Golden, glossy, and packed with spiced tender apples, this Best Apple Pie Filling is a must-have staple for your fall baking adventures or cozy year-round cravings. Whether you want to whip up a quick homemade pie, create hand pies, or layer it into parfaits and cheesecakes, this filling delivers comfort and flavor in every spoonful.

Made from scratch with crisp apples, warm cinnamon, and a rich, glossy sauce, this homemade version beats any store-bought can by miles. It stores beautifully, freezes like a dream, and is versatile enough to elevate everything from turnovers to oatmeal bowls. If you’re ready for the ultimate apple fix, this is your new go-to.

What Kind of Apples Work Best for Pie Filling?

For a balanced pie filling, it’s best to use a mix of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith apples hold their shape and provide a sharp contrast, while varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji add natural sweetness and a juicy bite. This combo gives your filling that classic, layered flavor with just the right texture.

Ingredients for the Best Apple Pie Filling

Apples – The star ingredient. Choose firm, tart-sweet apples for texture and depth.

Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and enhances the apples’ natural flavor.

Brown Sugar – Brings a hint of molasses richness and warmth.

Cinnamon – A cozy spice that infuses the filling with classic fall flavor.

Nutmeg – Optional but lovely for an extra note of warmth and spice.

Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce without clouding the flavor.

Water – Helps create the base for the glossy, gooey sauce.

Lemon Juice – Balances the sweetness and keeps the apples from browning.

Salt – Just a pinch to balance the flavors and enhance the sweetness.

How To Make the Best Apple Pie Filling

Step 1: Prep Your Apples

Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples. Keep them uniform in size for even cooking. Toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning and add a fresh brightness to the filling.

Step 2: Cook the Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugars, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), salt, and water. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken into a glossy sauce.

Step 3: Add Apples to the Sauce

Fold in the sliced apples and stir well to coat. Cook for about 8–10 minutes, or until the apples are just tender but not mushy. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 4: Cool and Store

Let the filling cool completely before using or transferring to jars for storing. It thickens more as it cools and is perfect for canning, freezing, or using right away in pies or crisps.

Tips for Serving and Storing Apple Pie Filling

Homemade apple pie filling should be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe jar for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge before using. It’s perfect for last-minute baking or holiday meal prep.

What to Serve With Apple Pie Filling?

Mini Apple Hand Pies

Tuck this filling into puff pastry or pie dough rounds, bake until golden, and enjoy portable pies.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Spoon warm filling over ice cream for an instant fall dessert.

Buttermilk Pancakes

Top a stack of pancakes with warm filling for a cozy breakfast.

Cheesecake Topping

Spread it over a plain cheesecake to add fruity flavor and beautiful presentation.

Overnight Oats

Swirl it into oats for a meal-prepped breakfast that tastes like dessert.

Cinnamon Roll Filling

Use it as a sweet twist inside your homemade cinnamon rolls.

Want More Dessert Ideas?

If you love this warm, spiced apple pie filling, check out these other sweet delights:

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake for a sticky, caramel-glazed apple dream.
Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie when you’re craving a fruity-chocolate combo.
Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for an effortless crowd-pleaser.
Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins to pair beautifully with your morning coffee.
Apple Fritter Bread Recipe for another apple-packed indulgence.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe a splash of vanilla extract or maple syrup? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

Best Apple Pie Filling

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 5 cups
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Bring the flavor of fall into your kitchen any time of year with this homemade Best Apple Pie Filling. Juicy apples coated in a glossy, cinnamon-spiced sauce make this a versatile essential for pies, crisps, oatmeal, pancakes, and more. It’s easy to prep, freezer-friendly, and way better than any store-bought version. Perfect for holiday baking, weeknight desserts, or just a cozy spoonful on toast. If you’re looking for a quick dessert idea, easy recipe, or seasonal food idea, this one hits the mark. It’s a must-have for breakfast ideas and healthy snack alternatives too.

Ingredients

6 cups sliced apples

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup cornstarch

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups water

Instructions

1. Peel, core, and slice apples evenly. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.

2. In a saucepan over medium heat, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), salt, and water. Stir until thickened and bubbling.

3. Add apples to the sauce and stir to coat. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, until apples are tender but not mushy.

4. Remove from heat and let cool completely before storing or using in your recipes.