So today is the wrap up for Fun with Jars. It will be moved aside for Farm Fresh Fridays now that the Farmer’s Markets and Fruit Stands are open in Ontario. I thought I would send it off with a big bang. I’ve been dying to make these for ages. So I hauled my butt to the store to buy wide mouth canning jars. I think it’s the only kind I don’t have. I picked up a case and got busy. Making pies in jars. Who knew? So much fun, so cute and such a huge pain in the rump. It’s really flipping hard to get the dough in the jars properly. I mean wicked hard. I tried just cutting round pieces bigger than the jar but as you push them into the jars they fold over all over the place and you end up with a big old weird top. I tried strips but that looked weird. Finally I just starting winging it. Piecing bits together as I went. You get some spillage but heck it’s pie so who gives a flip. I mean who in their right mind would refuse to eat a pie based on it not being perfect. Okay so maybe Martha would but it’s not like we’re buds or anything. It’s not like she’s gonna show up here and then stomp off cuz she saw some pie leaked out the bottom. And quite frankly Martha if you’re that uptight then I don’t want to share my jars with you. So there!
So for all you less uptight people I’d love to share my jars with you. I mean look at these things. They are beyond adorable. Who would not love little apple or cherry pies served in cute little jars? You’d have to be out of your mind not to love these. I am totally in love with them. I want to marry them. I really do. Seriously.
Apparently you can actually freeze these little suckers. Again, who knew? I think it’s such a cute idea. I think next spring I am going to plan ahead for our scorching, blazing hot summers and make a gazillion of these before it gets hot. Then I can just pop one or ten out every time I need a snack. Seems like a reasonable plan to me. I mean who wouldn’t want to be able to snack on pie on a moments notice? I know I am all for pie snacking on the fly.
I’ve done Shepherd’s Pie in a jar before but I had never done fruit pies. So I had no idea what temperature to cook these at so I did some ninja googling and came upon Squawkfox- Tiny Tarts: How to Make Pie in a Jar. That site is a mountain of information. I’d never seen it before so I had a blast poking about. It gives a way better tutorial than I’m about to so seriously you should scoot over there and see how it’s done by pros. Cuz here you’re just getting my slapped together jars Martha won’t even look at. Martha honey, stop making the rest of us feel like under-achievers. Seriously woman, drop a pie on the floor, wear a shirt with a stain on it in public, heck let us see you covered in pet hair. I still can’t figure out how you never have any on you. I have as many pets as you do and no lint roller from heaven above is going to get it all. You must be using black magic or something to get rid of it. What’s your secret Martha?
Okay so I went on a tangent. Sorry. It happens. Maybe I need to shove some pie in my pie hole so Martha doesn’t show up and take a strip outta me. Not that I think she could. I’m pretty tough. I may not be rich, or famous, or have loads of Friesian horses, or my own tv show, or my own magazine, or my…wait, where was I going with this anyway. Oh ya, I could take Martha in a smack down. Not a money challenge, but an actual smack down for sure. I’m scrappy like that.
Okay so now that I’ve embarrassed myself fully and challenged Martha to a duel maybe I should tell you how to make pie. In jars. Take that Martha!
- 2 and a half packages of ready-made crust
- 6 Granny Smith apples peeled and cut up
- 2 Red Delicious apples peeled and cut up
- 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice to keep apples from browning
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt if desired
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of butter
- 1 can store-bought cherry pie filling
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
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Clean your mason jars.
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Spray the heck out of your mason jars with non stick spray.
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Roll out the dough a little thinner than it is in the package. Use a pizza wheel to cut into pieces. Now place the pieces in your jars and press them so you have very little gaps. Just keep working it till you get the groove going.
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Set aside.
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Peel and cut up your apples. You want small cubes for jars. Sprinkle the lemon juice over them to keep them from browning while you measure out everything else.
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Combine brown sugar, flour and spices in another bowl and mix. Then pour over your apples and mix it all together.
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Spoon the apples into 8 of the 12 jars. Fill about 3/4 of the way.
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Put a pat of butter on each one.
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Top with more crust.
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Pinch or use a fork to seal them up.
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You can brush the top with milk or butter if you like. I didn't this time.
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Open can, spoon into the remaining 4 jars.
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Top with crust.
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Pinch or use fork to secure tops.
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Make sure you leave a steam hole.
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Using a little cookie cutter to make the hole is fun.
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Place all the jars on a rimmed baking sheet. Carefully place that in your preheated oven. Cook for 35 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Remove and let cool or eat right away.
