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Homemade Apple Pie Filling

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You will not believe how easy it is to make the best Homemade Apple Pie Filling.  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!

Trust me, fresh apple fruit filling will make your desserts taste amazing. Try using this apple pie filling recipe in this Apple Crisp Pie or this Cinnamon Apple Icebox Cake.

A red towel with two glass jars filled with the best apple pie filling on it

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.

Two clear glass jars on a red towel filled with homemade apple pie filling

Recipe 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.

A white board with a red checkered towel and the ingredients to make a homemade apple pie filling recipe on it

How to make Apple Pie Filling

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!

  1. Cut your peeled apples into bite sized chunks. You can use your favorite apples for this filling. 
  2. 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.
  3. Bring it back to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer for about 12 minutes.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

A clear mason jar on a red towel filled with apple pie filling made from the stovetop

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of apples should you use for homemade pie filling?

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.

Can you freeze this quick apple pie filling?

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.

Can you use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned pie filling?

Most 21 ounce cans of pie filling have about 1 1/2 cups in them.  For any recipe calling for a can of pie filling, substitute 1 1/2 cups of pie filling instead.

How do you thicken apple pie filling without cornstarch?

  • 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.

A red towel with a clear jar with twine on it filled with apple pie filling and a wooden spoon

More easy apple desserts

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A red towel with a clear jar with twine filled with best homemade apple pie filling in it

Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe

Yield: 4 cups of pie filling
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

You will not believe how easy it is to make the Best Homemade Apple Pie Filling.  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
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  1. Toss the apples with lemon juice and set aside.
  2. Combine the sugars, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a saucepan. Stir in water. Bring mixture to a boil. Boil 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Add the apples and bring to a boil again. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
  4. 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: 1
Amount 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.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

© Jocelyn @ Inside BruCrew Life
Cuisine: American / Category: Fruit Desserts

Two pictures of the Best Apple Pie Filling collaged together with a red and yellow text box

*The post and recipe for this Homemade Apple Pie Filling was originally posted on June 4, 2013.  The post has been updated and republished on October 8, 2018.

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Comments

  2. Phoenix says

    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

    Reply

  4. Roberta McQueen says

    My first thought is to make this and top my waffles with it for breakfast! Thanks so much. I love apples!

    Reply

  5. Amy says

    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!

    Reply

  8. Williams says

    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

    Reply

  9. MARCEL STINNETT says

    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

    Reply

  10. Anthony Allen says

    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.

    Reply

  11. Ryan Morrow says

    ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! Thank You! I have to force myself to NOT Grab a spoon and Eat it as is… I used Granny Smith apples, and I think I only did 1 thing different, and that was tossed a little scoop of sugar to the apples along with fresh squeezed lemon juice, and let sit covered overnight in the fridge.

    Reply

    • Jocelyn says

      I’ve never tried freezing it because it never lasts very long in our house. Everything I read online about freezing it says you can seal it in a freezer safe bags or containers and freeze it for up to 1 year. Just place it in the refrigerator over night to thaw. I hope that helps. Keep me posted if you try it.

      Reply

    • Jocelyn says

      I know you can substitute flour in place of cornstarch, but in this recipe it would end up being about 3/4 of a cup. I have never actually made this filling with flour, so I can’t say how it would be. Keep me posted on what you do and how it turns out.

      Reply

  15. Bree says

    This looks delicious! Recommendation on what apple works best? I usually buy gala. Also about how many would make 5 cups??

    Reply

  16. Lauren Brubaker says

    It’s so funny I stumbled upon your page because I was looking for an apple pie filling recipe, and I was like “Bru Crew!” My husband is a Brubaker. His name’s Jason, and I think he’s your husband’s cousin. It’s nice to be reminded that even on the internet, it’s a small, small world! Anyway, your apple pie filling recipe looks awesome – I’m about to hop in the kitchen and start baking. Thanks!

    Reply

  17. Denise says

    Hi: after making the filling, how did I use the filling to make an apple pie? Should I wait a day? Use baked/unbaked crust? What are the steps? Thank you.

    Reply

  18. Merri Westlund says

    Just bought several bags of Gala apples and I’m so excited to make this recipe!! I plan to freeze the filling in 1-qt mason jars!! Thanks for this easy recipe!!

    Reply

  19. Liselle says

    Could you use apple juice or cider in place of the water for more apple flavor or a 50/50 mix of water/juice/cider?

    Reply

  20. Rachel says

    It is soooooo delicious! It was very easy to make and i cannot wait to make my pie!! 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing!!

    Reply

  23. Eva says

    This is the best apple pie filling I have ever tasted!! I substituted Splenda for the white sugar and left out the nutmeg (don’t like nutmeg), and it was delicious! Thanks for posting the recipe!!

    Reply

  24. Carol Ann Rowland says

    thank you for posting this recipe! I found it on Pinterest and made it today. I can’t have refined sugar so subbed coconut sugar for the brown sugar, and equivalent amounts of maple syrup for the white sugar.

    It was very easy and I have some super yummy apple tarts in the freezer now for Christmas eve. 🙂

    Reply

  25. Holly Shoemaker says

    Hands down this is 100% the best apple pie filling. Thank you soooo so much for sharing this. I used this to make your Cheesecake Apple Pie and then made an Apple Crisp Pie with what I had left over. Both were a huge hit at Thanksgiving and I have you to thank for that. You inspired me to make my very first two pies.

    Reply

  26. Kim says

    Added real maple syrup, ginger, and cinnamon sugar as well. Also, I don’t peel apples. 🙂
    Came out over the top and amazing. Thank you for the recipe!
    (I’m sorry I don’t measure either but I used 3-4 apples so the amounts were much smaller)

    Reply

    • Jocelyn Brubaker says

      I have never actually frozen it, but I looked it up and it looks like apple pie filling can be frozen. I would recommend freezer ziplock bags. 4 cups is a normal amount for a 9 inch pie.

      Reply

  36. Victoria B. says

    I will have to try this. I love using Apple Filling in recipes and wanted to start making my own. This looks awesome! Thanks for sharing and now following your blog on bloglovin’

    Reply

    • Jocelyn Brubaker says

      Haha, it’s totally ok in my book to eat things right out of the can! 😉 But yes, do try this! Canned pie filling just isn’t the same after you taste the home made!!

      Reply

  43. Kristi says

    I always go apple picking in the fall and pick way too many apples than I need, and am always looking for new apple recipes to try. I can’t wait to try your homemade apple pie filling. I’m sure once you go home made you never go back!

    Reply

  45. Debbi Hook says

    Jocelyn – I didn’t see mention of the lemon juice in the instructions. I usually toss my apple pieces in the lemon juice to keep them from turning brown while I’m prepping everything else. Is that what you do? Just wanted to make sure. The recipe sounds wonderful!

    Reply

  46. Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says

    We started apple picking a couple of years ago. I called my mom to get her apple pie filling recipe so I could make a bunch and freeze it. I only made one pie because my husband would take it out of the refrigerator, defrost it and eat it for breakfast!!! 🙂 Homemade is so much better!

    Reply

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