Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies

Mason Jar Apple Pies are a delightful treat that combine the classic flavors of caramel apple pie in a charming and portable format. These mini desserts are perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive parties. The individual servings make them easy to share or gift, while the no-bake aspect ensures they are simple to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a fun dessert for fall or a unique way to impress your guests, these Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies will do just that!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Apple Filling
• For the Crust
• For the Cream Cheese Layer
• For Assembly
• How to Make Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies
• Step 1: Prepare Caramel Sauce
• Step 2: Cook the Apples
• Step 3: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
• Step 4: Prep the Cream Cheese Layer
• Step 5: Assemble the Jars
• Step 6: Finish Assembling Jars
• How to Serve Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies
• As a Party Favor
• With Ice Cream
• During Family Gatherings
• At Picnics or Potlucks
• For Holiday Celebrations
• How to Perfect Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies
• Best Side Dishes for Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies
• Reheating Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies?
• How long does it take to prepare Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies?
• Can I customize my Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies?
• How do I prevent my graham cracker crust from crumbling?
• Can I make these Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Portable Delight: Enjoy apple pie on the go! These mini jars are easy to carry and serve.
• No-Bake Convenience: Skip the oven! This recipe is quick and requires minimal cooking.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to adjust sweetness or add toppings like nuts or whipped cream.
• Charming Presentation: The mason jar adds a rustic touch that makes these pies visually appealing.
• Perfect for Gifting: Share the joy! These pies make thoughtful gifts for friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mason jars (4)
• Small saucepan
• Food processor
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mason jars: They not only hold your dessert but also create an attractive presentation.
• Food processor: Quickly crushes graham crackers for a fine crust, saving time and effort.
• Hand mixer: Helps achieve fluffy cream cheese filling with ease, ensuring a smooth texture.

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 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 Caramel Sauce

You can either use store-bought caramel sauce or make our Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce. For best results, make 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.
• Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 3: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

• Use a food processor to crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs.
• In a bowl, combine crumbs with sugar and melted butter.
• Spoon mixture into each mason jar evenly and press down tightly using a round object.

Step 4: Prep the Cream Cheese Layer

• In one bowl, whip the heavy cream using a hand mixer until stiff peaks form.
• In another bowl, blend softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
• Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Jars

• Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each jar on top of the graham cracker crust.
• Smooth it out evenly against all sides of the jars.

Step 6: Finish Assembling Jars

When apples have cooled to room temperature:
* Add softened apples to each jar on top of the cream cheese layer.
* Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

How to Serve Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies

Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies are a delightful, portable dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance this charming treat and make it even more appealing.

As a Party Favor

• Individual jars can be wrapped with ribbon or twine, making them perfect for party favors.
• Personalize each jar with a tag for guests to take home.

With Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream on top adds a creamy contrast to the warm apple filling.
• Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the ice cream for an indulgent touch.

During Family Gatherings

• Serve these mini pies as part of a dessert buffet at family gatherings.
• Provide different toppings like whipped cream, nuts, or chocolate chips for variety.

At Picnics or Potlucks

• These individual servings are easy to transport, making them ideal for picnics or potlucks.
• Pair with fresh fruit or cheese for a balanced treat.

For Holiday Celebrations

• Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies fit perfectly into any holiday spread.
• Decorate jars festively to match the theme of your celebration.

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How to Perfect Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies

Perfecting your Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies involves attention to detail and a few key techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your pies turn out delicious every time.

• Choose the right apples: Use firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
• Let the apples cool: Allowing the cooked apples to cool ensures they won’t melt the cream cheese layer when assembled.
• Layering is key: Ensure even layers of graham cracker crust, cream cheese mixture, and apples for a balanced taste in each bite.
• Use quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality vanilla and fresh cream cheese to enhance overall flavor.
• Don’t skimp on caramel: A generous drizzle of caramel adds richness and sweetness that complements the spiced apples beautifully.
• Chill before serving: Refrigerating the assembled jars helps set the layers and enhances flavors before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies

Pairing delicious side dishes with your Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this classic topping complements the pie’s rich flavors perfectly.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop adds creamy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with warm apple pie.
3. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling extra caramel sauce on the plate enhances sweetness and visual appeal.
4. Cheese Platter: A mix of sharp cheddar and soft brie provides savory notes that balance the sweetness of the pies.
5. Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and contrast alongside your dessert jars.
6. Spiced Nuts: Crunchy, spiced nuts provide texture that pairs nicely with the soft apple filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch for:

• Ignoring apple variety: Not all apples are created equal. Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to ensure your filling holds up well.
• Overcooking the apples: Cooking them too long can make them mushy. Keep an eye on them and cook until just softened, about 5-6 minutes.
• Skipping the cooling step: Adding warm apples directly into jars can melt your cream cheese layer. Let them cool completely before layering.
• Not pressing the crust firmly: A loose crust can crumble easily. Make sure to press the graham cracker mixture tightly into the jar for a sturdy base.
• Using too much caramel sauce: While it’s delicious, using too much can overwhelm the other flavors. Drizzle lightly for the best balance.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies in airtight containers.
• They will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep layers separate if possible, especially the cream cheese layer, to maintain texture.

Freezing Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies

• You can freeze these pies for up to 2 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or jars to prevent freezer burn.
• Remember to leave space at the top of jars for expansion when freezing.

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 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Remove metal lids, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and heat on medium power for 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies?

Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies are portable desserts that combine spiced apple filling with a creamy layer and graham cracker crust, all served in charming mason jars.

How long does it take to prepare Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies?

The total time is about 40 minutes including preparation and cooking. It’s a quick dessert that is perfect for any occasion!

Can I customize my Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, different spices like nutmeg or allspice, or even substitute different fruits for a unique flavor twist.

How do I prevent my graham cracker crust from crumbling?

Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of each jar. This will help create a sturdy base that holds together well.

Can I make these Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies ahead of time?

Yes! They store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies are not just delicious but also visually appealing and versatile. They make great individual servings, perfect for gatherings or as gifts. Feel free to customize your pies with different fruits or toppings to match your preferences. Try making this delightful dessert today!