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Serve with a big old jar happy smile!
See, it’s as easy as pie. Oh come on now. You didn’t think I was going to get through a whole pie post without saying that did you. I mean by now you should all know the cheesy, corny jokes are never far away. Yah, I went there. And I’ll do it again, I’m sure. It’s how I roll. Lunatic style. And this is how you roll and press your pies in jars. Subtle right!
Press your dough inside like so!
Get your edges all ready so you can press them down later!
Get your apple mixture all mixed up and ready to go!
Spoon in the filling!
Now add a pat of butter on each for yummy goodness!
Top with dough. I experimented since this was my first go at these!
See, cutie patootie hearts. So adorable I might barf!
Okay so the photos of the steps blow. What can I tell you, my cell blows too. As does my multi tasking skills. As does my kitchen lighting. As does my sentence skills. Thankfully my pie skills rock! Maybe Martha will see and feel bad for me and send me an Iphone as a gesture of kindness. She’ll take pity on me, then I’ll email to thank her, then she’ll call me, then she’ll invite me up to her place to go horseback riding, then we’ll become BFF’s. Okay…so…ya…probably not. I suppose us underachievers can dream right.
I did not say my crust skills rock. Clearly they do not. They might roll, but rock they do not. It’s really freaking hard to get these right. I intend to practice till all my neighbours look like Santa Claus so I can nail this. I might even send some to Martha to Santa her up too.
Okay so are you sick of looking at pies in jars yet? No. Anyone. Anyone. I hope you haven’t nodded off or been inspired to go visit Martha . As we say goodbye to Fun with Jars I’m a little sad but also filled with wild anticipation at all the fun posts I’ll be doing for Farm Fresh Fridays. I had a blast with that series last summer. So out with the old and in with the new. I could make a totally inappropriate Martha reference right now but I’ll refrain. After all I really do love me some Martha. I also know she has a wicked sense of humour. Did you all see her years ago with Conan O’Brien when they did a whole skit based on romance novel covers. It was beyond funny. The woman can cook and take a joke. I still think I can take her in a smack down though. All that jar lifting and filling has made my guns like steel. How do you like me now Martha baby.
Other Apple Recipes from Cravings of a Lunatic:
Fried Apples with Apple Caramel Sauce, pictured below:
Apple Pull Apart Bread with Caramel Drizzle, pictured below:
Turtle Apples, pictured below:
Spring Apple Pie, pictured below:
Christmas Apple Pie, pictured below:
Other Cherry Recipes from Cravings of a Lunatic:
Cherry Cobbler Pizza, pictured below:
Black Forest Bites, pictured below:
Black Forest Cheesecake, pictured below:
No Bake Black Forest Cheesecake, pictured below:
Coconut Whipped Cream and Cherry Parfaits, pictured below:
Toodles and smoochies! xx
The Mom Chef says
After my experience with lattice pie crust today, your pies in jars look heavenly! I just wonder about the piling guilt I’ll feel at seeing the stack of empty, dirty little jars in the sink. It’s another great idea a la you.
Kim Bee says
I need to tackle lattice myself. It intimidates me a little bit. These are just so cute.
I have older kids so I haven’t done dishes in years.
Thanks. Muah!
Squawkfox (Kerry) says
Hi Kim Bee, Thank you so much for your kind words! Your pies look divine — far better than my own. Cheers, Kerry
Kim Bee says
Awe Kerry how sweet are you. I was in awe of yours and loved your post. You have a great sense of humour. I’m so touched you stopped by.
Maureen @ Orgasmic Chef says
I love pie!! I’ll take 5 jars 🙂
These all look so delicious!
Kim Bee says
Only 5? They are so much fun. I’m going to do them again for a party. This time maybe they’ll be neater. Or not.
Thanks! xx
Sandra's Easy Cooking says
You are so creative….those are killing me right now, because i want some 🙁 Great recipe and tempting photos(you have no idea how tempting…i might search for something sweet right now):))) xoxo
Kim Bee says
Awe thanks Sandra. I had been wanting to make them for ages. So glad I took the plunge. They are just too cute for words. You should just make a fruit salad in a jar. Cute and just as sweet without all the calories.
suzanne Perazzini says
They look super little pies. I did individual chicken pies for dinner last night and they turned out really great and we could even lift them intact out of the dishes, which makes them so much easier to eat.
Kim Bee says
There’s just something about cute little individual size foods that gets me. I love the small chicken pot pies.
