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Stovetop Apple Pie Filling

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This Homemade Apple Pie Filling is quick and easy. You can make it right on your stovetop and  your favorite flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup and more! Apple pie filling can be used for so many different desserts, or you can eat it straight from the saucepan! This is the BEST apple pie filling!

A small glass mason jar with a cinnamon apple pie filling

The Best Homemade Apple Pie Filling

Fall is my favorite season with winter a close second. I am filled with memories of apple picking (Macintosh always!) as a child. I even took my husband back to the same orchard I went to growing up in Vermont.

Apple pie is always a favorite of ours and my husband devours it! This apple filling is the same filling that I used for my Cinnamon Apple Pie  and my Apple Crumble Pie with some minor tweaks.

Today I am sharing my recipe for Stovetop Apple Pie Filling. It’s packed with cinnamon and brown sugar with a touch of maple syrup. You don’t need to wait until the fall to enjoy this!

A small glass mason jar with a cinnamon apple pie filling

Quite a few of my recipes call for this apple pie filling because quite frankly, I am obsessed! I’ve actually been making this recipe since before I started blogging.

This filling is so easy! To make a stove top apple pie, you just need to peel some apple, add a few seasonings and cook on medium to low heat until the apples are fork tender. The apples are soft but not mushy and hold a nice shape. It’s nearly impossible not to sneak a bite.

Do you want to know my secret for amazing apple pie filling??  I always use maple syrup in my apple filling, it’s a touch of sweetness and helps to caramelize the apples. Trust me, it’s worth it!

A close up of a pan of stovetop apple pie filling

Recipe Ingredients

It’s super easy, only 6 ingredients needed to make this pie filling. It’s a little bit tart and a little bit sweet. This is a great replacement for a store-brought apple pie filling.

  • Apples: I prefer to use green apple myself because they’re a little bit tart.
  • Lemon juice: not only does this help prevent the apples from browning too quickly, but it gives the filling a little acidity.
  • Maple syrup: This is my secret weapon! It’s adds a touch of sweetness and helps to caramelize the apples.
  • Light brown sugar: I love to use all brown sugar because I like the way it caramelizes.
  • All-purpose flour: A little bit of flour is used to thicken the filling
  • Cinnamon: I use plenty of cinnamon for flavor. If you’d prefer to use apple pie filling seasoning you certainly can, but I think the cinnamon is enough for me! Feel free to add nutmeg or cloves for a little extra spice

What type of apples should I use?

Personally, I prefer granny smith apples, because I like how tart they are, but also they aren’t the softest apple, so they don’t get mushy. If I am making a true apple pie recipe, I will use a combination of different types of apples like granny smith and gala apples.

You can also use honey crisp or Fugi apples or macintosh.

An overhead glass bowl with diced apples, brown sugar, flour and cinnamon

How to Make Apple Pie Filling

  • Peel and dice your apples: Once decied, immediately toss with lemon juice to keep them from browning too quickly. Apples should be about the size of a dime.
  • Add the dry ingredients: Combine the dry ingredients and generously coat the diced apples with the dry ingredients and then pour the maple syrup over last.
  • Transfer to the stovetop: Heat apples on the stove over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until soft, stirring frequently. As the apples cook, you may need to add up to 2 tablespoons of water to the sauce pan if they’re sticking.  Set aside and allow to cool
Diced green apples sitting on a wooden cutting board

How to Prevent the Filling from Sticking to the Pan

Since every sauce pan is different, you might find that the filling sticks to the pan as the sugars caramelize. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water at a time and keep stirring frequently, and reduce your heat a little bit.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This can be very helpful if you need to prepare your desserts ahead of time.

Can I freeze this?

You sure can! I have froze this apple filling this in an airtight container, just be sure it’s completely cooled prior to freezing. You can store in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag. If you’re storing in a bag, just press out all the extra air prior to sealing the bag. Thaw to room temperature and then keep store in the refrigerator.

An overhead shot of a pan of stovetop apple pie filling

How to Use Apple Pie Filling

Below I have 15+ recipes on my blog that call for apple pie filling, but this can be used for as a filling cakes or cupcakes or cheesecakes. It also makes a great topping for vanilla ice cream or pancakes.

No-Bake Apple Treats with Apple Pie Filling

Baked Treats with Apple Pie Filling:

Breakfast Recipes with Apple Pie Filling:

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A small glass mason jar with a cinnamon apple pie filling inside of it

Stovetop Apple Pie Filling

  • Author: Julianne Dell
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 3 cups

Description

This Homemade Apple Pie Filling is quick and easy. You can make it right on your stove top and  your favorite flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup and more! 

Ingredients

  • 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon (9g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons (15ml) water

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice the apples into small pieces (about the size of a dime) and squeeze a lemon over top and stir to combine.
  2. Combine the dry ingredients and then toss together with the apples until fully coated. Pour the maple syrup over top and gently stir.
  3. Heat apples on the stove over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until soft. Stir occasionally. You want the apples to be soft. If the apples are sticking to the pan add 1-2 tablespoons of water to the saucepan as needed.  Set aside and allow to cool, refrigerating if necessary.

Notes

  • If you need a large batch, use 5 apples and double all the dry ingredients!
Nutrition Information:
1/2 cup
74
14.5g
2mg
.2g
19g
2.5g
.4g
0mg
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Apple Pie Filling, Apple recipes, how to make apple pie filling

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating

24 Responses
  1. Megan

    Do you think I could can this? Most canning recipes have cornstarch which I can’t do but flour would be great!

  2. Anar

    OMG Yum I used to do catering for 5 yrs or so & I am dying to try this new delicious recipe I can just taste all the mixed in ingredients…Yummy!!! Thanks for sharing

  3. Kelly H

    I used 5 assorted apples.. cut in chunks. I followed your recipe EXACTLY except I used cornstarch instead of flour and a dash of cloves. See… exactly😏😉

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