Apple pie filling is super easy to make at home, and perfect to have on hand or stored away in the freezer for whenever you need it. This apple pie filling recipe has a few hidden tricks to get the best apple flavor! This recipe is perfect for pies, desserts, or any other sweet treat that calls for apple pie filling.
Apple Pie Filling Recipe
Let's just say it like it is: there is never an excuse to buy a canned apple pie filling when it's so easy to make and keep on hand at home! This homemade apple pie filling, made with apple cider, brown sugar, and warm spices is rich and delicious; obviously, a winner for any dessert needing apple pie filling.
In case you didn't know, using pre-cooked apple pie filling decreases the amount of time needed to bake an apple pie. It also prevents the crust from separating from the filling because the apples have already been cooked!
Apple pie filling is perfect for all kinds of baked goods, such as apple crisp, apple pastries, apple handles, an apple galette or, even as a cake filling. It's also delicious all by itself, or with a scoop of ice cream.
It freezes well too, so this recipe is one of the best ways to use up any large quantities of apples you might have from apple picking.
So let's get to make it, shall we?
What kind of apples should you use for apple pie filling?
For just about any apple dessert, you want to have an apple that can hold it’s shape, has a nuanced flavor and a slight tartness to break up the sweetness of the sugar. Using a combination of apples is helpful because it introduces a few different types of flavors and textures to the pie. Gala and Granny Smith apples are both good choices for apple crisp because they don’t get mushy after a long bake in the oven, and because they have a sweet and tart flavor to them.
Other Good Baking Apples
- Cortland
- Yellow Delicious
- Braeburn
- Pink Lady
- Ginger Gold
- Jonagold
The Best Tool for Peeling and Slicing Apples
While some may not be bothered by peeling and slicing apples, I certainly am. I do not enjoy the task at all! So, years ago I purchased an inexpensive (affiliate link) apple peeler to make the job go by quickly. It has served me well for many years. Though it does take up space in your kitchen, I find it so worth it come the fall months when I'm often making apple recipes!
The only downside is that you can't control the size that the apples are sliced to. So if you needed your apples to be sliced a different width, you'd just use the peeling function, and slice them by hand.
How to Make Apple Pie Filling From Scratch
This isn't a very complicated task. Essentially, apples are peeled and sliced, then mixed together with a few ingredients on the stove. They're cooked until softened, and then a cornstarch slurry is added to thicken them up! Overall you'll find this recipe very simple, but there are a few tricks you should follow to ensure you get the best flavor in your filling.
The first is that the recipe calls to macerate the apples for about 15 minutes. This helps bring out some of the natural juices in the apples, so the apples are a bit more firm.
Secondly, there is apple cider added into the mixture. This not only adds a boost of apple flavor to the filling, but it also adds in extra sauce around the apples. I just love that apple sauce that surrounds the apple slices, and this ensures it's plentiful.
And finally, the cornstarch is added later in the cooking process. I prefer to cook the apples to the correct consistency first, and then add the cornstarch to thicken it up. If the cornstarch is added in at the beginning, it can become a little thick or gloopy and possibly even burn, so I like to add it in right at the end, once the apples have fully cooked.
At the very end of the cooking process, some butter and vanilla are folded into the hot mixture. The butter adds a delicious richness, and the vanilla adds a depth of flavor that complements the apples very nicely.
If you wanted to keep your filling more about the pure apple flavor, you can omit the vanilla and tone down the spices entirely.
How to Use Apple Pie Filling
Okay, now you've got apple pie filling. What should you use it for?
- pies (duh!)
- apple crisp (use this crisp recipe or this crumble recipe for topping it)
- filling for a cake
- in a pastry
- in a galette (use this dough)
- in pop tarts (use this dough)
- hand pies (use this dough)
- over waffles or pancakes
- with oatmeal
- plain served with ice cream
How to Store It
Because it has a high sugar content, it will keep for quite a while in the fridge. I've never kept it for more than 7 days, as I've always used it up, but it likely could last a little bit longer than even that.
It will last for a minimum of 3 months in the freezer. After three months it will start to lose some of it's potent flavor, but it's still safe to eat for up 12 months, though it's not ideal.
I don't recommend canning this. Canning is so specific and I have not tested this to make sure it passes the amount of sugar and acidity needed to make it safe for canning. I'd recommend freezing it instead, for long term storage.
