Mason Jar Apple Pie with Cream Cheese Layer and Caramel Topping Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’ll find that the Mason Jar Apple Pie with Cream Cheese Layer and Caramel Topping Recipe is basically a cozy hug in dessert form. There’s something so charming about serving this classic flavor combination in a mason jar—it’s perfect for everything from a family dinner dessert to bringing along for a picnic or potluck. The layers make it look so fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy to pull together.

What really makes this mason jar apple pie stand out is that luscious cream cheese layer, which adds a silky contrast to the tender cinnamon-spiced apples and crumbly graham cracker crust. Then top it all off with rich caramel sauce and you’ve got yourself a decadent treat that somehow feels just homemade and approachable. I promise, once you try this Mason Jar Apple Pie with Cream Cheese Layer and Caramel Topping Recipe, it’ll be your go-to dessert whenever you want to impress without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here work harmoniously to create that dreamy balance of flavors and textures you want in a mini apple pie. Plus, most of them are pantry staples you can easily find or keep on hand. Here’s a quick rundown so you can shop smart.

• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness perfectly; it also melts evenly for a silky texture.
• Apples (peeled, cored, and diced): I like using a tart but firm variety like Granny Smith to keep the filling bright and not mushy.
• Water: Just a splash to gently cook the apples without making them soggy.
• Brown sugar: Adds caramel notes that amplify the apple’s natural sweetness beautifully.
• Cinnamon: The classic spice that wakes up the entire flavor profile — a must-have.
• Graham cracker crumbs: For that buttery, crunchy crust that adds a nice base without the fuss of a traditional pie dough.
• Sugar (for crust): Sweetens the crumbs lightly, balancing the tartness of the apples perfectly.
• Cream cheese (light): Creates a creamy layer that contrasts the apple filling; I find light cream cheese gives richness without heaviness.
• Heavy cream: Whipped into the cream cheese for a fluffy, smooth texture.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens without graininess and blends well into the cream layer.
• Vanilla extract: Just a hint brightens the cream cheese layer and ties all the flavors nicely.
• Pinch of salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing overall flavor.
• Caramel topping: The crowning glory—go generous if you like it extra indulgent like I do.

Variations

I love how flexible this Mason Jar Apple Pie with Cream Cheese Layer and Caramel Topping Recipe is—you can make it your own with just a few tweaks. Whether you want to tweak the sweetness or add a seasonal twist, it’s forgiving and fun to play around with.

• Spiced Up: Once, I added a pinch of nutmeg and ground ginger to the apple layer, and it gave a warm depth that felt like fall in every bite.
• Gluten-Free: Swap graham crackers for gluten-free cookie crumbs, which worked surprisingly well when a friend couldn’t have gluten.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and cream cheese if you want to make a plant-based treat—I’ve done this, and the caramel topping should be vegan-friendly as well.
• Fruit Swap: Mixing in pears or even a handful of cranberries can brighten it up for the holidays.

How to Make Mason Jar Apple Pie with Cream Cheese Layer and Caramel Topping Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Apples Just Right

Start by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced apples, water, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft but still retain a bit of bite—this should take about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they soften evenly without turning mushy; that texture contrast is key here.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

While the apples cool, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. This crumbly mixture forms the base of your dessert layers, so don’t skip this step—it adds crunch and a buttery flavor that perfectly counters the cream cheese and apples.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Layer

Beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth, then incorporate the heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Whip everything together until you get fluffy, creamy goodness that will hold its shape but stay silky enough to complement the apple layer beautifully.

Step 4: Assemble Your Mason Jars

Start with a spoonful of the graham cracker crust pressed lightly at the bottom of each mason jar. Next, add a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture, smoothing it gently. Follow with a hearty scoop of those warm cinnamon apples. Repeat if your jars are tall enough, then finish with a drizzle of caramel topping on each one. Seeing those layers through the glass is so satisfying!

Step 5: Chill Before Enjoying

Pop your jars into the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This chilling helps the flavors meld and the cream cheese layer to set perfectly. Plus, it makes the dessert nice and refreshing. If you’re in a hurry, 30 minutes can do the trick, but I prefer patience here.

How to Serve Mason Jar Apple Pie with Cream Cheese Layer and Caramel Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I often top mine with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or toasted walnuts for a bit of extra crunch. A few fresh apple slices or a light dusting of cinnamon on top also adds a lovely touch. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream alongside the caramel topping amps up the indulgence factor.

Side Dishes

This dessert is fantastic on its own, but I’ve enjoyed it paired with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or alongside a cup of warm chai tea to really bring out those spiced cinnamon notes. For a brunch, pairing with crisp bacon or a mild cheese plate surprisingly works too — sweet and savory is a crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this Mason Jar Apple Pie with Cream Cheese Layer and Caramel Topping Recipe in clear jars is already a fun twist, but I’ve also tried tiny jars tied with twine and a cinnamon stick for a seasonal gift. For parties, arranging them on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple wedges and cinnamon sticks makes a beautiful dessert display that everyone loves to dig into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers covered tightly in the fridge—the sealed mason jars work wonderfully for this. They stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, which is great for anyone who likes a little dessert for the next day or two. Just give it a gentle stir before serving if the layers have settled.

Freezing

I’ve experimented freezing these and found the apples freeze well, but the cream cheese layer can firm up quite a bit—still delicious, but the texture changes slightly. If you want to freeze, I recommend doing it without the caramel topping and adding fresh caramel when thawed. Freeze in airtight containers and enjoy within a month.

Reheating

If you’d like warm apple pie flavors, I gently reheat just the apple layer in the microwave or on the stovetop and then assemble or reassemble the layers fresh for serving. Avoid reheating the jars whole with cream cheese inside, as it might separate or get too soft. It’s all about keeping that creamy texture just right.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Mason Jar Apple Pie with Cream Cheese Layer and Caramel Topping Recipe is one of my favorite ways to bring classic fall flavors into something a little fresh and special. It’s cozy without being heavy, eye-catching without being complicated, and just downright delicious. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on a quiet night in. Grab your jars, and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen!

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