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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!
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!
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!
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.
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
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.
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:
- Mini Apple Pies
- Apple Cream Pie Cookie Cups
- Apple Pie Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream
- Deep Fried Apple Pie Bites
- Apple Pie Biscuit Shortcakes
- Cranberry Apple Pie
- Oatmeal Caramel Apple Cookies
- Maple Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars
- Apple Dip with Pie Crust Chips
Breakfast Recipes with Apple Pie Filling:
- Maple Apple Pullapart Bread
- Sky-High Brown Butter Apple Pie Muffins
- Apple Cheesecake Croissants
- Brown Butter Apple Pie Coffee Cake
Stovetop Apple Pie Filling
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
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
- Peel and dice the apples into small pieces (about the size of a dime) and squeeze a lemon over top and stir to combine.
- Combine the dry ingredients and then toss together with the apples until fully coated. Pour the maple syrup over top and gently stir.
- 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.
Equipment
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Notes
- If you need a large batch, use 5 apples and double all the dry ingredients!
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Apple Pie Filling, Apple recipes, how to make apple pie filling
Do you think I could can this? Most canning recipes have cornstarch which I can’t do but flour would be great!
Hi Megan, I’ve honestly never canned anything before so I can’t say one way or another.
Is this enough filling for a pie or do I need to go with the larger batch using 5 apples?
For a full apple pie I use 4-6
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
★★★★★
So glad to hear that!
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😏😉
★★★★
That sounds wonderful Kelly, thank you so much for sharing!!!
Sounds like a great idea. Going to do it. Thanks