More Apple Recipes:
Make sure to comment below and tag @everydaypie on Instagram if you make this recipe or if you have any questions
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Apple Pie Filling
- Prep Time: 00:25
- Cook Time: 00:10
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 cups
Description
Apple pie filling is super easy to make at home, and perfect to have on hand or stored away in the freezer for whenever you need it. This apple pie filling recipe has a few hidden tricks to get the best apple flavor! This recipe is perfect for pies, desserts, or any other sweet treat that calls for apple pie filling.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds (about 7-9 apples) baking apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup (100 grams) packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1–½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- Pinch salt
- 2 tablespoons (14 g) cornstarch
- ¾ cup + 2 tablespoon fresh apple cider, divided (more if needed)
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Add apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt to a heavy bottom pot. Stir together and let macerate at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Add ¾ cup of apple cider to the pot, and stir the apples one more time.
- Turn the heat to medium and begin to cook the apples, stirring occasionally to make sure the apples cook evenly. Cook until the apples have softened, about 10 minutes, making sure not to cook off all of the liquid. If the liquid does cook off quickly, add ⅓ cup more apple cider to the pot.
- Create a slurry by whisking together the cornstarch and remaining 2 tablespoons apple cider together in a small bowl.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into apples and stir together until dissolved. Continue cooking until the mixture is thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and butter.
- Let apple mixture cool completely, and then transfer apples to a glass storage container.
Notes
Cooked apple pie filling will keep for up to 7 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Keywords: Apple Pie Filling
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Perfect apple pie filling! I loved the flavor and it came out the perfect consistency.
★★★★★
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stoping by to share!
I made this filling in advance for some mini pies for thanksgiving and it was delicious! So easy to put together and loved the idea of making the filling to use with other things. I will be trying it on ice cream next time!
Bad recipe or at the very least bad instructions its says u need butter but it doesn't mention it after same thing with the vanilla extract. So everyone who gave it 5 stars knows how to make the filling already or their lying
Dear Dennis, Thank you for coming to my website just to be mean. Nobody is lying---you just didn't read through the instructions all the way. What to do with the butter and extract is listed in Step 5. Kindly, Kelli
Actually I just have a question. Is the amount of apples needed before or after peeling, coring and slicing? Thx!!
★★★★★
Good question---the pounds listed is BEFORE peeling / coring / slicing.
Just made this filling with apples from my neighbor. I doubled it and made a couple of pies. They turned out AMAZING. I will be making the filling and freezing it for use during the holidays.
★★★★★
Very easy, not too sweet, and perfect for pies and crumble. I used empire apples we picked ourselves, so the apples were very fresh. Ideal autumn comfort food 🙂
★★★★★
this is a HORRIBLE recipe our apple pie tasted like apple cider vinegar I don't recommend this. so to all the people that said five stars I don't know what's going on with their taste buds. we followed the recipe exactly and it came out very bad DONT TRY THIS RECIPE.
★
There is no apple cider vinegar in the recipe? Please don't tell me you used apple cider vinegar in place of the APPLE CIDER. Those are two different products. And yes---it would absolutely taste awful if you put apple cider vinegar in it. And for anybody else reading this---absolutely do not use apple cider vinegar here---that's not in the recipe.
I made a double batch- one to test now for thanksgiving and one for thanksgiving. However, I’ll have to make it AGAIN because the filling is so good, I already used it all in 2 pies, gave the other to my best friend for her birthday today.
★★★★★
Ok, first off you're SO GOOD for testing for Thanksgiving. That's always the smart way to do things (which I always wish I was organized enough to do myself). And I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by and sharing!
Delicious! Kelli you have done it again!!
★★★★★
Thank you!! So glad you enjoyed 🙂
I love this recipe. It is not too sweet. Now I found my go to apple pie filling recipe. Thank you.
★★★★★
Thank you Mary! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
This recipe is so delicious and easy to make. Definitely need to make it again.
★★★★★
Yay! So happy you enjoyed it 🙂 Thanks for sharing Susy!
Absolutely delicious! Will definitely being using this recipe for all my apple fall baking
★★★★★
Ohhh yay! I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for sharing Brittany!
Amazing recipe, I used it over vanilla ice cream. The apple cider adds so much nuance to the flavor. Definitely will make again when we go apple picking next weekend!!
★★★★★
Crystal! Thanks for stopping by and sharing! I too love it with ice cream! And maybe this is weird, but I add it to plain cottage cheese too---so good!
Delicious- Best apple pie filling! This will be a go-to fall recipe.
