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. It is perfect to stuff into a lattice pie crust.
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.
Ryan Morrow
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.
Jocelyn
I'm so glad you liked the filling! The struggle is real to not eat it all with a spoon. LOL!
Melissa
Have you tried freezing the filling? Does it work?
Jocelyn
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.
Stefanie
How am I out of cornstarch?? Can I sub flour? Or should I just go get some cornstarch? Lol
Jocelyn
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.
Stefanie
I broke down and got the cornstarch, made the Apple pie filling yesterday then made your Apple crisp pie today. Absolutely incredible!!!
Jocelyn
That's awesome! I am so excited to hear how much you liked the recipes 🙂
Madison Smith
It's looks mouth watering jocelyn...i love apple also, i will definitely try to making this apple pie filling, Thanks for sharing delicious recipe.......!
Bree
This looks delicious! Recommendation on what apple works best? I usually buy gala. Also about how many would make 5 cups??
Jocelyn
I usually use 1 bag of the peeled sweet Crunch Pak apple slices. I believe the sweet slices are from Gala apples.
Lauren Brubaker
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!
Denise
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.
Jocelyn
I always let the pie filling chill in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours, so it has time to thicken before using it in a pie, and I usually use an unbaked pie crust. Here is an apple pie that I used the filling in recently. https://insidebrucrewlife.com/apple-crisp-pie/
Merri Westlund
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!!
Liselle
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?
Jocelyn
I don't see why not. I haven't made it that way, but I think it would be fine. Let me know how it works for you if you do it this way.
Rachel
It is soooooo delicious! It was very easy to make and i cannot wait to make my pie!! 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing!!
DrLFBruce
Thanks for providing a flavorful and easy to follow recipe for baking apple pies.
Sally
Hi there,
So excited to make this! I was curious how long this would keep if I froze it? Thanks!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Hi, Sally. I have actually never frozen the pie filling, so I'm not sure how it would work or keep. Definitely let me know if you try it.
Eva
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!!
Carol Ann Rowland
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. 🙂
Holly Shoemaker
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.
Kim
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)
Jocelyn Brubaker
I'm loving the sound of your additions. Sometimes I peel apples, sometimes I don't 🙂 I am so glad to hear that you liked the pie filling!!!
karen shive
can you freeze this?
Jocelyn Brubaker
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.
Stephanie @ Macaroni and Cheesecake
What a great idea! This filling would be fabulous in so many desserts!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you!! 🙂
Shaye
Will this keep longer if you jars it a process it?
Jocelyn Brubaker
Are you wondering about canning it? I can't actually say because I have never done any canning. I'm sorry I can't help you with that.
Brenda
yes you can, I can it all the time, just make sure you process it for 20 minutes
Trish - Mom On Timeout
Seriously cute pics Jocelyn! I would just eat it with a spoon 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you!! 🙂