Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies: Sweetness in a Jar

There’s something so charming about mini desserts, and when it comes to fall, nothing beats the classic flavor of apple pie. Enter Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies—a delightful twist on the traditional pie that’s perfect for cozy gatherings or just a little indulgence after a long day. These adorable little treats are filled with spiced apples and encased in flaky crust, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike.

I first stumbled upon the idea of jar desserts at a friend’s potluck, where she served mini cheesecakes in mason jars. It was such a fun and creative way to present dessert! Inspired by that, I decided to give apple pie a similar treatment. The result? A batch of sweet, spiced mini apple pies that not only looked adorable but also brought a smile to everyone’s face. Now, they’re a fall favorite in my household, and I can’t wait for you to try them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make

These mini pies come together quickly with simple ingredients. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow. Plus, there’s no need for fancy pie crust techniques—just roll and press!

Perfectly Portable

Serving desserts in mason jars makes them perfect for parties, picnics, or just as a fun treat at home. You can take them anywhere, and they’re mess-free!

Customizable

Feel free to customize the filling to your liking! You can add nuts, raisins, or even caramel for an extra touch of sweetness. Each jar can be a little unique!

Wholesome Comfort Food

With warm spices and juicy apples, these mini pies capture the essence of fall. They’re the perfect way to enjoy the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie in a fun, modern format.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: About 6-8 mini pies (depending on jar size)

Nutrition Facts (per mini pie):

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 12g
• Sugar: 15g
• Fiber: 2g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies:

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for your flaky crust.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: A hint of sweetness in the crust.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Essential for a flaky texture; cold butter is key!
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water: Helps bring the dough together without warming it up.

For the Apple Filling:

• 3-4 medium apples, peeled and sliced: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp).
• ½ cup granulated sugar: For sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Classic fall flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds warmth and depth.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the filling and keeps the apples from browning.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling.

For Assembly:

• Mini mason jars (8 oz): These will hold your pies and create a charming presentation.
• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water): For brushing the crust to give it a golden sheen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into making these scrumptious Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies! Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see some small pieces of butter—this is what will make the crust flaky!
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. You might not need all the water, so add it slowly!
4. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for a flaky crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Slice the Apples: While the dough chills, peel and slice the apples. Aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until the apples are well-coated. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you work on the crust.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles that will fit your mason jars. You’ll need two circles per jar.

Step 4: Assemble the Pies

1. Fit the Bottom Crust: Place one dough circle into the bottom of each mason jar, gently pressing it down to fit.
2. Fill with Apples: Spoon the apple filling into each jar, filling them about three-quarters full. The apples will cook down, so don’t worry about overfilling!
3. Top with Second Crust: Cut out another dough circle for the top of each pie. You can leave it whole or cut slits for a lattice effect. Press the edges together to seal.
4. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the top crust with the egg wash for a beautiful golden finish. This is where you can sprinkle a little extra sugar on top for a sweet crunch!

Step 5: Bake the Pies

1. Bake: Place the mason jars on a baking sheet (to catch any overflow) and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
2. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the pies cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. The jars will be hot, so be careful!

Step 6: Enjoy!

Serve your Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. They’re not just delicious; they also make for an impressive presentation!

How to Serve

Here are some fun serving suggestions for your Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies:

• With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream pairs perfectly with warm apple pie.
• At Parties: Serve them as individual desserts at parties or potlucks for a delightful treat everyone can enjoy.
• Cozy Nights In: Enjoy them with a hot cup of cider or coffee while snuggling up with a good book or movie.

Additional Tips

To ensure your mini pies turn out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:

1. Chill the Ingredients: Keep your butter and water cold for a flakier crust. If your dough gets warm while working with it, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
2. Apple Varieties: Mixing apple varieties adds depth to the flavor. Consider using Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples for the best combination.
3. Use Mason Jar Lids: If you have extra lids, use them to cover the jars while they bake. This can help the filling cook evenly.
4. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add more spices like allspice or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
5. Don’t Overfill: When adding the apple filling, leave some space at the top to prevent overflow while baking.

Recipe Variations

Here are some fun variations to try with your Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies:

• Caramel Apple: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the top crust for a decadent treat.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for a delightful crunch.
• Berry Twist: Mix in some fresh or frozen berries, like blueberries or raspberries, with the apples for a delicious mixed fruit pie.
• Vegan Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of regular eggs for a vegan-friendly version.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some ideas to complement your Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies:

• Whipped Cream: Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream for a classic touch.
• Spiced Cider: Serve alongside warm spiced apple cider for a cozy fall treat.
• Cheese Pairing: A slice of sharp cheddar cheese pairs wonderfully with sweet apple pie for a savory contrast.

Freezing and Storage

Want to save some mini pies for later? Here’s how to store them:

• Storage: Keep leftover mini pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked mini pies by assembling them in the jars and then freezing them. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Special Equipment

To get the best results with this recipe, consider having the following on hand:

• Mason Jars: 8 oz jars are perfect for individual servings.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out your pie crust evenly.
• Pastry Cutter: This will help you cut the butter into the flour for a perfect crust.

FAQ Section

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, store-bought pie crust is a great time-saver. Just make sure to follow the instructions for thawing if it’s frozen.

How can I make these pies ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and dough a day in advance. Assemble the pies just before baking for the best results.

What apples are best for baking?

Tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet apples like Honeycrisp work wonderfully together to create a balanced flavor.

Can I make these mini pies gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the crust gluten-free. Just ensure all your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How do I reheat leftover pies?

To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or place them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Conclusion

Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies are the perfect fall treat that captures the essence of cozy nights and festive gatherings. With their sweet, spiced apple filling and flaky crust, these adorable desserts will surely be a hit at any occasion. Plus, they’re super fun to make and even more delightful to eat!

I hope you give this recipe a try and bring a little sweetness to your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media—I love seeing your adorable mini pies! Happy baking, and enjoy the delicious flavors of fall!

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