Description
A spooky-fun Halloween pie featuring oven-baked shrunken apple heads tucked into a sweet, rustic nut-and-fruit filling. The apples slowly carve into creepy little faces as they bake, creating the ultimate creepy pie for parties. Perfect for anyone searching for Halloween pie recipes, creepy face pies, or a dramatic dessert to serve alongside shrunken head apple cider or punch.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch Shrunken Heads Pie):
For the Crust:
• 1 single pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
For the Apple Heads:
• 4–6 medium firm apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 tbsp citric acid or lemon juice (prevents browning)
• 2 cups water (for soaking solution)
For the Filling:
• ¾ cup chopped walnuts (or pecans/almonds)
• ¼ cup dried cranberries (or raisins/apricots)
• ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
• 1 ½ tbsp orange juice (optional)
• ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Shrunken Apple Heads
Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
Peel the apples.
Use a small knife or carving tool to carve simple faces: eyes, nose slits, and a mouth.
Mix water with citric acid or lemon juice in a bowl. Soak carved apples for 10 minutes to prevent browning.
Place apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 1½–2 hours, turning occasionally, until they shrink and wrinkle into creepy shrunken heads.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a bowl, mix walnuts, dried cranberries, honey, orange juice, and cinnamon.
Stir until coated and sticky.
Fill the bottom of your pie crust with this mixture and spread evenly.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Arrange the baked shrunken heads upright in the filling so their faces peek out.
Press gently so they nestle in securely.
Optionally brush the exposed apples lightly with honey for shine.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Increase oven temp to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the assembled pie for 25–30 minutes until the crust is golden and filling is bubbling slightly.
Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving so the filling sets.
Notes
• Face ideas: Carve big round eyes or long oval “ghost eyes” for extra creep factor.
• Flavor twist: Add a splash of apple cider to the filling for extra fall flavor.
• Party pairing: Serve with shrunken head apple punch or hot spiced cider for a full themed table.
• Make ahead: Bake apple heads the day before; store uncovered in fridge for maximum shrivel.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Halloween Pie
- Method: Carved / Baked
- Cuisine: American (Halloween-Inspired)