Pumpkin Pie Twists
Pumpkin Pie Twists are a fun and tasty twist on traditional pumpkin pie, made with flaky puff pastry and filled with warm, spiced pumpkin filling. They’re crispy on the outside,…
Tip: save now, cook later.Pumpkin Pie Twists are a fun and tasty twist on traditional pumpkin pie, made with flaky puff pastry and filled with warm, spiced pumpkin filling. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and slightly gooey inside, and have all those cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of sweetness that scream fall.
I love how these twists are so simple to make but feel really special. I usually keep some ready-made puff pastry in my fridge for quick treats like this. It’s fun to roll them up, and the smell while they bake is absolutely irresistible—like a little pumpkin hug from the oven.
These are perfect served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side. I like to make a batch for family gatherings or just as a pick-me-up when the weather starts to cool down. They’re a great way to enjoy pumpkin pie flavors without having to slice and serve a whole pie.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This is the base that gives you those flaky, buttery twists. I like using store-bought puff pastry because it’s quick and reliable. If you want a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free puff pastry in the freezer section.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin works perfectly here and saves time. If you prefer fresh, roast your own pumpkin and mash it well. Either way, this is what gives the twists their classic pumpkin flavor.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves make the filling warm and inviting. You can adjust the amounts to suit your taste. If you don’t have cloves, simply leave them out or add a pinch of allspice instead.
Egg Wash: Brushing the twists with beaten egg gives them a beautiful golden color and helps the sugar stick. If you want to keep it vegan, brush with a little plant-based milk or maple syrup for a light glaze.
How Do You Get Perfectly Flaky, Crispy Pumpkin Pie Twists?
The trick is handling the puff pastry with care and baking it just right:
- Keep the pastry cold until you’re ready to roll and twist it. Warm pastry gets sticky and tough to work with.
- Roll gently on a floured surface to smooth and slightly enlarge the sheet, but don’t press too hard or you’ll lose those flaky layers.
- After spreading the filling, fold and seal edges well to prevent leaks during baking.
- Twist each strip evenly to help the layers puff nicely and create those beautiful spirals.
- Bake in a hot oven (400°F/200°C) to get the pastry puffed and crisp, but watch closely so they don’t burn.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – for baking the twists evenly and preventing spills.
- Parchment paper – helps keep the twists from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup easier.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – makes clean, straight cuts for twisting the pastry.
- Pastry brush – perfect for brushing egg wash to get that golden, shiny finish.
- Mixing bowl – to combine the pumpkin and spices smoothly.
- Rolling pin (optional) – helps gently roll out the puff pastry if you want it a bit thinner.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a spoonful of cream cheese to the pumpkin filling for a richer, tangy twist – it balances the spices nicely.
- Mix in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- Swap pumpkin puree for sweet potato puree for a similar sweet flavor with a slightly earthier tone.
- Sprinkle a little ground cardamom or ginger instead of cloves for a fresh, warm spice variation.
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Twists?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to bake. So, in less than 25 minutes, you’ll have warm, crispy, and flavorful pumpkin pie twists ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make sure your twists don’t stick.
2. Mix the Pumpkin Filling:
In a small bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and vanilla extract. Stir well until everything is blended nicely.
3. Roll and Fill the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet gently to smooth it and make it a bit bigger. Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over half of the sheet, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges.
4. Fold and Cut the Pastry:
Fold the other half of the puff pastry over the filling and gently press along the edges to seal it. Then, cut the folded pastry into 1 to 1.5-inch-wide strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
5. Twist and Prepare for Baking:
Take each strip and twist it several times to create a spiral shape. Place the twists on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Beat the egg and brush it over the twists to give them a nice golden shine. Finally, sprinkle the coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar on top for an extra sweet crunch.
6. Bake and Serve:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pastry looks puffed and golden brown. Let the twists cool a bit on the baking sheet before moving them to a plate. Serve warm, and enjoy with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if you like!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry for Pumpkin Pie Twists?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the puff pastry completely in the fridge overnight or for a few hours before using. This helps it roll out smoothly and bake evenly.
Can I Make These Twists Ahead of Time?
You can prepare and twist the pastry strips ahead, then store them on the baking sheet covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 4 hours before baking. This is great for prepping in advance!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm and crisp.
Can I Substitute the Pumpkin Filling?
Definitely! You can swap the pumpkin puree with sweet potato puree or use a blend of mashed apple and cinnamon for a different but delicious twist on the filling.