You will not believe how easy it is to make the best Apple Pie Filling recipe. With just a few simple ingredients this stovetop apple pie filling can be made in minutes. I will walk you through this step by step, so kick the canned pie filling to the curb!
Stove Top Apple Pie Filling
Last summer we had quite a few bags of apples that I wanted to use before they went bad, so I decided to make my own stovetop apple pie filling.
There are times that I do still use canned pie fillings sometimes because sometimes it is just more convenient. But if you have the extra time, I recommend giving this homemade apple pie filling from scratch a try.
I love that the best apple pie filling does not have any of the preservatives or extra ingredients in it. It is very easy and only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Trust me, fresh apple fruit filling will make your desserts taste amazing. Try using this apple pie filling recipe in this Apple Crisp Pie, this Cinnamon Apple Icebox Cake, or these amazing Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Bars.
Apple Pie Filling Ingredients
You only need a few ingredients to make this apple pie filling recipe. Most of these ingredients are probably in your pantry right now.
- Apples - I like to use Gala apples for all my baking because they are a little sweeter and my favorite. Feel free to use your favorite variety. We prefer to use peeled apples, but if skins don't bother you you can leave them on.
- Lemon Juice - A little bit of lemon juice keeps the apples from turning brown.
- Sugar - I like using a mixture of brown and granulated sugar for this pie filling recipe.
- Cornstarch - This gluten free ingredient is what thickens the homemade apple pie filling into gooey delicious goodness.
- Spices - A mixture of cinnamon and nutmeg gives this pie filling a fall taste.
- Salt - Just a pinch helps to balance out the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor.
How to make Apple Pie Filling
Homemade apple pie filling is so easy to make. It only takes a few minutes to put it all together. You can use it immediately, refrigerate it to use all week, or freeze it for later. It really is the best apple filling recipe around!
- Cut your peeled apples into bite sized chunks. You can use your favorite apples for this filling.
- Combine some sugar, water, and cornstarch to make a glaze. Let this boil for about a minute before stirring the diced apples into the hot mixture.
- Bring it back to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer for about 12 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let it cool in the pan for an hour or two. The apple pie filling will thicken as it cools.
- Spoon the apple pie filling into jars or a large bowl and place in the refrigerator to continue cooling.
Uses for Homemade Apple Pie Filling
There is really no wrong way to use this apple filling recipe. My favorite is digging in with a spoon. Wink, wink!
- You can use it in this Cheesecake Apple Pie. Three layers of sweet goodness, plus ice cream is amazing. Just saying.
- Put it on top of this Vanilla Bean Cheesecake. The sweet homemade filling is perfect for the creamy cheesecake.
- The layers of pie filling, cheesecake, and crumble make this Apple Pie Parfait amazing.
- Use it as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, toast, or Puff Pancakes.
FAQ
I personally like to use Gala apples when I make this particular apple pie filling. Granny Smith, Fuji, Honey Crisp, and Red Delicious are also good to use. You can also use a mixture of different apples to give the pie filling a unique flavor.
Yes, you can. Make the pie filling and let it cool completely. Spoon into freezer safe bags or containers and freeze for a few months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Most 21 ounce cans of pie filling have about 1 ½ cups in them. For any recipe calling for a can of pie filling, substitute 1 ½ cups of homemade pie filling instead.
Tapioca - tapioca flour can be used to thicken sauces, fillings, and soups
Arrowroot - stir and dissolve this into cool liquid before adding it to a hot liquid
Clear Gel - This has great thickening abilities, so only use half the amount of the cornstarch. Stir into the sugar before adding water to avoid clumping.
More easy apple desserts
- Apple Pie Cookies
- Easy Apple Cake recipe (with Snickers Salad as frosting)
- Apple Pecan Cake
- Spiced Apple Cake
- Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
- Candy Apple Nachos
- Waffle Donuts
Recipe
Apple Pie Filling
You will not believe how easy it is to make the best Apple Pie Filling recipe. With just a few simple ingredients this stovetop apple pie filling can be made in minutes. I will walk you through this step by step, so kick the canned pie filling to the curb!
Ingredients
- 5 cups peeled, diced apples
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Toss the apples with lemon juice and set aside.
- Combine the sugars, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a saucepan. Stir in water. Bring mixture to a boil. Boil 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the apples and bring to a boil again. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool completely. It will set up as it cools. Keep refrigerated in a sealed container for 4-5 days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 146Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 73mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 2gSugar: 31gProtein: 0g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
Brandy
What kind of apples do you recommend? Thank you 😊
Chez Claudette
it's so easy to make and doesn't use preservatives or additives. Plus, it tastes amazing! I can't believe how good it is, especially after making it a few times.
Katherine
This looks delicious and so easy. I am making it as I write this going to use it for a parfait I am making. I am going to jar up the leftovers and give it as gifts. If there is Any left. LOL Thanks so much
brooklyn grill
Thank you for sharing. It looks so yummy.
Phoenix
Apple Pie Filling recipe is great! I made it according to your recipe and the taste is great! Everyone in the family likes it, it makes me happy. thank you
Lancaster
This recipe is Awe-Some!
I reduced the cinnamon by half tho but it turns out purfectt! Really recommend this recipe
Roberta McQueen
My first thought is to make this and top my waffles with it for breakfast! Thanks so much. I love apples!
Amy
I have always made apple pie the exact same way my mom did. And that's the way we liked it. Until now. This recipe is phenomenal and I will be using it from now on!! (Just don't tell my mom 😉 Thanks for sharing!
Tomi
Tried it! It’s WONDERFUL!! I will make hand pies with it.
Marigold13
WOW...YUM is all I can say! Thank you!
Williams
I love to cook. I'm always looking for new recipes for my menu, which makes me always interested in my work. Today's my lucky day, The Best Homemade Apple Pie Filling is great, just follow the instructions and everything is easy, I like that. Thanks for your sharing
MARCEL STINNETT
this is my GO TO RECIPE even this ladies at church are jealous of me lol . it has been a big hit for me at church and family gatherings . i also use a lard vinegar pie crust .
thank you so much
Jocelyn
Yay! I am so happy to hear that! This is my favorite pie filling recipe to make too!!!
Anthony Allen
This was my first time ever making apple pie filling and out of the multitude of recipes available online I chose this one.
I am very happy with my choice and the results. This recipe was both easy and delicious. Thank you so much.