★★★★★
YAY! So glad you loved it Nicole!! Thanks for sharing.
This recipe is easy to follow and the result is delicious. I would definitely say spending extra $ on fancy apple cider (NOT APPLE CIDER VINEGAR) is not worth it but using good apples is. Love this site and all the recipes I’ve tried so far have been great. Good tip to read the recipe twice before making any moves just in case.
★★★★★
Vanessa---you are so right! The apples do make all the difference. So glad you enjoyed the recipe (and you couldn't be more correct---best to read the recipe thoroughly!!). Thanks for stopping by and sharing!
Loved this Apple pie recipe! Super easy to follow and it paired perfectly with our homemade vanilla ice cream. I’ve been following her account on Instagram for a few years now and she is my go to for pie recipes. And even if I am making one from another baker I still use her all butter crust (it’s just so good!).
★★★★★
Awww thanks Brianna! I'm so glad you like this recipe! Also, thanks for the shout out on the butter crust---it makes all the difference 🙂
Love this recipe!
★★★★★
Thanks for stopping by and sharing!
First the Apple filling is amazing! Love to eat it with some fresh homemade scones. Thank you for the very detailed post, it is super helpful and informative.
★★★★★
Awww, Dee! Thank you for sharing and for your kind words!!
This recipe is super ..
★★★★★
Thanks for sharing Ingy!
This receipe It’s just perfect, not top sweet but sweet enough, creamy and delicioua. Thanks also for the instructions step by step, very easy to follow. Great job!
★★★★★
Chiara, I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you 🙂
Tasted great. Tried it. Worked perfectly fine. Thank youuuu 🤩
★★★★★
Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Great recipe! Loved it.
★★★★★
So happy!
Pro tip - make a double batch so you have some for your ice cream or to stir into some overnight oats! These are delicious and you don’t want to miss out!
★★★★★
Best pro tip ever 🙂
Kellis recipes never disappoint, rich in flavor and her recipes and directions spot on. Run do not walk to make this.
Thank you Sharon 🙂
Delicious apple pie filling, turned out great for me, will be making again!
★★★★★
So happy!
Excellent recipe!! Thank you for sharing it 🙂
★★★★★
Yay so happy you liked it!
So so so good! Highly recommend!!
I'm so happy you liked it!
Thank you for the apple pie filling recipe. Loved it…
★★★★★
Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
My new favorite apple pie filling! I recommended putting it in pancakes and baked into hand pies. There are so many possibilities…
★★★★★
Yesss! So good for many things other than pie!
My favorite apple pie recipe. Look no further, use this one! 🙂
★★★★★
Yay! So glad you love it! Thanks Melissa!
Dear Kelli
After reading two of the reviews, I just had to give this a try. Thus is the BEST apple pie filling I’ve made/had ever! Thank you so much for being so thorough. I’m not a very good cook and this will make a huge hit thus thanksgiving!
Nina
★★★★★
Amazing texture and extraordinary flavors!! Thnk you for this recipe!!
★★★★★
I made this last year at Thanksgiving and now family is begging me to make it again, but this time make more, so they can have seconds this year, and possibly thirds! @everydaypie this is fabulous!
The Apple Cider really jumps up the flavor; this is my go-to recipe for Apple Pie Filling, every time.
★★★★★
I'm so happy! Thanks so much for sharing!
Sounds so delicious. I'm making cheesecake and want to use this as a topping. I do have two questions. One, how do you freeze it? In a zip top bag? A jar? My second is how do I use it in a pie if it's already cooked. Do you have a recipe on your site for this? I've never tried that but this looks soooo delicious I'm thinking I might need to get some in the freezer and use on Turkey Day. Thank you.
★★★★★
Hi Rachel! Would be SO GOOD on a cheesecake. I freeze it in mason jars. Just be sure it's fully cooled down before closing the jars and putting in the freezer. But freezing it in a bag would also work! To make a pie out of it, you literally just put it in a pie crust in bake it! As long as you are using good baking apples, it won't be too soft. I don't have an exact recipe on the site using this amount of pie filling, but I have the concept of this with my mile high apple pie or cinnamon roll apple pie. Take a peek at those directions and you'll get it! Let me know if you have any other questions, happy to answer!
I just stumbled across your website when looking for apple pie filling. This recipe is the bomb and it will be my go top recipe for things apple. Great recipe, well written and easy to follow.
★★★★★
Thank you so much for sharing, George!