Carla says
Aha we sorta had similar ideas, but def a different approach! I should make pie in a jar bc my pudding pies always leak out everywhere when cut haha great idea! I’ll use my pie filling w your pie jar and call it a party 🙂
Kim Bee says
Lol I was so worried we did the same thing. I love yours. I took a quick peek before I had to run off somewhere earlier. So cute. Okay it’s a deal. Party time.
Jen @ Juanita's Cocina says
I would like to make an order…for one million cute pies in jars. Cherry AND apple.
And definitely NOT from Martha. Only from Lunie.
Kim Bee says
Lol, okay that’s gonna take awhile.
Yeah, I like the way you think.
Lyn @LovelyPantry says
Kim, these look divine! Those hearts are so pretty! I love apple pie! Not sure I could have just one of these jars though…
Kim Bee says
Thanks so much Lyn. I had so much fun even though the crust is a bit frustrating.
Anna @ hiddenponies says
Wow, your patience always impresses me with your fun with jars! I like to chuck everything in one big bowl, so I love these even more because I could never do it 🙂 And you’re totally right and now the question will HAUNT me – why don’t we see pet hair on Martha??
Kim Bee says
Lol, thanks. This one wore me out a bit but once you get your dough mojo it’s not so bad.
Right! I think she’s like a cyborg or something. Made with anti pet hair repelling metal.
*I’m so going to get sued!*
Debra Kapellakis says
Those are adorable. Thank you for going to the trouble to figure it all out! YUM! Your ranting cracked me up!
Kim Bee says
Awe thanks Debra. It was fun. I love a challenge so this was good for me. I kind of went off. Poor Martha took the brunt of it.
Kristen says
I have a gf version of the apple pie waiting to be published…haven’t gotten to it, but it’s in the draft file. Yours look fantabulous, but seriously, I wouldn’t try to get mine out of the jars…that’s just too many dishes to wash girl!
Kim Bee says
Um, that’s why I had children. I haven’t washed a dish in a looonnnng time. Can’t wait to see a GF version. You rock!
Cathy W says
Oh, what does Martha know? Your pies look delicious! I’m going to have to get in on this food in jars thing. Adorable. 🙂
Kim Bee says
Right! Thanks. I had fun with this. Have been wanting to try it for eons.
DB-The Foodie Stuntman says
Pie in a jar? Very creative
Kim Bee says
Yeppers. Thanks. I love food in jars. It’s just so cute.
Terra says
I am in love with this fun post! It looks like you had lots of delicious pie leftover:-) I love finding treats that are all mine, I wouldn’t have to share LOL:-) Hugs, Terra
Kim Bee says
Thanks. Had a blast with this one. I just think there’s something so adorable and fun about individual desserts. They take me to my happy place. Hugs right back at ya girl!
torviewtoronto says
deliciously done pies in a jar I haven’t tried in jars
Kim Bee says
Thanks. You must try it Akheela. It’s such a cute idea and fun for parties.
Choc Chip Uru says
Do you do bulk delivery overseas? 😀
These are stunning! I can’t decide which one is better because they are equally gorgeous and delicious!
Cheers
CCU
Kim Bee says
Lol, I would fear for your life shipping these that far. You could just come visit me and we could make them together. xx
Anita at Hungry Couple says
OK, so I already know how to make pie and I’ve been tempted to make them in jars. I was kinda hoping you’d teach me the secret to getting the dough in there. Recently I made pie cups in an over-sized muffin tin and spent hours wrestling with the dough even for just for that. I mean flour is now officially part of my decorating scheme here cause it’s never coming out. But apparently you don’t have a magic secret to tell me as to how those jar pies in the magazines look so perfect. Retouching would be my guess. Leakage or not, I would totally eat your pies, though, and they look delicious. Oh, by the way, I’m not sure you could take Martha in a fist fight. She looks like a dirty fighter.
Kim Bee says
I had a friend retouch some photos for me but I felt weird about using them. I mean it’s not real if it’s retouched that much. There is no way even Martha could get all these suckers in there without making some holes. I could totally take her. I am not above tossing some flour in her eyes to gain an advantage.
Kristina says
I’m just having fun picturing Martha stomping off… 😉
I like the little leaks in the pies, it looks pretty!
Kim Bee says
She does look like a stomper.
Thanks. They are just too cute. I’ll be doing them again cuz they’re purty!
Kristi Rimkus says
How fun is this! The perfect barbecue dessert if you ask me. Everyone would be so impressed. 🙂
Kim Bee says
Awe thanks so much. It was just such a cool idea that I had to test it out. They freeze really nicely too.
