Easy Homemade Apple Pie Filling

Prep 10 minutes
Cook 12 minutes
Servings 8 (4 cups total)

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!

straight on picture of jarred apple pie filling

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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.

homemade apple pie filling recipe in glass jar

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.)

  1. Toss the apples with lemon juice.
  2. 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.
  3. Bring mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Then bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until just thickened.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.)
  6. Use right away or fasten with the lid and store for later use.
4 picture collage of apple pie filling ingredients

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!
portion of apple pie filling on spoon over glass jar

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:

  1. To freeze the filling, cool it completely.
  2. 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.)
  3. Tightly seal and label with the name, amount, and date.
  4. Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
  5. 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:

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 โ€“ be sure to give it a review below! Also donโ€™t forget to follow Belly Full on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!

5 from 10

Homemade Apple Pie Filling

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 12 minutes
Total: 22 minutes
Servings: 8 (4 cups total)
This homemade apple pie filling is incredibly easy to make and tastes so much better than anything you'll buy in a can! Use it for classic apple pie or in a variety of desserts all year round!

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.

Notes

For recipe variations and storage info, please refer to the full article.

Nutrition

Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 43mg | Potassium: 107mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 49IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.

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About Amy Flanigan

Well, hey there! Amy here, founder and COO at BellyFull. If youโ€™re looking for tried and true, fuss-free, budget-friendly, delicious, every day recipes, youโ€™ve come to the right place.

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12 Comments

  1. Brenda Lapchinski says:

    hello love your sight ! can you make this without lemon I am allergic to all citrus thank you for your time sincerely Brenda

    1. Amy@BellyFull says:

      Hi Brenda! The lemon juice helps prevent the apples from browning and balances the sweetness of the apples and other ingredients, but it can absolutely be omitted.

  2. K. Brummitt says:

    5 stars
    I made this a second time this evening. Perfect recipe.

  3. Jody ashmus says:

    5 stars
    So 1st time making these. Iam diabetic so trying hard to find good recipes. I made 4 took them to my kids. Told them I needed a guinea pig. They were a hit!! Thank you soo much!

  4. Cindy says:

    5 stars
    Very easy recipie I used 16 apples 2 large jars and will freeze the rest

  5. Kmc says:

    5 stars
    Perfect and easy to do. We use it for turnovers and have made it several times. Thanks!

  6. Ellen says:

    5 stars
    This was easy and delicious – so much better than anything canned from the store.

  7. Patty says:

    5 stars
    Loved it! Great flavor and so easy. Way better than canned.

  8. Beth says:

    5 stars
    No surprise that this was so much better than canned. Absolutely loved it. Had no idea homemade was so easy – thank you for sharing!

  9. Alice says:

    5 stars
    I can’t believe how simple and delicious this was. No more canned for me!

  10. Hilda Reyes says:

    5 stars
    Great apple pie filling. Fast & easy!

  11. Liz says:

    5 stars
    Yum this my go to apple filling I used apple pie spice amazing