Easy Apple Pie in a Jar: Your Quick & Delicious No-Bake Dessert Recipe

Apple pie in a jar?? Bring it on, I’ll eat them all (especially when the apples are still a bit warm). This is an easy apple recipe with a cookie bottom, vanilla whipped cream, and caramelized apples. And you will definitely love this recipe!

Forget the fuss of baking a whole pie! If the thought of a warm, deconstructed apple pie layered with sweet, caramelized apples, fluffy vanilla whipped cream, and a buttery cookie crust makes your mouth water, then you’ve come to the right place. This “Apple Pie in a Jar” recipe is an absolute dream for anyone craving a classic apple dessert without the extensive baking time. It captures all the beloved flavors and textures of a traditional apple pie, beautifully arranged in individual servings, making it perfect for any occasion – from a cozy weeknight treat to an impressive potluck dessert. Best of all, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, often ready in just 15-20 minutes!

Apple pie in a jar is an easy dessert where you blend all the delicious ingredients from an apple pie together in a jar, offering a delightful twist on a timeless classic. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly magical.

The Timeless Appeal of Apple Desserts

Without a doubt, apples are my absolute favorite fruit for crafting desserts and baked goods. Their natural sweetness, crisp texture, and ability to pair with a myriad of spices make them incredibly versatile. From heartwarming breakfast dishes to sophisticated ice creams, apples consistently deliver a comforting and delicious experience.

On this blog, you’ll find an abundance of apple-inspired creations, showcasing the fruit’s adaptability. Whether you’re craving a wholesome start to your day with a warm apple pie granola breakfast, a creamy indulgence like apple pie ice cream, or classic baked treats such as skinny apple turnovers or Grandma’s traditional Dutch apple pie, there is truly an apple recipe for every taste and occasion.

Apples aren’t just for dessert, though. Their vibrant flavor and firm texture allow them to be incorporated into various meals, even savory ones. They are a fruit with endless possibilities, providing a burst of freshness and a touch of sweetness that can elevate any dish. This apple pie in a jar recipe beautifully highlights the best of what apples have to offer in a simple, yet elegant form.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Apple Pie in a Jar

Crafting this quick and easy apple dessert relies on a few key components. Choosing the right ingredients will ensure maximum flavor and a delightful texture in every spoonful.

• Cookies (The Crunchy Base) – The foundation of our apple pie in a jar is a delicious, crumbled cookie base. While you can certainly get creative and bake your own cookies – perhaps these delightful German rock cookies would make an excellent choice for an extra homemade touch – using ready-made cookies like Graham crackers, shortbread, or even gingersnaps makes this dessert incredibly fast. The key is to choose a cookie that crumbles easily and provides a satisfying crunch against the soft apples and cream.
• Apples (The Star of the Show) – For the caramelized apple layer, any firm apple variety will work beautifully. I often opt for Elstar apples in this recipe due to their balanced sweet-tart flavor and ability to hold their shape when cooked. Other excellent choices include Jonagold or Pink Lady apples, which offer a similar sweetness and firmness. If you prefer a dessert with a slightly fresher, tangier note, Granny Smith apples are an ideal choice, providing a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the caramel and whipped cream.
• Vanilla Whipped Cream (The Creamy Cloud) – The rich, velvety vanilla whipped cream brings all the layers together. Ensure your heavy cream is very cold to achieve the best stiff peaks. The vanilla extract adds a classic warmth, while confectioners’ sugar sweetens it perfectly without being gritty.

🔪 Step-by-Step Preparation

This dessert truly lives up to its “easy” name. With minimal effort, you’ll be enjoying layers of apple pie goodness in no time!

Step 1 – Prepare the Apples for Caramelization

1. Begin by peeling your chosen apples. Once peeled, cut them into quarters, carefully remove the core, and then slice each quarter into even, thin slices. This ensures they cook uniformly and caramelize beautifully.
2. Generously sprinkle the apple slices with granulated sugar, ensuring each piece is lightly coated.
3. Next, sprinkle them with ground cinnamon. The combination of sugar and cinnamon is what gives these apples their quintessential “apple pie” flavor. Toss them gently to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 2 – Caramelize the Apples & Whip the Cream

Melt a tablespoon of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering, carefully place the sugar and cinnamon-coated apple slices in a single layer in the pan. Cook for about three minutes until the edges start to soften and the sugar begins to caramelize. Use a spatula to gently flip the apples and cook for another three minutes on the other side, allowing them to turn a lovely golden-brown. Once caramelized, transfer the apples to a plate and let them cool slightly. While you can serve them warm for an extra comforting touch, allowing them to cool prevents the whipped cream from melting too quickly when layered.

While the apples are cooling, prepare your vanilla whipped cream. In a separate bowl, combine the cold heavy cream, vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on high speed for about four minutes, or until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overmix, or it will turn to butter!

Step 3 – Assemble the First Layers in Your Jars

Now comes the fun part: assembly! For each serving, take your clean glass jar or dessert glass. Divide half of your crumbled cookies evenly among the bottoms of the glasses, pressing down lightly to form a base. The amount of cookie crumbles can be adjusted to your preference – some love a thick base, others prefer it lighter.

1. Divide half of the crumbled cookies into the bottom of your chosen glasses or jars.
2. Spoon approximately three generous tablespoons of your perfectly whipped vanilla cream over the cookie layer. Gently spread it to create an even layer.

Step 4 – Add Remaining Ingredients & Serve Immediately

Arrange three to four of your caramelized apple slices on top of the whipped cream layer. Now, repeat the layers: add the remaining crumbled cookies, followed by another spoonful (or two!) of vanilla whipped cream. Finish by artfully placing the rest of the caramelized apples on top. For an extra touch of aroma and flavor, I love to sprinkle a little additional ground cinnamon over the very top of each apple pie in a jar. Serve immediately to enjoy the textures at their best!

Tips, Variations, and Storage

This apple pie in a jar is wonderfully customizable. Here are some ideas to make it uniquely yours and ensure you get the most out of your dessert:

• Apple Choices: While Elstar and Jonagold offer a balanced sweetness, Granny Smith provides a delightful tartness. For a richer flavor, consider a blend of two apple varieties.
• Cookie Creativity: Don’t limit yourself to Graham crackers! Gingersnaps add a spicy kick, shortbread crumbles bring a buttery richness, and digestive biscuits offer a milder flavor that lets the apples shine.
• Seasonal Twists: For a delightful fall and winter variation, swap out apples for poached pears and use gingerbread spices instead of cinnamon. This creates a cozy, aromatic dessert perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Cream Alternatives: Instead of whipped cream, a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream would be an incredible addition, especially if serving the apples slightly warm. For a lighter option, consider a Greek yogurt topping sweetened with a touch of maple syrup.
• Add-ins: Boost the flavor and texture with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted oats can also enhance the experience.
• Make Ahead (with a caveat): This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, as the cookies can quickly soften when combined with the whipped cream. However, if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors will still be delicious, even if the cookie layer loses some crunch!
• Presentation Matters: Use clear glass jars or stylish dessert glasses to showcase the beautiful layers. Garnish with a small cinnamon stick, a sprig of mint, or a thin apple slice for an elegant finish.
• Serving Temperature: While the recipe suggests cooling the apples slightly to preserve the whipped cream’s firmness, serving the caramelized apples still warm creates a wonderful contrast with the cool cream and crunchy cookie, especially on a chilly evening.

More Delicious Dessert Ideas

If you loved this easy apple dessert, you might enjoy exploring other simple yet impressive sweet treats from my collection:

📖 Recipe Card: Easy Apple Pie in a Jar