This homemade apple pie filling is made with sliced Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, spices and butter, all simmered together until thickened. The best pie filling that also works great for a variety of other desserts and pastries.
Apple pie filling from scratch tastes SO much better than the canned version and can be used in everything from classic pies to danishes.
Fall is here and there is an abundance of apples at the stores, which means it’s time to make apple pie! Or in this case, homemade apple pie filling. I’m not so good with pie crusts, so typically I purchase the crust and load it full of my own apple pie filling for an amazing fall treat.
How do you make apple pie filling?
This recipe is a mix of sliced apples, brown sugar, butter and spices that is cooked with some cornstarch on the stove to thicken everything up. It takes just minutes to put together and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later use.
What kind of apples are best for apple pie?
For apple pie, you want apples that will hold their shape and have a nice well rounded flavor. I use Granny Smith apples for this apple pie filling because they stay firm after being cooked and they have a tart flavor that works well with the sweetness of the brown sugar. You can use other apple varieties for this recipe, such as Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious and Braeburn apples.
Tips for apple pie filling
- You can cut your apples into any size or shape that you like, just be sure to cut them uniformly so that they all cook at the same rate.
- Freshly grated nutmeg has so much more flavor than the pre-ground variety. Whole nutmegs keep for years when stored in a cool dry location, so buy a bottle and shave off a little nutmeg as needed for your dishes.
- I use butter in this pie filling because it makes the finished product taste a little richer. You can omit it if you prefer.
- Homemade apple pie filling can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months
Now that I’ve had homemade apple pie filling, I’ll never be able to go back to the store bought kind. The flavor of this version is SO much better, so even if you have to cheat and use a pre-made pie crust like I do, you’ll still end up with an amazing pie.
More delicious apple recipes
Apple Pie Filling Video
Apple Pie Filling
Ingredients
- 4 cups apples peeled and thinly sliced, I used Granny Smith
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg freshly ground if possible
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Drizzle the lemon juice over the apple slices.
- Place the water, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large pan.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 1 minute or until just thickened.
- Add the apples to the pan and stir to coat with the sauce. Lower the heat to medium and cook until the apples have softened, about 10 minutes.
- Add the butter to the pan and stir until it has melted.
- Cool the apple filling for 10 minutes, then transfer it to containers and refrigerate or freeze until you're ready to use it.
Bev says
Can you can this recipe to use at a later date?
Sara says
Yes I’d just omit the butter!
Maureen Wells says
Do you have a favorite piecrust recipe to go with this?
Sara says
I typically use a frozen pie crust!
Lauren says
If you refrigerate it does it need to be brought back to room temperature before baking in a pie?
Sara says
No you can use it straight from the fridge!
Lauren says
Thanks!
Good Bitee - Homemade Food says
This is the BEST apple pie I have ever made and tasted!!! 5 stars from me!!!!
Maureen Bliss says
I would like to make apple sponge cake. Can you give me a recipe and oven settings please Thank you x
Sara says
Is this what you’re looking for? https://www.bite.co.nz/recipe/11126/Apple-sponge/
Amber says
I’ve never made apple filling before and this was so easy. I put the water and seasonings on low while I cut up apples. My family loved it and so did I. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Debbie says
There seems to be to much liquid to put in the pie crust. Do I need to strain it?
Sara says
You can strain it if you want, I typically don’t because the filling will continue to thicken as it cooks in the pie.
Christina says
What did you add as a topping?
Sara says
I used this recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/dutch-apple-pie-3364300
Catherine Dobbs says
there’s no oven temp?
Sara says
This is a recipe for apple pie filling. If you’d like to turn your filling into a pie you can bake at 375 degrees F for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown!
Jacqualine says
Did you cut back on your sugars, when you added the apple juice instead of water?
Janet says
I use apple juice in place of the water.
Sara says
That’s a great idea!
Jeanne ODell says
I made this today and it was delicious . Only thing I did different was make a double batch.
Sara says
So glad you enjoyed it, thank you for reporting back!
Shirley says
Awesome flavor. We all love it. My husband is picky and he loved it.
Sara says
SO glad to hear you enjoyed it, thanks for commenting!
Mary Ellen Gaucin says
Do you cool before putting in pie crust to bake?
Sara says
Yes cool it first!
Marcella Jones says
I have always baked my pies @ 4:25 for 15 minutes & then turn your oven down to 3:50 & bake another 30 minutes or until golden brown. My mother in law was known for her fantastic pies with a beautiful flaky crust which was also made from scratch.
Roz says
I just made this filling from a variety of old apples that I didn’t want to go to waste – turned them into mini “empanadas” w/a drizzle of caramel – huge hit! Great recipe (and I loved the way it set up after baking).
Sara says
So happy you enjoyed it, thanks for reporting back!
Angel says
When you put the filling in the pie crust to bake how long do you bake it for
Sara says
I bake at 375 for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown!
Traci says
How long do you cook it?
Sara says
The pie or the filling?
Aida says
I made my 1st home made apple pie with ur recipe n my family loved it
Sara says
So glad to hear it was a hit, I appreciate you coming back to comment!
Dawn says
Unbelievable! I absolutely loved this recipe.
Sara says
Yay so glad to hear you enjoyed it, thanks for reporting back!