Apple Pie Filling Recipe (Easy!)

5 from 7 votes
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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 any extra apples.

Apple pie filling in 2 small jars with apple in background


 

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 favorites are apple cake, apple oatmeal cups, and these cinnamon apple nut blondies.

What apples are good for apple pie?

My top apple choice for an apple pie are Granny Smith apples. They are sturdy and have a nice sweet and tart taste. Pink Ladies, Fuji, Braeburn, and Jonagolds also work well. You can also choose to use two different kinds of apples for 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 the apple filling, especially in the fall, for all kinds of desserts and to use as a topping.

Diced apples in a bowl with empty jars and an apple
  • 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.
Diced apples, butter, spices and empty jars
  • 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.
small bowl of corn starch and water

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
Apple pie filling in a saucepan.

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

Do you cook apples before putting them in a pie?

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.

How to thicken apple pie filling:

Apple pie filling can be thickened with either cornstarch or all-purpose flour.

Why do you put lemon juice in apple pie?

Lemon juice helps to keep the apples fresh and from turning brown.

Is flour or cornstarch better for thickening pie filling?

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

 

Jar of apple pie filling.
5 from 7 votes

Cooked Apple Pie Filling Recipe

By Heather
Easy homemade apple pie filling. Great for desserts!
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 2 cups

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

Calories: 508kcal | Carbohydrates: 106g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 108mg | Potassium: 389mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 88g | Vitamin A: 546IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
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8 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    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.👌

    1. 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.