Mason Jar Apple Pie with Cream Cheese Layer and Caramel Topping Recipe
This Mason Jar Apple Pie recipe is an ingenious, single-serving dessert that layers a buttery graham cracker crust, a sweet and spiced apple filling, a creamy vanilla cream cheese layer, and a luscious caramel topping all inside a convenient mason jar. Perfect for on-the-go indulgence or charming dessert presentation, it combines classic apple pie flavors with easy, no-bake assembly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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 extract
- Pinch of salt
Other:
- 1/4 cup caramel topping (or more if desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the apple filling: In a medium skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples and water, cooking until the apples are just tender, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Make the graham cracker crust: In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Divide the crust mixture into mason jars, pressing it firmly into the bottom to create an even base.
- Whip the cream cheese layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the light cream cheese until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese until fully combined and fluffy.
- Assemble the jars: Spoon a layer of the cooked apple filling over the graham cracker crust in each jar. Add a thick layer of the cream cheese mixture on top of the apples, smoothing it evenly.
- Add the caramel topping: Drizzle caramel topping generously over the cream cheese layer. If desired, add more caramel to taste.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the assembled mason jars for at least 1 hour to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld. Serve chilled for a refreshing and delicious dessert.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweet and tangy flavor.
- Adjust the brown sugar according to your preferred sweetness level.
- The cream cheese layer can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated to save time.
- If you don’t have graham crackers, digestive biscuits can be a substitute for the crust.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Optional toppings like chopped nuts or cinnamon powder can be added for extra texture and flavor.
Keywords: Mason Jar Apple Pie, apple dessert, no-bake apple pie, individual apple pies, creamy apple pie, caramel apple dessert