Description
This delightful Mason Jar Apple Pie offers a portable, layered dessert featuring a graham cracker crust, a warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a smooth cream cheese topping, finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Perfect for a single-serving indulgence, this recipe combines classic apple pie flavors in a convenient and elegant presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
For the apples:
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 ½ cups diced apples – peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 1–2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
For the graham cracker crust:
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter – melted
For the cream cheese layer:
- 6 oz. light cream cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Other:
- ¼ cup caramel topping – or more, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the apple filling: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Add the diced apples and 1 tablespoon of water, then sprinkle with 1 to 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the sugar mixture is syrupy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Make the graham cracker crust: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup graham cracker crumbs with 2 teaspoons sugar and 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Divide this crust mixture evenly into mason jars, pressing it firmly against the bottom to form a compact base.
- Prepare the cream cheese layer: In a mixing bowl, beat 6 ounces of light cream cheese until smooth. Add ½ cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whip together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Assemble the jars: Spoon a layer of the cooked apple mixture over the graham cracker crust in each jar. Then, pipe or spoon the whipped cream cheese mixture on top of the apples, smoothing the surface.
- Add the finishing touch: Drizzle approximately ¼ cup of caramel topping over the cream cheese layer, adding more if desired. Seal the jars with lids and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and layers to set.
- Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature. These mason jar apple pies make for an elegant and convenient dessert, perfect for gatherings or a special treat.
Notes
- Choose firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
- The amount of brown sugar can be adjusted depending on the sweetness of your apples or personal preference.
- The dessert can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated to save time.
- For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and substitute heavy cream with a lighter cream alternative.
- Ensure the jars are properly sealed if transporting to prevent spillage.
Keywords: apple pie, mason jar dessert, caramel apple, layered dessert, easy apple recipe