The Best Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
You’ll adore this homemade apple pie filling for its simplicity and irresistible flavor that beats store-bought hands down. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a filling that’s perfectly sweet, spiced, and bursting with fresh apple goodness. It’s versatile enough for pies, turnovers, or even spooning over ice cream. Plus, making it at home means you control the sweetness and spices, so it’s just how you like it.
Recipe

Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of fall with this homemade apple pie filling recipe. Perfect for pies, turnovers, or even topping your morning oatmeal, this filling is easy to make and bursting with natural sweetness.
Ingredients:
6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 6 medium-sized apples)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
- Transfer the apple mixture to a large saucepan or pot. Add the water and stir to combine.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using as desired.
Notes:
For a firmer filling, use firmer apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Adjust sugar levels based on the sweetness of your apples.
Equipment:
Large mixing bowl, large saucepan or pot, measuring cups and spoons, peeler, knife, and cutting board.
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Makes enough filling for one 9-inch pie or approximately 6 servings.
Nutrition
Homemade apple pie filling is a delicious treat packed with natural sweetness and essential nutrients. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Sugar | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 | 0.2g | 31g | 0.3g | 25g | 3g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade apple pie filling with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, as the cold and sweet contrast makes each bite perfect. For a lighter touch, I’ll whisk up some homemade whipped cream, adding a hint of vanilla or cinnamon for extra flavor. Both options turn a simple dessert into something special.
Ice Cream Pairings
When I’m serving up a slice of warm apple pie, I always think a scoop of ice cream makes it even better. The contrast between the hot, spiced filling and cold treats is pure magic. Classic vanilla is my go-to—it’s simple but lets the pie shine. For richer dessert combos, try caramel swirl or cinnamon ice cream; they amp up the cozy flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, a tangy scoop of vanilla bean or even butter pecan adds a fun twist. Just don’t skip the ice cream—it’s the perfect partner for that flaky crust and tender apples.
Whipped Cream Options
Nothing beats a dollop of whipped cream on warm apple pie—it’s light, creamy, and melts just enough to blend with the spiced filling. If you’re dairy-free, don’t worry—there are great vegan alternatives like coconut whipped cream that’s just as velvety. For a twist, try flavored variations—I love adding a dash of vanilla, cinnamon, or even a splash of bourbon to mine. Homemade whipped cream is super easy to make, and you can adjust the sweetness to your taste. Whether you go classic, vegan, or flavored, it’ll elevate your pie to perfection. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step!