Hester @ Alchemy in the Kitchen says
Kim,
I’d put my money on that challenge, with you to win of course. “Perfect” has no place in homecooking. The leaking juice and crazy crusts are all part of the love! Such great photos. These pies are cute as hell!
Kim Bee says
See I always knew you were a sharp gal. Thanks. I really had way too much fun once I got my jar mojo going.
Carolyn says
At first I was wondering why you’d ever get rid of food in jars Friday, but Farm Fresh Friday is a great replacement during summer’s bounty! Looking forward to it.
Kim Bee says
I love them both so they have to share the spotlight. No jealousy in this dojo. All themes must make their rounds. Lol.
Emily @ Life on Food says
These are so cute. Perfect to bring on a picnic too. No need for a knife. Just spoons for right out of the jar.
Kim Bee says
See, I like the way you think. I might make these when my older bro visits next week. If we ever get a cool enough day so I can bake.
Ramona says
Can I please order a dozen? 🙂 They look fantastic!!
Kim Bee says
I totally would send them but I kinda, sorta, maybe, ate them all. You could come visit and we could whip up a batch together.
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says
These are so cute and yummy! I love your jar recipes, but I also like seeing all the goodies you get at the market!
Kim Bee says
Thanks so much. I love making food in jars. There’s just something so cute about it. But I have to say I am super stoked to show you all my amazing scores from my first farmer’s market trip this year.
Jess @ OnSugarMountain says
Kudos to you for braving the “pie-in-jars” idea. I’ve had it pinned for ages but something has been holding me back that sounds quite similar to how difficult you said it was to get them going.
Glad you ended up winging it though; it looks like it totally paid off! They look scrumptious 😀
Kim Bee says
Jess it’s so worth it in the end but while you’re doing them you will probably question your sanity like I did. I mean I questioned mine. Cuz I’d never like question someone else’s or anything. I mean not out loud anyway. Okay so…. make these and have fun and if you figure out how to do them perfectly please fill me in.
Thanks. They were so good.
Colleen, The Smart Cookie Cook says
These are so darn cute I can’t even take it! I’ll miss Fun with Jars Friday, but I can’t wait to see Farm Fresh Fridays!
Kim Bee says
Thanks. I get goosebumps when I see the pics. Just so adorable. You will love this week’s return of FFF, we had a ball.
Elyse @The Cultural Dish says
These are so awesome and so adorable! I love pies in a jar and yours look so delicious!
Kim Bee says
Thanks so much Elyse. I really think these are amazing and I can’t wait to do them again.
Becky says
I LOVE THIS!!! What a creative way to make a pie, what a creative way to use your old jars!!!! I would love to do this for a summer BBQ!!!
Kim Bee says
Thanks so much. I hope you try it out.
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
This is super cool! I have never had a pie in a jar! I can claim this whole jar of joy is just for myself. 😉 And I can even put an ice cream and take it to go. Brilliant!
Kim Bee says
It’s so much fun to do these. I really love them. I am obsessed with jars.
Happy When Not Hungry says
This is such a great idea! Perfect for a bbq tomorrow. Thanks for sharing!
Kim Bee says
You are so welcome. They are just so much fun.
liana says
You are so right! These are absolutely adorable! I already have the jars so you’ve inspired me!!! great post!
Kim Bee says
Thanks Liana. I really think these are just the cutest little things. I want to do them again for a party we have coming up. Let me know how yours turn out.
Katherine Martinelli says
Sad to see this awesome series go, but Farm Fresh Fridays sounds pretty great too. These pies in jars look amaaaaazing!!!
Kim Bee says
Thanks Katherine. I had so much fun eating these. Not so much making them. But if nothing else I now know I have my pie in jar groove on. Which is always a bonus.
kita says
Oooh, would these hold up well for traveling in a hot car for a few hours? Because if so they may be on the top of my list for a little event coming up.
Kim Bee says
I’m not sure. They only have a little butter on top and they are already baked so I don’t see why not. Remember the days when our grandparents used to leave pies on the counter uncovered for a day or two? We’re all still alive and kicking. I keep a small plug in fridge in the back of my suv all the time. Then when I go to Costco I can always plug it in and not have to come right home. It’s a small camping type thing, about $100. We got it as a gift but that thing is invaluable for stuff like that. You should look into one. We’ve had ours for about 10 years and I’ve used the heck out it.
