack.

Total time
55 min
Prep
30 min
Cook
25 min
Rest
30 min
Difficulty
Medium
Per person
€1.08

Ingredients 12

Estimated cost €6.50

For the bases and decorations

For the filling

For the egg wash

For finishing

For decoration

Equipment

  • Pastry brushfor brushing the dough
  • Muffin panor 12-cavity mini tartlet pan
  • Paring knifefor cutting out the faces
  • Round cookie cutters8 cm and small fall shapes

Instructions

Tap a number to check off the step, and a time to start a timer.

Preheat the oven to 350 °F on convection.

Unlock the full recipe

  • 2 months ad-free
  • Your saved recipes, everywhere
  • Shopping lists in 1 click
  • Allergy and diet alerts

It's free · sign up in 30 seconds · I already have an account

Nutrition facts

per serving · estimate
  • Protein5 g
  • Carbs33 g
  • Fat16 g
  • Fiber3 g
Nutri-Score CÉco-Score B

Share of each nutrient in the calories of one serving.

Good to know

Chef's tip

To carve the faces easily without warping the dough, put the cut-out rounds in the freezer for 10 minutes before cutting into them with a very sharp knife.

Freezing : Can you freeze this recipe?

Yes

Very well, up to 2 months cooked, individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Storage : How long does it keep?

Keeps 2 to 3 days max in an airtight container in the fridge. The whipped cream should be added right before serving.

Making ahead : Can you make it the day before?

Yes

The pumpkin puree can be prepared the day before. The baked tarts can be prepared the day before for the next day.

Reheating : How do you reheat it?

Oven at 150°C for 10-15 minutes to bring back a warm texture without drying out the dough. Microwave possible but softens the dough.

Variations

  • Replace the pumpkin with butternut squash or kabocha puree for a naturally milder flavor.
  • Use a sweet shortcrust flavored with orange zest for an even more indulgent crunch.
  • Offer a dairy-free version by using plant-based coconut cream to bind the filling.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Using a homemade puree that is too runny, which would make the tart base soggy instead of keeping it crisp.
  • Overfilling the molds, which would make the filling spill out through the carved eyes during baking.
  • Handling the tartlets while still hot, at the risk of breaking the delicate dough lids.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use homemade pumpkin puree?

Yes, roast the flesh in the oven then blend it finely. Carefully drain the resulting puree in a fine strainer for 30 minutes to remove the excess water before mixing it in.

What if you don't have pumpkin spice?

You can make your own blend by combining one teaspoon of ground cinnamon with a quarter teaspoon each of ground ginger and nutmeg and a pinch of clove.

How do you know when the pumpkin filling is cooked?

The center of the tartlet should be set but slightly jiggly when you shake the pan. The filling will finish setting naturally as it cools on a rack.

Can you brush the dough with milk instead of egg?

Milk gives a light color, but egg yolk beaten with a little water remains ideal for a shiny, deeply golden surface on the Jack-o'-lantern faces.

Reviews

Did you make it?

Tap the stars: your rating helps others get started.

Your review of

Halloween Mini Pumpkin Tarts

Tap a star to rate

Verify your email address to post a review.

CookinBreakcookinbreak.com/en/recipes/halloween-mini-pumpkin-tarts-631

Save this recipe

Find it in an instant, on your phone or your computer.

It's free · sign up in 30 seconds
I already have an account

Share the recipe

Added to your favorites

Add it to a collection?

Shopping list

Halloween Mini Pumpkin Tarts

How many?

Quantities adjust

6pieces

Ingredients

Uncheck what you already have

Which list?