I have been wanting to try this ever since I first saw it over on Our Best Bites in September.
I finally did it.
First, let me say that I wish I was the kind of baker that loved to bake from scratch. I really admire those people. To make a pie crust from scratch would be delicious. I just don’t have that kind of patience. Granted, I did want to make the pie filling with Honey Crisp apples. The absolute best apples on the planet. However, the grocery store didn’t have them yesterday and by golly, I wanted pie, so canned pie filling it is. I found these half-pint jelly jars at Walmart and snatched them up…each cute little jar is 4 ounces. {love these jars!}
I followed the steps set out by Our Best Bites. I went the easy way and used a ready made pie crust and canned pie filling. {Now the box of pie crusts come with two crusts, a top and a bottom. I only used one and it made four little pies.} I let the pie crust sit for about 5 minutes before I rolled it out on wax paper. Using the tops of the jars, I cut circles for the pie tops.
Then using little pieces of crust that I tore off, I pressed the pie crust on the bottom and sides of the jar. {I didn’t grease them}
I used about 1/3 cup of pie filling for each little jar.
I took a little heart cookie cutter I had {from a Wilton set…butterfly, scalloped heart, flower, etc} to cut a heart out of the top. I pinched the tops into the jars. I would have loved to do the beautiful little fork trick to seal the edges…I tried it and it didn’t work for me. Maybe there’s a trick. I was just hankerin’ for some pie, so I pinched the edges in and let it be.
I put the heart I cut out back on top, offset a bit so the pie could breathe and bubble. Then I brushed the top with melted butter and sprinkled it with sugar, per the suggestion. I put tops of two of them and popped them in the freezer. The other two I put on a baking sheet in a 375 degree oven. They baked for about 40 minutes.
I shared the other two today with a friend. I tied the rim with ribbon and used a 2 inch scalloped punch to cut out these cute little tags that just happen to have the directions on them.
I thought some of you might like the labels, so I made some up to share! You can download the labels here! The picture is also linked. It’s a PDF file, so no special software is needed. You’ll need Adobe Acrobat Reader {which you probably have already}. Just download, open, and print.
that is sooo cute mel!
Mmmmm they look good. Yes, you are right Honey Crisp apples are the best, next would be Pink Lady apples (plus they are cheaper).
Such a cute idea! I think I may make these for teacher Valentine gifts!
What a wonderful idea. I really want apple pie now!
This looks like a treat I could make with my daughter for teacher gifts. Love it!
These are really cute; great for a little ‘feel better’ basket too. TFS.
Ahhh so CUTE!
This may be the cutest idea I have ever seen!
I love your blog and all the wonderful ideas you have. I will use you pie in a jar idea for the teachers! I would love to add your link to my site http://www.mommynuggets.com. Swing by sometime and check it out.
Thanks for the creative tips!
So nice… I use it for weeding guest gifts..
and I will do french mermelade… and some nuts
in a beautiful handmade box…. it is amazing how you can cheer
your friends with this… … your in laws will be happy too!
I can’t get the labels to open. Adobe opens up, but the file is empty.
So sad. I am making these on Monday for our MOPS group. I love your label the best! 
I just sent you an email, Amy!
Mel – Thank you again for all of your help! My MOPS group is going to love making these little pies tomorrow and the little labels you made are just too cute!! Thank you!!!
I have been up early this Saturday morning ad have soooooo enjoyed browsing through your adorable web site. You are amazing! as always.