I’m kind of all about the mini’s this fall. Maybe because I have two little mini’s of my own now. Maybe because food in miniature form is just so fun. Or maybe because I like to think it helps me with self control, which in reality is a total bust when I can’t stop eating just one of these mini paleo pumpkin pies.
My children resemble me much more than my husband – poor guy. He has the most crystal-blue eyes you’ll ever see in your life and our boys inherited my dark browns. And although the physical traits are fun and all, I’m REALLY hoping they also inherit my deep love of pumpkin pie.The hubs isn’t a huge pumpkin fan, which is a problem when you make 24 mini paleo pumpkin pies – basically I had to eat these all myself. I mean, I could have offered some to my neighbors, but I guess they kind of disappeared went straight into my belly before I had the chance…
They’re just SOOOO darn cute and SOOOO easy to pop in your mouth when you’re craving dessert. But take my advice – make these mini paleo pumpkin pies for a fall get together or Thanksgiving day. Because when you look at that empty tupperware and think to yourself, “wow, I pretty much just ate an entire pumpkin pie”, it’s kind of shocking.
Story time: when I was a kid, mom made this huge batch of chocolate chip cookies. I asked my dad one afternoon if I could have one, to which he told me not before we had dinner that evening. So while he was showering, my five-year-old brain went into full McGuiver mode, scheming how I could have a cookie without him noticing. I don’t know why, but I thought taking a small bite out of EVERY SINGLE COOKIE would be sneakier than stealing an entire cookie from the batch. Because SURELY he would know if one was missing, but wouldn’t see the bite marks on every.single.one. Moral of the story, (aside from lying is bad and he totally noticed), I seriously lack self control, and when I need sweets, I NEED them.
The holidays are all about giving, right?! So instead of hoarding all these for yourself, DO make them and DO bring them to share. Not only will peeps be impressed and baby talk these little mini paleo pumpkin pies (because they are so darn cute), they’ll be blown away when you tell ’em these pies are gluten free, dairy free, and naturally sweetened. Healthy and adorable?! No one can resist.
Made with a pecan and coconut crust, and baked in a mini muffin tin, there are a few special tricks I used to make sure each ‘lil pie came out perfect. First, pulse the pecans, coconut, honey, cinnamon, and melted coconut oil in a food processor until well combined and crumbly. Next, cut thin, narrow strips of parchment paper into 5-inch long strips and place the strips on top of each mini mold. Scoop one heaping tablespoon of the crust mixture and press it on top of the parchment strip and into the muffin mold to create the nut crust.
Combine pumpkin puree, coconut cream, honey, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and eggs in a separate bowl. Then pour one tablespoon of the pumpkin mixture on top of each individual crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, or until the center is set. Be careful not to bake too long, or the crust may burn. Once the mini paleo pumpkin pies are cooled, gently grab both ends of the parchment paper and lift each mini pie out of the molds.
If you like a SUPER sweet pie, try adding a little more honey to the pumpkin mixture. I absolutely thought it was sweet enough, because I really like a good pumpkin flavor, but feel free to play with the mixture a bit to get the desired sweetness you prefer. Just don’t take a nibble out of every pie and think no one will notice. It’s not that sneaky.
This paleo-inspired fall classic is sure to be the talk of Thanksgiving. And soooo much more fun than a slice of pie, wouldn’t you agree? Get your ‘miniature’ game on with these mini paleo pumpkin pies and another mini pumpkin-inspired treat – paleo pumpkin pie mini marshmallows.
Looking for another healthy dish to share this Thanksgiving? You gotta try whole30 scalloped sweet potatoes.
What’s your favorite pumpkin dessert?
PrintMini Paleo Pumpkin Pies
- Yield: 24
Ingredients
Coconut Pecan Crust
- 1 cup pecans
- 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 2 teaspoons raw honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
Pumpkin Pie Filling
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup coconut cream (the thick stuff at the top of the can of full-fat coconut milk)
- 1 teaspoon raw honey (or more to yield a sweeter pie)
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
- Add the pecans, coconut, honey, cinnamon, and melted coconut oil into a food processor and pulse until well combined and crumbly
- Cut thin, narrow strips of parchment paper into 5-inch long strips and place the strips on top of each mini muffin mold
- Scoop one heaping tablespoon of the crust mixture and press it on top of the parchment strip to create the nut base. Compact the mixture on the bottom of the mold
- In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, coconut cream, honey, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and eggs. Beat on low just until the mixture is well combined
- Scoop one tablespoon of the pumpkin mixture on top of each crust
- Place into the oven for 20 minutes, or until each center is set. Be careful not to bake too long, as the crusts could burn
- Once the pies are cooled, gently grab both ends of the parchment paper and lift each mini pie out of the molds
These are more muffin like for us, still look delicious. Love anything pumpkin based.
Pumpkin is totally life for me during the months September – November!
Perfect flavor for the season, can’t wait to give these a try.
Pumpkin pie is definitely a fall staple!
I ihave been trying extra hard to eat paleo!! These are the perfect muffins for me!! Thx for sharing!!
