This homemade apple pie filling is incredibly easy to make and tastes so much better than anything you’ll buy in a can! Whip it up in just minutes and use it in classic apple pie or in a variety of desserts all year round.
Use this easy apple pie filling recipe for apple dumplings or apple hand pies!
I’m not against prepackaged food at all – convenience food can be a total lifesaver! Nobody would argue that homemade is so much better, though, and if you can make something from scratch in the time it would take you to run to the store, then why not do that?
This easy apple pie filling is a perfect example. With all natural ingredients, it takes 5 minutes of prep, 10 minutes to cook, and 10 minutes of cooling, and the flavor is infinitely better than canned apple pie filling.
Apple Pie Filling Recipe
This homemade apple pie filling calls for simple, all natural ingredients.
- Apples – see below for the type of apple recommended.
- Lemon juice – peeled apples get tossed in lemon juice to prevent premature browning.
- Water and Cornstarch – cornstarch and water are used as a thickening agent and will help create that signature smooth, gooey filling.
- Sugars – we’re using a combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar for best flavor.
- Seasonings – a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla come together for incredible aroma and taste.
How To Make Apple Pie Filling
This recipe is so quick and easy, only requiring a few steps. Here’s a brief summary (scroll down for the complete printable recipe.)
- Toss the apples with lemon juice.
- Whisk together the water and cornstarch until combined with no visible lumps, then add to a large saucepan along with both sugars, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt.
- Bring mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Then bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until just thickened.
- Add in the apples and stir to coat; bring back up to a boil and then reduce heat to medium/gentle simmer; cook until the apples are soft and tender.
- Remove from heat and allow the apple filling to cool. Then transfer to a jar and cool completely (it will set up and thicken as it cools.)
- Use right away or fasten with the lid and store for later use.
What Type of Apples Are Best For Apple Pie Filling?
For apple pie, you want apples that hold their shape after being cooked, so they’re tender, but not mushy. I usually use Granny Smith apples not only for their texture, but also their tart flavor, which balances nicely with the sweetness of the granulated and brown sugar used.
If you want a softer fruit, Braeburn, Golden Delicious, Gala, or Honeycrisp are all great options. You honestly can’t go wrong with any variety!
Recipe Notes
- Cut fruit into any size or shape – I cut my apples into slices, but you can cut the fruit into any size or shape. Just make sure they are cut uniformly, so they cook at the same rate. Also note that if you dice them small, the cooking time can vary.
- Add some butter – If you want the filling to be richer, add in a dab of butter at the end of cooking.
- Use apple pie spice – Replace the cinnamon and nutmeg with apple pie spice for a different flavor.
- Make a 9-inch pie – This apple pie filling recipe makes enough to fill a 9-inch pie. I love my homemade pie crust recipe, but store bought works great, too! Or you can use the filling for so many other desserts, of course.
- Adjust the amounts – Feel free to scale this recipe up or down, depending on what you need the filling for.
- Love pears? Swap out the apples for pears or use a combination of both!
How To Store Homemade Apple Pie Filling
If you will not be using the filling right away, allow to cool and then store in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer term storage.
How to freeze apple pie filling:
- To freeze the filling, cool it completely.
- Measure the cooled filling into a single freezer-safe container (or multiple containers) making sure to leave a 1/2-inch gap. (You can also store it in heavy-duty freezer bags and lay flat.)
- Tightly seal and label with the name, amount, and date.
- Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator until ready to use.
What To Make With Apple Pie Filling
Nothing beats a classic apple pie, of course! But here are some other ideas for recipes using apple pie filling:
- Easy Apple Dumplings
- {Air Frier} Apple Hand Pies
- Apple Pie Parfaits
Or you can top plain yogurt, ricotta cheese, or crepes with it in the morning. So good no matter what!
Watch the video for Apple Pie Filling
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Homemade Apple Pie Filling
Ingredients
- 4 Granny Smith apples , peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 3 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the apples with lemon juice; set aside.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the water and cornstarch until combined with no visible lumps.
- Add cornstarch/water mixture to a large saucepan along with both sugars, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt.
- Bring mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Then bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until just thickened.
- Add in the apples and stir to coat; bring back up to a boil and then reduce heat to medium/gentle simmer; cook until the apples are soft and tender, about 10-13 minutes (this will depend on how thick/thin you sliced your apples.)
- Remove from heat and allow the apple filling to cool for at least 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a jar and cool completely (it will set up and thicken as it cools.) Tightly seal with the lid.
- You can use the filling now or store for later.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Other Notes
