Easy Homemade Apple Pie Filling
This quick and easy Apple Pie Filling comes together in one pan and is perfect for everything from classic pies to breakfast toppings.
This is the best apple pie filling! It’s soft and buttery, with just the right amount of cinnamon and sweetness. It’s versatile enough to use in pies, turnovers, or simply spooned over pancakes. The apples hold their shape but are tender, coated in a luscious, glossy sauce that thickens up beautifully thanks to cornstarch. It tastes like fall in a jar—but good enough to make year-round.
Plus, it stores well in the fridge for a few days, so you can make it ahead for any dessert or baking emergency!
Equipment Needed
You don’t need any special tools for this one—just the basics:
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Vegetable peeler
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl (for mixing cornstarch slurry)
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to make this simple apple pie filling—just a handful of pantry staples and fresh apples come together for big flavor.
- Apples: Granny Smith apples or Honeycrisp apples both work well. Peel and chop into cubes or slices.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the apples caramelize slightly.
- Cinnamon: Classic spice for warmth and depth!
- White Sugar & Brown Sugar: To add the perfect amount of sweetness!
- Lemon Juice: Prevents browning and adds brightness to balance the sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce into that perfect glossy consistency!
Variations & Substitutions
This apple pie filling recipe is easy to customize based on what you have on hand or how you plan to use it—here are a few fun ways to make it your own.
- Swap some or all of the brown sugar for maple syrup for a cozy twist.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cloves for a deeper spice profile. You can also use pumpkin pie spice if you have that on hand!
- To make it dairy free, use vegan butter or margarine in place of regular butter.
- Stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract after cooking for extra flavor.
- Dice the apples smaller for a chunkier spread or slice thin for more pie-like texture.
- Trade out a different kind of apple! Pink lady, Braeburn, and gala apples are all good choices.
How to Make Easy Apple Pie Filling
- Prep: Peel the apples and cut into small pieces – cubes or slices.
- Combine with Sugars, Cinnamon & Lemon Juice: Add both types of sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice to the apples, stir.
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a frying pan and put the apples in.
- Cook: Fry for 15 minutes on low heat, stirring. The apples should become soft, but still hold their shape.
- Add the Cornstarch Slurry: Mix the cornstarch with water (about 60-80 ml). Pour into the pan and stir, heat until thickened – 3-4 minutes.
- Use or Store: Use the apple filling immediately or transfer it to a jar and store in the refrigerator until needed (no more than a few days).
How to Use Apple Pie Filling
This filling isn’t just for pies—though it does shine in a homemade apple pie, caramel apple dump cake, walnut apple dump cake or apple pie tacos! Try it in:
- Apple hand pies or turnovers
- On top of pancakes, waffles, or French toast
- As a warm topping for vanilla ice cream
- Layered in yogurt parfaits
- In apple crisp or crumble
- Stirred into oatmeal or overnight oats
- Spooned into crepes or wrapped in puff pastry
Storing Leftovers
To store, let the filling cool completely, then transfer to a sealed jar or container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
You can freeze this filling too! Once cool, place in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples all work well. You want a tarter, studier apple that will hold up to cooking. Avoid very sweet apples like red delicious.
Yes—this filling is pre-cooked so it thickens up and bakes evenly in your pie crust. Plus, it makes assembly quicker!
Cornstarch is one of the best thickeners for apple pie filling because it creates a smooth, glossy sauce that sets up nicely as it cools. It’s also neutral in flavor and works quickly! Just make sure to mix it with a little bit of water first, so that there are no chunks in the filling.
I can’t to hear how this recipe turns out in your kitchen! Drop a comment below with your results, modifications, or questions—bonus points for sharing photos of your creation. Happy cooking, friends!
Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 apples
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/3 cup water, warm
Instructions
- Peel the apples and cut into small, uniform pieces – cubes or slices.
- Place the cut apples in a large mixing bowl. To the apples, add both types of sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice. Toss gently to combine.
- Add butter to a large skillet and heat on medium heat until melted. Add the apple mixture to the skillet.
- Adjust the burner temperature to low heat. Cook the apples for 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. The apples should become soft but still hold their shape.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the warm water until totally combined with no remaining clumps. Pour the corn starch water into the apples and increase to medium-high heat. Stir for 3-4 minutes, until thickened and bubbly.
- If storing, allow the apple pie filling to cool to room temperature before transferring to the fridge or freezer.
