Delicious Apple Pie Filling Recipe
If you’ve ever reached for a can of apple pie filling when making a dessert, you might be surprised at just how easy it is to make your own.
This easy homemade apple pie filling recipe starts with fresh apples, warm spices, brown sugar, and a simple thickened sauce. Everything comes together on the stovetop for a homemade filling that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
And don’t save it just for apple pie!
This apple filling is delicious spooned over pancakes, waffles, funnel cakes, ice cream, or even eaten warm by the spoonful. It’s also perfect for turnovers, hand pies, crisps, and other fall desserts.
Once you make your own apple pie filling, you’ll find plenty of ways to use it.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Apple Pie Filling
There are a few reasons I love making apple pie filling from scratch.
It’s easy.
The apples and simple ingredients cook together in one skillet, so there’s no complicated process.
You control the apples.
Use your favorite combination of apples to get exactly the sweet-tart flavor you like.
The spices make it taste like fall.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves give this filling that classic apple pie flavor.
It’s more versatile than just pie filling.
Use it for pies, pancakes, waffles, funnel cakes, ice cream, and so many other desserts.
It’s a great way to use fresh apples.
When apple season arrives, this is an easy recipe to keep in your back pocket.
I’m a huge fan of all things apple! As soon as fall is right around the corner I start with baking apple goodies. Having this apple topping ready to enjoy is the perfect way to start the fall season.
Apple Pie Filling Ingredients
- apples (my favorite to use are granny smith apples and honeycrisp apples)
- water
- lemon juice
- sugar
- brown sugar
- cornstarch
- cinnamon
- nutmeg
- cloves
What Apples Are Best for Apple Pie Filling?
For homemade apple pie filling, I like using a combination of apples rather than relying on just one variety.
Granny Smith apples are a favorite because they’re tart and hold up well during cooking.
Fuji apples add sweetness and a nice apple flavor.
You can also experiment with other firm baking apples. The important thing is to choose apples that will soften during cooking without completely falling apart.
Using two varieties is an easy way to create more balanced flavor.
How to Make Homemade Apple Pie Filling
Prepare the Apples
This apple topping recipe is super easy to put together. Sure you can buy a tasty can of apple pie filling, but why not make your own homemade apple pie filling. You can pick your favorite apple(s). I love to a combo of apples, something tart and something sweet. For this recipe I used half Granny Smith and half Fuji apples.
You’ll squeeze some lemon juice over the top of the apple slices to keep them from browning.
Cook the Filling
The rest of this recipe is super easy, just adding the rest of the ingredients into a deep skillet.
You’ll heat the ingredients up while whisking them together, then it’s time to add the apples.
You’ll let the apples simmer for about 20 minutes and that’s it… luscious tender apple goodness!!! Look at that, you made apple pie filling from scratch!
You can keep the filling in a jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can follow canning directions to keep it longer. In our house, it doesn’t last a week!
Tips for the Best Apple Pie Filling
- Choose the Right Apples: Granny Smith offers tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. Mix for a balanced flavor.
- Canning Option: Process in a water bath canner for 25 minutes to preserve for up to a year.
- Versatile Uses: Use in pies, turnovers, or as a topping for ice cream or waffles.
Apple Pie Filling
Ingredients
- 6 cups apples I used 2 Granny Smith and 2 Fuji apples
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Peel the apples and cut them up into bite-sized pieces. Drizzle the lemon juice on top and toss to coat.
- Add the water and white sugar to a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar to the skillet.
- Pour the cornstarch into the hot pan.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves into the skillet. Whisk everything together.
- Once the mixture starts to bubble, add the apples and let it simmer for 20 minutes on low heat. Stir occasionally.
- Add to a pie crush and bake or save in a mason jar in refrigerator to use within a week.
How to Use Homemade Apple Pie Filling
The obvious answer is apple pie, but there are so many other ways to use this recipe.
Try spooning the warm apple filling over:
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- Funnel cakes
- Vanilla ice cream
- French toast
- Cheesecake
- Biscuits
- Oatmeal
- Pound cake
You can also use it to make:
- Apple turnovers
- Hand pies
- Apple crisps
- Apple cobblers
- Apple danishes
- Apple dessert cups
- Filled pastries
It’s one of those recipes that is worth making a batch of because once it’s sitting in your refrigerator, you’ll start finding excuses to use it.
Can I Make Apple Pie Filling Ahead of Time?
Absolutely.
That’s one of the things I love about homemade apple pie filling.
You can prepare the filling ahead of time, let it cool completely, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it.
That makes it especially handy when you’re preparing desserts for Thanksgiving or another holiday gathering.
Tips for the Best Apple Pie Filling
Cut the Apples Into Similar-Sized Pieces
Try to cut the apples into pieces that are roughly the same size.
This helps them cook more evenly so you don’t end up with some pieces that are very soft while others are still firm.
Use a Combination of Apples
I love combining a tart apple like Granny Smith with a sweeter apple like Fuji.
It gives the finished filling a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Don’t Overcook the Apples
Keep an eye on the apples while they simmer.
You want them tender, but you don’t want them to turn into applesauce.
A little texture makes the filling much better for pies and other desserts.
Adjust the Spices
If you really love cinnamon, feel free to add a little more.
You can also experiment with the balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to create your own favorite version.
Easy Ways to Change This Recipe
Add More Cinnamon
For an extra cinnamon-forward filling, add a little more ground cinnamon.
Try Apple Pie Spice
You can replace the individual spices with your favorite apple pie spice blend.
Use Different Apples
Try Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Pink Lady, or another firm baking apple.
Using different combinations of apples is an easy way to change the flavor.
Add Vanilla
A little vanilla extract can add another layer of flavor to the finished filling. Stir it in after removing the skillet from the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is apple pie filling made of?
Homemade apple pie filling is typically made with fresh apples, sugar, a thickener such as cornstarch, and warm spices. This recipe also uses lemon juice, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
What are the best apples for homemade apple pie filling?
Granny Smith is a great choice because of its tart flavor and firm texture. I also like combining Granny Smith with a sweeter apple such as Fuji.
Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?
Absolutely. Homemade apple pie filling can be used in recipes that call for canned apple pie filling. Just keep in mind that homemade fillings can vary in thickness and moisture, so you may need to adjust the amount depending on the recipe.
How long does homemade apple pie filling last in the refrigerator?
Store cooled apple pie filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within about a week.
Can homemade apple pie filling be frozen?
Yes. Cool the filling completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and freeze it for later use. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.
More Apple Recipes to Try
Easy Homemade Apple Pie Filling
This homemade apple pie filling recipe is one of those simple recipes that you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Fresh apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves cook together into a sweet and warmly spiced filling that’s ready for so many desserts.
Use it to make an apple pie, spoon it over pancakes or ice cream, or keep a batch in the refrigerator for your next fall baking project.
Once you try homemade apple pie filling, you may never look at those cans quite the same way!
This would make such a cute Christmas gift for my neighbors too! Pinning but have a questions. I’m guessing I put the nutmeg and cloves in when we add the cinnamon? Can you tell I can’t bake or cook? Looks delicious!