May 31, 2023
Review RecipeBest Apple Pie Filling Recipe

Table of Contents
This apple pie filling is a great thing to make in the fall when fresh apples are abundant and cheap. The rich sauce has so many uses, from pouring it over ice cream to serving it with French toast or waffles for breakfast.

Ingredients For Apple Pie Filling

You’ll need:
- 4 cups of peeled, cored and sliced Granny Smith apples (or your favorite variety)
- 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
- 1½ cups of water
- ¾ cup of granulated sugar
- ½ cup of light brown sugar, packed
- 1½ teaspoons of apple pie spice
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons of cold water
PRO TIP:
If you are using Honeycrisp apples or ones with higher water content, you will want to follow this substitution:
- 5½ cups of peeled and sliced apples
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup cold water
Substitutions And Additions
APPLES: You can substitute your favorite apples for the Granny Smith variety. The Granny Smith apples tend to hold their shape the best and have a nice tart flavor in this easy apple pie filling recipe.
SPICE: You can substitute ground cinnamon for the apple pie spice in this homemade filling.
How To Make Apple Pie Filling With Fresh Apples
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
If you want to make mini apple pies, you can cut the apples into chunks before cooking them on the stovetop.
STEP ONE: Toss apple slices in the lemon juice, and set them aside.
STEP TWO: Using a 3 to 4-quart saucepan over high heat, add the coated raw apples, water, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and apple pie spice. Bring to a low boil, and reduce to medium heat. Allow the apple mixture to cook for 5 to 7 minutes.

STEP THREE: Using a small mixing bowl, or measuring cup, stir together the cornstarch and the cold water until smooth.

STEP FOUR: Stir the cornstarch mixture into the cooked apples. Because the mixture will thicken quickly, stir constantly to keep lumps from forming. Remove the apple pie filling from the heat and allow the mixture to cool.
PRO TIP:
The cornstarch will help to thicken the mixture up once the apples are finished cooking.

How To Serve
Of course, the traditional way to use this delicious apple pie filling is in our apple pie recipe, but there are so many other great options to use it as well.
Top our creamy no-churn vanilla ice cream or our Instant Pot French toast with this tasty treat.
We’ve got lots of apple recipes for the apple season. A great way to use all your apple-picking spoils is in our crockpot applesauce or our apple enchiladas.
MORE APPLE PIE RECIPES
Storing Apple Filling
IN THE FRIDGE: Store the cooled homemade pie filling in an airtight container or a 1-quart mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
How To Freeze Apple Pie Filling
Store apple pie filling in freezer bags or airtight containers for up to six months.

Recipe For Homemade Apple Pie Filling
Crisp apples, fresh from the apple orchard, are perfect for making your own apple pie filling full of warm spices. It’s even more delicious than the canned version and can be used in so many different recipes, from pies to ice cream toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
This easy recipe would be a fantastic option to preserve. Just make sure you follow the safe canning process to ensure it is preserved properly.
For this homemade version of apple pie filling, the best variety of apple to use is Granny Smith, but you could also use Gala, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady if you prefer.
Apple pie filling can be frozen for up to six months stored in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag.
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Apple Pie Filling
Ingredients
- 4 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (or your favorite variety)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1½ cups water
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1½ teaspoons apple pie spice
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Toss sliced apples in the lemon juice, and set it aside.
- Using a 3 to 4-quart saucepan over high heat, add the coated sliced apples, water, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and apple pie spice. Bring to a low boil, and reduce to medium heat. Allow the apple mixture to cook for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Using a small mixing bowl, or measuring cup, stir together the cornstarch and the cold water until smooth.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the cooked apples. Because the mixture will thicken quickly, stir constantly to keep lumps from forming. Remove the apple pie filling from the heat and allow the mixture to cool.
Notes
- If you are using Honeycrisp apples or ones with higher water content, you will want to follow this substitution:
- 5½ cups of peeled and sliced apples
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup cold water
- If you want to make mini apple pies, you can cut the apples into chunks before cooking them on the stovetop.
- The cornstarch will help to thicken the mixture up once the apples are finished cooking.
Comments
Gloria says
Delicious, so rich!