Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies
Mason Jar Apple Pies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, offering all the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie in a cute, portable format. These individual servings are perfect for parties, picnics, or simply enjoying at home. With their charming presentation and delicious layers, they stand out as both a tasty treat and a thoughtful gift.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Portable Delight: Enjoy your dessert anywhere with these easy-to-carry mason jar servings.
- No-Bake Convenience: Quick to assemble without turning on the oven, making them ideal for hot days.
- Customizable Layers: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or spices to make each jar unique.
- Perfect for Gifting: Attractive and personal, these mini pies make great gifts for friends and family.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping to create these charming desserts!
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make preparing Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies even easier. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer
- Small saucepan
- Mason jars (4)
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: This tool efficiently crushes graham crackers into fine crumbs for the crust.
- Hand mixer: It helps whip cream quickly, ensuring a light and fluffy cream cheese layer.
- Small saucepan: Perfectly cooks the apples while keeping flavors concentrated.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 ½ cups diced apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 1-2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Graham Cracker Crust
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 6 oz. cream cheese light
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- pinch of salt
For Assembly
- 1/4 cup caramel topping (or more)
How to Make Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Sauce
You can either use store-bought caramel sauce or make our Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce. For best results, prepare our homemade version ahead of time to use in this recipe (and others).
Step 2: Cook the Apples
Add the diced apples, butter, water, brown sugar, and cinnamon to a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
Use a food processor to crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Pour them into a bowl and add sugar and melted butter. Stir to combine thoroughly. Spoon an equal amount of this mixture into each mason jar and press down tightly using a round object (the end of an ice cream scoop works well).
Step 4: Prep the Cream Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream using a hand mixer until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Blend well with the mixer before gently folding in the whipped heavy cream.
Step 5: Assemble the Jars
Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly into each jar on top of the graham cracker crust.
Step 6: Finish Assembling Jars
Once apples are cooled (room temperature is acceptable), add them on top of the cream cheese layer in each jar. Drizzle with caramel sauce and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies
Serving Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies is a delightful way to enjoy this charming dessert. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, these individual servings offer both convenience and style.
For a Cozy Family Gathering
- Warm Them Up: Slightly warm the jars before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Top with Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
- Add Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can elevate the taste.
As Party Favors
- Decorative Jars: Use colorful mason jars and tie with ribbon for a festive look.
- Personalized Labels: Create custom labels for each jar to make them feel special.
- Include a Recipe Card: Attach a recipe card so guests can recreate the treat at home.
At Holiday Gatherings
- Garnish with Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch.
- Drizzle More Caramel: A little extra caramel sauce adds an indulgent touch.
- Serve with Coffee or Cider: Pair the jars with warm beverages for a cozy experience.
How to Perfect Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies
To ensure your Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies are always a hit, consider these tips for perfection.
- Bold Flavors: Use fresh spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for increased depth of flavor.
- Evenly Layer Ingredients: Make sure each layer in the jar is consistent for an appealing presentation.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the assembled pies sit in the fridge for an hour; this helps flavors meld beautifully.
- Use Fresh Apples: Choose crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to keep the filling vibrant and tasty.
Best Side Dishes for Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies
Pairing side dishes with Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options:
- Bold Cheese Platter: Sharp cheeses complement the sweetness of apple pie wonderfully.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted, spiced nuts add crunch and flavor that pairs well with apple desserts.
- Autumn Salad: A salad with mixed greens, dried cranberries, and feta cheese brings freshness to your meal.
- Pumpkin Soup: This warm soup offers comforting flavors that resonate well with fall-inspired desserts.
- Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Crispy chips dusted with cinnamon sugar are perfect for dipping into caramel sauce.
- Cozy Hot Chocolate: Serve alongside rich hot cocoa topped with marshmallows for a sweet treat combo.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies can be a fun experience, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.
- Overcooking the Apples: If you cook the apples too long, they can become mushy. Cook just until softened for the best texture.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Cool the cooked apples before adding them to your jars. This prevents the cream cheese layer from melting.
- Not Pressing the Crust Enough: Ensure you press the graham cracker crust firmly into the jars. A loose crust can crumble when served.
- Ignoring Measurements: Use precise measurements for each ingredient. Too much sugar or butter can overwhelm the flavors.
- Using Cold Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This helps create a smooth and creamy filling.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store sealed jars in the refrigerator.
- They last up to 3 days when properly sealed.
- Use airtight containers to keep them fresh.
Freezing Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies
- You can freeze assembled pies without caramel sauce.
- Wrap each jar tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
- They are good for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place jars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Remove lids and heat the jar in 30-second intervals until warm. Be cautious as jars can get hot quickly!
- Stovetop: Transfer contents to a saucepan and heat over low heat while stirring gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies?
Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies are individual desserts made with layers of graham cracker crust, spiced apples, and creamy filling in mason jars.
How long does it take to prepare Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies?
The total time is about 40 minutes, which includes 30 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time for the apples.
Can I customize my Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies?
Yes! You can add nuts, raisins, or change spices based on your preference. Feel free to experiment with different toppings as well!
How do I make my own caramel sauce for these pies?
You can easily make homemade salted caramel sauce by heating sugar until melted, then adding cream and salt. This adds a personal touch!
Final Thoughts
Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies are a delightful treat that combines convenience with flavor. Their charming presentation makes them perfect for gatherings or as gifts. Plus, you can customize them with various toppings or fillings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to be a hit!
Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes 4 servings 1x
Description
Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies are a charming and delicious twist on the classic apple pie, presented in individual servings that are perfect for any occasion. These delightful desserts combine layers of spiced apples, creamy filling, and a crunchy graham cracker crust, all neatly packed into mason jars. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, throwing a party, or searching for the perfect gift, these mini pies offer a fun and portable way to enjoy one of the most beloved desserts. Plus, they can be easily customized with your favorite toppings or spices, making each jar unique and personal. With no baking required, these easy-to-make treats are sure to impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups diced apples
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 1–2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 6 oz. cream cheese light
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup caramel topping (or more)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, melt butter and add diced apples, water, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook until softened (about 5-6 minutes) then set aside to cool.
- In a food processor, crush graham crackers into fine crumbs. Combine with sugar and melted butter; press mixture into the bottom of mason jars.
- Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Blend cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla; fold in whipped cream until smooth.
- Layer the cream cheese mixture over the crust in jars, add cooled apples on top, and drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mason jar (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