That’s awesome! It’s not for everyone but I certainly love the lifestyle. Thanks Ruthie!
Aw, they are so cute!! Too cute to eat! (haha…no..just kidding 😉 )
Nothing is EVER too cute to eat. I know you understand 😉
Paleo pumpkin pies? What? I must try these!
YUSSSSSS DO ITTTTT!
Oh my yum! Throw a dollop of whipped cream on the top of these and it is like a mini Thanksgiving!
YES! Oh man, whipped cream on pumpkin pie – I FORGOT. How could I forget? That’s the best part!
my husband loves everything pumpkin. I cannot wait to make these! PS let’s get avocado toast sometime! 🙂
★★★★★
Totally down. Even if we have to FaceTime to do it 😉
These are a game changer! Thank you so much for this recipe. Now I can enjoy in all the pumpkin goodness but keep with my lifestyle.
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Enjoy this game changer Heidi! No one should have to say no to pumpkin pie to stay healthy!
Ok- how’d you know I’ve been craving pumpkin pie?! This looks so good!
Well it is fall, I mean it’s hard not to when pumpkin is EVERYWHERE, right?!
These look amazing! Thanks for sharing, I will be trying these! 🙂
Thanks Lauren!
Oh my goodness, this seriously looks sooo good and sounds easy too. I will definitely give this recipe a try.
YES!!! They are easy but look like a lot of work. Perfect for impressing everyone 😉
I am saving this recipe immediately! They look so delicious and simple to make.. plus I love the simple ingredients!
★★★★★
Thanks so much Jessica! Simple is where it’s at for me!
These look great!! I love pumpkin anything. I need to try these.
http://xoxobella.com
Pumpkin is everything. You definitely need to try these Bella!
Yum! These look delish 🙂 Love trying healthier takes on my fall favorites 🙂
http://www.liliesandlambs.com
Thanks Morgan! Pumpkin pie is definitely my fall favorite too!
Wow, these remind me of my Pumpkin Spice Latte Cream Cups! Great minds think alike. 🙂
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Right?! I totally thought the same thing when I saw your cute little pumpkin creation too!
So cute! I bet they are super delicious too – love this recipe!
Thanks Lauren! They are cute and yummy!
Ohhhh these mini paleo pumpkin pies look so delicious! I’ll eat anything with pumpkin in it! Thank you for sharing your great recipe!
Me too. Literally anything. Pumpkin in a mudpie? Done. Pumpkin in the garbage can? Yep. I can’t resist.
These look so good! Definitely saving for later 🙂
xx nicole
http://www.nicoleparise.com
Thanks Nicole!
Super cute and Yummy!! This would be perfect if you were doing a buffet style Thanksgiving Dinner!!
Yes totally! Exactly when I was thinking! Thanks Elaine.
Drooling all over my laptop, and the only solution I have is to make these (not like, wiping my chin or anything). 😛 these look AMAZING!! I have a terrible sweet tooth…
You and me both girlfriend. I fight it at times, then I just overindulge. So no more resisting the urge! Just go for it 😉
Omg! These paleo pumpkin pies looks delish! Can hardly wait to give them a try! If they taste half as good as your pics look, then I’m in big trouble!
Well at least they are a healthy version, so if you overindulge don’t feel too bad. 😉 Thanks Jessica!
I love how as I was reading this recipe I was thinking of eating them all for myself and then I read the sentence where you’re like “don’t hoard them, share!” I was like, “share?? what does that even mean?” Haha kidding. In all seriousness these look delicious and I can’t believe their paleo. I would dive into these mouth first!
Danielle | http://www.FollowMyGut.com <3
★★★★★
Thanks Danielle! You are certainly a girl after my own heart. Sharing food is a serious issue for me – seriously I am a food hoarder. I may or may not hide goodies from my husband…
Yum!! I love pumpkin too—i bet these would freeze well! I may also add chocolate chips haha
Oh I bet they would! Good call!
These are so cute!! I totally have to try them!!
Cute food is the best food. Thanks Jennifer!
These mini pumpkin pies look like JUST the right amount of dessert! I love pumpkin pie but for some reason, I only like a few bites at a time, so these are right up my alley. And I love the story about you sneaking a bite from each cookie…gotta love little kid logic, right?!
I wish I could still apply child logic to life. I mean, just do what you want, cry when you need to, demand a cookie (or pumpkin pie). LOL! Thanks girl! Love your blog.
These look totally tasty! I’m going to have to try them!!!
I hope you do Susannah!
These would be perfect for a party – I love the crust too!
Thanks Joanie! They are definitely a perfect party treat!
This looks so delicious!! Going to have to try this recipe!
Thanks Cathy! I hope you do!
Did the Paleo Chocolate chip blondies and these baby pumpkin pies tonight! Yum! Can’t wait to share with the fam on Thanksgiving! Your insta stories inspired me to pop my paleo baking cherry! Thanks!
I’m so glad you are a paleo baking pro now Veronica!! 😉