Leftover Pumpkin Pie Bites with Crushed Pepitas
Leftover Pumpkin Pie Bites with Crushed Pepitas is a great way to use up leftover pie! Simply mix, dunk and top the pie bites with crushed pumpkin seeds. It’s a fun treat to enjoy year round!
The holiday season is synonymous with warm kitchens, full hearts, and the irresistible aroma of pumpkin pie. But let’s face it, there’s always a little leftover pie hanging out in the fridge after the festivities. Instead of letting those slices linger, why not transform them into something new and equally delicious? Enter Leftover Pumpkin Pie Bites with Crushed Pepitas—a delightful way to upcycle your Thanksgiving dessert into a snack-sized treat everyone will love.
These bite-sized wonders marry the creamy, spiced goodness of pumpkin pie with the satisfying crunch of roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds). Not only are they a creative solution for leftovers, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a Friendsgiving, need a quick dessert for a cozy night in, or just want to breathe new life into your holiday treats, these little bites are the answer.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Pie Bites
- Use any pie you have on hand (a few of our favorites: Pumpkin Pie with Gingersnap Crust, Salted Bourbon Pumpkin Pie, or Sheet Pan Pumpkin Pie
- Perfectly portioned: No forks needed! They’re ideal for grab-and-go snacking or sharing at a party.
- Nutty and crunchy topping: The crushed pepitas add a salty-sweet contrast to the creamy filling.
- Eco-friendly: Reducing food waste has never been this tasty!
In this recipe, we’ll show you how to take leftover pumpkin pie and turn it into an entirely new dessert with minimal effort and maximum flavor. So, grab those pie remnants, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started on a fall-inspired culinary adventure!
Ingredients Used to Make Leftover Pumpkin Pie Bites with Crushed Pepitas
I love this recipe because not only is it completely customizable but the ingredients are simple. You’ll need the following:
- 9-inch leftover pumpkin pie
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Milk
- Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
How to Make Leftover Pumpkin Pie Bites with Crushed Pepitas
- Take the leftover pie and break it up into a large bowl. You’ll want to use your hands to make sure the pie is nice and combined, and shaped into a rustic ball. Using an ice cream scoop, scoop out bite-sized balls and place the balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Repeat the process until all the pie mixture has been used. Place the baking sheet into the freezer and let the pie balls set until slightly hard, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Next, preheat a medium saucepan to medium low heat and melt the chocolate chips. If the chocolate isn’t melting add ¼ cup milk (or more) until it smooths out. Take a pumpkin ball and dip into the chocolate using a fork to toss it around. Remove the ball from the saucepan and place on a baking sheet and sprinkle with crushed pepitas. Repeat the process and enjoy!
Variations of Leftover Pumpkin Pie Bites with Crushed Pepitas
Here are some creative variations of Leftover Pumpkin Pie Bites with Crushed Pepitas to suit different tastes and occasions:
Coconut-Crusted Pumpkin Pie Bites
- How to make it: Roll the pumpkin pie bites in toasted shredded coconut instead of pepitas.
- Flavor twist: Add a hint of tropical flair with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the coconut.
Spiced Ginger Crust Bites
- How to make it: Roll the bites in crushed gingersnap cookies mixed with pepitas for an extra layer of spice and crunch.
- Flavor twist: Add a touch of candied ginger to the mix for a zingy kick.
Cheesecake-Style Pumpkin Pie Bites
- How to make it: Blend the leftover pumpkin pie with a bit of cream cheese before shaping the bites.
- Flavor twist: Add a swirl of cinnamon sugar or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers.
Vegan-Friendly Pumpkin Pie Bites
- How to make it: Use a dairy-free pumpkin pie base and coat with vegan-friendly toppings like crushed pepitas or coconut flakes.
- Flavor twist: Add a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of cacao nibs
Proper Storing
To keep your Leftover Pumpkin Pie Bites with Crushed Pepitas fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Short-Term Storage (Up to 3 Days)
- Refrigerate: Place the bites in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
- Tip: For optimal texture, consume within 2–3 days, as the pepitas may lose their crunch over time.
Long-Term Storage (Up to 2 Months)
- Freeze:Lay the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid (about 1–2 hours). Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Thawing:Let the bites thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Tip: Avoid coating the bites with pepitas before freezing, as they can become soggy. Add the crushed pepitas after thawing for a fresher crunch.
Leftover Pumpkin Pie Bites with Crushed Pepitas
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch Pumpkin pie
- 2 cups Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup Milk + more if needed
- 1/2 cup Crushed salted pepitas
Instructions
- Take the leftover pie and break it up into a large bowl. You’ll want to use your hands to make sure the pie is nice and combined, and shaped into a rustic ball. Using an ice cream scoop, scoop out bite-sized balls and place the balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Repeat the process until all the pie mixture has been used. Place the baking sheet into the freezer and let the pie balls set until slightly hard, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Next, preheat a medium saucepan to medium low heat and melt the chocolate chips. If the chocolate isn’t melting add ¼ cup milk (or more) until it smooths out. Take a pumpkin ball and dip into the chocolate using a fork to toss it around. Remove the ball from the saucepan and place on a baking sheet and sprinkle with crushed pepitas. Repeat the process and enjoy!