Jennifer says
Yummy!!! I’m not inclined to go buy jars, but I have a gazillion jars in my pantry that used to contain yummy other things. For this project, I’m thinking specifically of Salsa jars, which are squat and wide. Do you think they’d work, or would they shatter? Guess I’ll have to experiment… At what point does normal glass shatter in the oven?
Kim Bee says
Hey Jen. I am not sure if salsa jars would hold up in the oven. They would explode if not oven safe. I’m not sure I’d chance it myself. If they are canning jars they should be okay, if not and are regular glass I’d be inclined to say no. Small, squat and wide work really well for pie in jars.
Jennifer says
Hmmm… Okie dokie then, off to buy jars then, haha… or maybe just use ramekins in the meantime.
Kim Bee says
You can do them in muffin tins too. Save your money.
Kerri says
I have sent my husband cake in a jar but was hoping to send pie for Thanksgiving. Do you know if it would stay fresh like a cake? He’s deployed so it usually takes 3-6 weeks to get to him. My guess is no but I haven’t found any info.
Kim Bee says
Hi Kerri. I wish the answer was yes but I would steer clear of sending pie. It would not hold up well that long. What if you sent him apple pie cookies? There must be a way to turn this into a cookie you could send him. Is he a huge apple pie guy? I can do some digging and try to find a recipe that would appeal but make the trip. Feel free to email me cravingsofalunatic@gmail.com
Tearie says
I loved your Pies in a jar and am looking forward to exploring more with your site. I use a large Tuna fish can to cut my dough for Muffin Pies, seems they would be about the same size and makes it easy to set into the tins. Hope this helps others with the issue
Kim Bee says
Thanks so much. Love the can idea. Simple and effective. Hope you enjoy poking around. xx
Kate Templin says
This is the first time that I laughed out loud while reading a recipe. The recipe is great – had to try it right away. Bookmarked the page for the next time I need cheering up. Thanks for both.
Kim Beaulieu says
Thanks so much Kate. I don’t seem to have an edit button on my mouth most days. Hope you get to make these. And giggle. xx
jeanie j says
I love these little pies…Made about 24 (cherry apple and peach) Froze them. When it came time for our family camping trip, I put the frozen jars in the cooler, and by the time we were ready for them, they were all thawed out. I did the crumb topping on all the pies. Everyone camping with us 15 (people) really enjoyed them. I also brought cool whip to blob on top. You can also, take the lid off and toss them in the micro for 1 and 1/2 minutes and when unexpected, or expected guest show up…..Pie in a jar to the rescue!!
Making a bunch today as I am going on another week-end at the lake.
Kim Beaulieu says
That is so cool Jeanie. I love that. I also love that you used a crumble top. I bet it was amazing. I think these would be amazing on a camping trip. I grew up camping and wish we’d had snacks like this. I like keeping these in my freezer for when people pop by unexpectedly. It’s perfect for situations like that. And I know here that happens a lot. I think everyone knows I cook for a living so they stop by when they’re hungry, lol. Thanks for visiting and letting me know you liked them. I love getting positive feedback. xx
Lisa says
So cute! Can’t wait to try them out! Thanks for the awesome idea : )
Kim Beaulieu says
Thanks so much Lisa. Hope you got to try them. And loved them.
Vs says
For the apple pie in a jar recipe, how many pieces of crust do you put in each jar in the bottom
Kim Beaulieu says
You roll out the dough and you cut the pieces to fit the bottom and the sides. So if you cut rounds with something you would put one in each jar. Then use straight pieces to fill the sides. There’s some pics that help show you how to do that. Hopefully this helps. One jar = one piece.
Donna @ The Slow Roasted Italian says
Love these jars Kim. Sharing this morning on FB. Have a great day.
Kim Beaulieu says
Your rock Donna. You sent a ton of traffic and new likers my way. I can’t thank you enough. Thanks so much for sharing. xx
Katie Coates says
You are clever and funny. Loved your comments about making pies in jars! Just wanted to let you know it was fun reading your instructions!
Kim Beaulieu says
Thanks Katie. I tend to be a bit silly and lack a filter. The first time I did these was a lesson in patience. I should redo the pics cuz these ones suck.
JaniceT says
I am having a hard time finding the short wide mouth mason jars. I can only find the tall ones. Did you get them online? Thank you.
Kim Beaulieu says
Nope, I’m trying to remember if it was Walmart or Home Hardware. You can have local hardware stores order special sizes. I have mine order in the 1L ones for cereal and rice.
JaniceT says
Thanks! I’ll keep looking. We have Home Depot. I’ll check there too. Determined. 🙂
Nancy says
What size jars????