Made with fresh apples and warm spices, this homemade apple pie filling is easy to make and perfect for all your fall baking, from pies and crisps to enjoying it by the spoonful.

Wooden spoon stirring simmering apple pie filling in a pot on the stove.

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Easy Apple Filling Recipe

Homemade apple pie filling has the best cozy flavor and tastes so much better than the canned kind. I love serving it with pancakes or vanilla ice cream, or tucking it into crepes and apple fritters when we have extra.

There’s nothing better than a warm slice of my brown bag apple pie during apple season, especially when it’s made from scratch with this simple filling. It’s full of sweet, spiced apple flavor and totally worth the extra step!

This easy filling works for all kinds of apple desserts, from classic Dutch apple pie or apple dump cake.

Ingredient Notes

Thinly sliced apples arranged on a cutting board next to a paring knife.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Apples: While any variety will work, I love using Granny Smith. They’re juicy, crisp, and hold up beautifully without getting mushy.
  • Lemon: The acidity helps brighten the fruit and keeps the color from turning the apples brown after preparing them.
  • Sugar: Brown and granulated sugars are used to balance the tartness of the apples.
  • Cornstarch: This helps thicken the filling and give it a bit of richness.
  • Spice: Cinnamon and nutmeg add depth to the tart and sweetness of the filling. Adjust to your preference, I always use a little bit more cinnamon.
  • Salt: Just a pinch elevates the apple flavor.

How to Make Apple Pie Filling

This easy apple pie filling comes together on the stovetop in under 45 minutes and is ready to use in all your favorite recipes.

Pot of diced apples simmering in spiced syrup for homemade pie filling,
  1. Slice. Cut the apples into thick slices or chunks, then drizzle with fresh lemon juice.
  2. Mix. In a large saucepan, stir together the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk in the water until smooth.
  3. Cook. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 2 minutes. Add apples and return to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and sauce is thickened.
  4. Cool. Let the filling cool completely, then refrigerate to set up further before using.

Favorite Ways to Use Apple Pie Filling

Glass jar filled with homemade apple pie filling made from chopped apples and cinnamon syrup.

Recipe Tips

Here are a few cooking tips to help make this the best apple pie filling!

  • Slice thickness: Cut apples into thick slices or chunks so they hold their shape. Thin slices tend to break down and turn mushy during cooking.
  • Peeling optional: I usually leave the peels on for added texture and ease, but feel free to peel if you prefer a smoother filling.
  • Cornstarch is key: Don’t skip the cornstarch, it’s what gives the filling that thick, glossy, pie-ready texture.
  • Refrigerate to thicken: The filling thickens more as it chills. For best results, let it sit in the fridge overnight before using.
  • Make a big batch: This recipe makes about 4 cups, but it’s easy to double if you want extra for freezing.
Close-up of a sliced apple cheesecake pie with crumb topping in a ceramic pie dish.

If you love homemade pie filling like I do, try this peach pie filling recipe, homemade cherry pie filling or thicken my blueberry sauce to use, too!

More Apple Dessert Recipes

Apple Pie Filling

5 from 13 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 16 (4 cups)
Made with fresh apples and warm spices, this homemade apple pie filling is easy to make and perfect for all your fall baking, from pies and crisps to enjoying it by the spoonful.
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Ingredients 

  • 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 5 ½ to 6 cups diced apples (any variety, peeled if desired)
  • ½ cup light brown sugar , packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  • Prep apples. In a large bowl, drizzle 2 Tablespoons lemon juice over 5 1/2 – 6 cups diced apples and toss to coat. Set the apples aside.
  • Combine sauce ingredients. In a large saucepan, stir together 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk in the water until everything has dissolved.
  • Add apples. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat slightly and simmer for 2 minutes. Add the apples and increase the heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a full boil again. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Cool apple filling. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Storage: Store pie filling in a sealed container in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks or in the freezer up to 12 months
 

Nutrition

Calories: 81kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 0.1g, Fat: 0.1g, Saturated Fat: 0.02g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Sodium: 40mg, Potassium: 58mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 17g, Vitamin A: 24IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 11mg, Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Recipe FAQs

How do you thicken homemade apple pie filling?

Cornstarch is the most common thickener, what I love to use and gives the filling that glossy, gooey texture. You can also use flour, though it creates a slightly cloudier finish.

What are the best apples to use for apple pie filling?

Granny Smith is my top choice for its tart flavor and firm texture. Honeycrisp and Fuji add sweetness, while Jonathan and Melrose offer a nice sweet-tart balance. Using a mix of apples can give your filling the best flavor and texture.

How to store pie filling?

Let the filling cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Can I freeze apple pie filling?

Yes! Transfer the cooled filling to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 year. I like to prep a batch in the fall and save it for a cozy treat later in winter.