Apple Pie Filling Recipe (Easy!)
Aug 12, 2019, Updated Oct 13, 2023
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Homemade Apple Pie Filling is so easy to make and great to have around for pies, cakes and to top ice cream! The perfect way to use up extra apples.
This is the Best Apple Pie Filling Recipe!
Fall is here and that means apples! Apple picking is one of our favorite things to do as a family and I love coming up with ways to use the apples in different recipes. Some of my favorite are apple cake , apple oatmeal cups or these cinnamon apple nut blondies. I also love making this filling because it is to easy freeze and great to have on hand for lots of things.
What apples are good for apple pie?
My top apple choice is Granny Smith. They are sturdy and have a nice sweet and tart taste. Pink Ladies, Fuji, Braeburn and Jonagolds work well too. You can also use two different kinds when making filling for a little extra flavor.
What you need
- Apples
- Lemon Juice
- Butter
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Corn Starch
- Nutmeg
- Allspice
How to make Apple Pie Filling with Cornstarch
You won’t believe how easy this is to make! I love making a big batch of filling, especially in the fall, for all kinds of desserts and even breakfast.
- Prepare apples: Begin by peeling and dicing apples. I like to cut the apples on the small side because they are easier to eat. Feel free to slice them if that is what you prefer. Toss apples in lemon juice to help prevent the apples from browning.
- Butter: Place butter and spices in a large skillet or saucepan. Stir until butter has melted.
- Cook apples: Add in apples, sugar, and water. Stir for 5 minutes to soften apples.
- Cornstarch slurry: While the apples are cooking, whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl.
- Drizzle the cornstarch mixture in with the apples and stir another 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Serve: Serve the filling or let cool and store in a container for later. Mason jars work well as a storage container.
What to make with Cooked Apple Pie Filling
There are many ways to use this fruit filling. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Dump Cake
- Pancake Topping
- Ice Cream Topping
- Apple Pie
- Apple Tart
- Apple Turnover
How to store
Store the apple pie filling in an airtight container, like a jar, in the refrigerator.
Can You Freeze Apple Pie Filling?
Yes! Let the mixture completely cool and then place in freezer bags. Once you are ready to eat, place the freezer bag in the refrigerator to thaw and then heat gradually in a saucepan.
How to freeze apple pie filling:
Place the apple pie mixture in a freezer safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
FAQs
It is recommended to cook apples before using them to make a pie. This helps to give the apples a good texture and brings out the sweetness.
Apple pie filling can be thickened with either cornstarch or all-purpose flour.
Lemon juice helps to keep the apples fresh and from turning brown.
This is a personal preference but I like thickening with cornstarch because it gives the apples a shiny look.
Once you make this homemade pie filling you won’t want to buy the canned version again.
More apple recipes
Cooked Apple Pie Filling Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large apples, peeled and cubed I used Granny Smith
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Peel and chop apples. Toss in lemon juice.
- In a large skillet, heat butter and cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice over medium heat. Stir until butter melts.
- Stir in diced apples, water and sugar. Stir for approximately 5 minutes or until apples start to soften.
- While the apples are cooking, whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Drizzle cornstarch mixture over apples and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes.
- Serve or let cool and store in a container.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
what temperature for baking?
The filling doesn’t need to be baked.
I made this today. Plan to use it for Apple Fritters & Apple Pies- Smelled the whole house up with a spicy smell. I can not wait to make my pies now.👌
Apple fritters sound amazing! Glad you enjoyed.
Silly question but is this okay to freeze
Hi, no silly questions here 🙂 Yes, you can freeze the filling. Make sure to let it completely cool and then store in a freezer safe bag or container. It should last about 3 months.
The only apple pie filling I use now! 🙂
So happy you like it!