I made Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies—adorable single-serving pies baked right in small glass jars. Each jar holds tender cinnamon‑spiced apple filling nestled in a flaky crust and topped with a crumb or sugar‑butter finish. They’re cute, portable, and perfect for gifting or serving at gatherings.

Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how charming and versatile these pies are. Baking them individually in jars means each treat turns out uniform and beautifully presented. They blend comforting baked apple flavor and buttery crust in a portion that feels cozy yet festive. Plus, they’re straightforward to assemble and store—or gift!

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

small apple varieties (peeled, cored, thinly sliced or diced)
granulated sugar (and optionally brown sugar or cinnamon sugar mix)
ground cinnamon (and salt, optional nutmeg or allspice)
cold butter (for crust and/or filling)
pie dough or pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
optional crumb topping (crumb mix of butter, flour, sugar)
optional egg wash or coarse sugar for topping
mason jars (typically 8‑oz wide‑mouth jars)

directions

I start by preparing the apple filling: I toss sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon (and nutmeg if I like), sometimes cooking gently on the stove to soften slightly but still retain structure.
Meanwhile, I roll out pie dough and cut small rounds using the mason jar lids as templates. I press each circle into the bottom and partway up the sides of each wide‑mouth jar to form a shell.
Next, I spoon the apple filling into each lined jar, leaving a bit of space at the top because the fruit shrinks slightly when baked. I might dot each with a small knob of butter. Then I top with either a dough round, crumb topping, or sprinkling of sugar or butter.
I bake the jars at around 375 °F (190 °C) for 45–50 minutes, until the apples are bubbly and the crust or topping is golden and crisp. Once out of the oven, I let them cool slightly before serving—they set better and cool safely in the jars.

Servings and timing

Yield: Usually 6–12 mini pies, depending on jar size and dough yield
Prep time: ~15–20 minutes to prepare filling and line jars
Bake time: ~45–50 minutes at ~375 °F
Cool time: ~10–15 minutes before serving

Variations

I enjoy customizing by:

adding raisins, cranberries, or chopped nuts into the apple mix
topping with a buttery oat crumble instead of a crust top
brushing the crust with egg wash and coarse sugar for sparkle
using pear, peach, or mixed berry filling instead of apple
swirling in caramel or drizzling sauce just before serving for an elevated finish

storage/reheating

I store these pies with their lids on (loosely) or covered in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. To reheat, I remove the lids and warm them in a low oven until warmed through and the topping crisps again. I avoid microwaving since it can soften the crust and soggify the topping.

FAQs

Can I bake these jars with lids on?

I bake without the lids—just use the jars as molds. Lids go on only after cooling or when storing to keep fresh.

Do the pies cook through without pre‑cooking the apples?

Yes—if apples are sliced thin and mixed with sugar and cinnamon, they soften well during baking. Cooking on stovetop first is optional but helps if apples are very firm.

What size jars should I use?

I find 8‑oz wide‑mouth mason jars ideal—they’re neither too small nor too large. Half‑pint sizes work well for personal pies.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! I assemble jars in advance and refrigerate before baking. For gifting or serving later, I bake the day before and gently rewarm when ready to serve.

Is it safe to bake in mason jars?

Yes—only use heat‑resistant wide‑mouth jars (like standard canning jars). I avoid thin decorative jars and always place them on a baking sheet to distribute heat and prevent direct contact with hot surfaces.

Conclusion

I adore these Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies—they’re charming, comforting, and effortlessly festive. Each bite delivers tender, warmly spiced apples in a buttery crust, all nestled in its own little jar. With options for crumble tops or caramel drizzle, plus easy make‑ahead potential and cute gift presentation, they feel both fun and upscale. I’ll definitely try filling variations like mixed fruit or salted caramel next time—and I know they’ll be a hit every time.