This canned apple pie filling recipe is perfect for those who love the taste of homemade apple pie but want the convenience of having the filling ready to go. With a blend of sweet and tart apples, warm spices, and a touch of lemon juice, this filling is sure to become a pantry staple.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up cornstarch and lemon juice if you don't already have them. Cornstarch is essential for thickening the filling, and lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the sugars and apples.

Ingredients for Canned Apple Pie Filling Recipe
Apples: Peeled and sliced, these form the base of the filling.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling.
Brown sugar: Provides a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
Cornstarch: Thickens the filling to the perfect consistency.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy notes.
Ground nutmeg: Enhances the flavor with a hint of nutty spice.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Water: Forms the base of the syrup.
Lemon juice: Adds a tangy brightness that balances the sweetness.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the apples for this recipe, make sure to slice them uniformly. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture in your apple pie filling. Additionally, to prevent the apples from browning while you prepare the other ingredients, you can toss them in a bit of lemon juice before adding them to the pot. This not only preserves their color but also adds a subtle brightness to the overall flavor.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
apples - Substitute with pears: Pears have a similar texture and sweetness when cooked, making them a good alternative in pie fillings.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and can add a slight floral note to the filling.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder is a great thickening agent and works similarly to cornstarch.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground allspice: Allspice has a warm, sweet flavor that can mimic the taste of cinnamon in recipes.
ground nutmeg - Substitute with ground mace: Mace is the outer covering of nutmeg seeds and has a similar flavor profile.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides the necessary seasoning.
water - Substitute with apple juice: Apple juice adds more apple flavor to the filling and can enhance the overall taste.
lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides the necessary acidity and complements the apple flavor.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
Ensure your canned apple pie filling jars are completely cooled and the seals are intact. A properly sealed jar will have a concave lid that doesn't pop when pressed.
Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cellar. The ideal temperature range is between 50°F and 70°F.
Label each jar with the date of canning. This helps you keep track of freshness and ensures you use the oldest jars first.
For best quality, use the canned apple pie filling within one year. While it may still be safe to eat after this period, the flavor and texture may degrade.
If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as bulging lids, leaks, or off smells, discard the jar immediately. Safety first!
To freeze the apple pie filling, allow the mixture to cool completely after cooking.
Transfer the filling into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving about 1 inch of headspace to allow for expansion.
Label the containers with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of what you have and when it was made.
Store the containers flat in the freezer to save space and make stacking easier.
For best quality, use the frozen apple pie filling within 6-8 months. While it may still be safe to eat after this period, the texture may become mushy.
Thaw the filling in the refrigerator overnight before using it in your favorite desserts or pies.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method: Pour the apple pie filling into a saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Warm until the filling is heated through, about 5-7 minutes. This method helps maintain the texture of the apples and the consistency of the filling.
Microwave Method: Transfer the apple pie filling to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until the filling is hot. This is a quick and convenient method but be cautious of hot spots.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the apple pie filling in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is heated through. This method is ideal if you want to reheat a larger quantity and maintain a consistent temperature.
Double Boiler Method: Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water and bring to a simmer. Place the apple pie filling in the top pot and stir occasionally. Heat until the filling is warmed through. This gentle method prevents scorching and is great for preserving the flavor and texture.
Slow Cooker Method: Transfer the apple pie filling to a slow cooker. Set to low and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is perfect for keeping the filling warm over an extended period, especially for gatherings or parties.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large pot: Used to combine the water, sugars, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, and to bring the mixture to a boil.
Peeler: Essential for peeling the apples before slicing them.
Knife: Used to slice the apples into even pieces.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for peeling and slicing the apples.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the water, sugars, and lemon juice.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Stirring spoon: Ideal for stirring the mixture in the pot to ensure it doesn't stick or burn.
Canning jars: Sterilized jars are used to pack the hot apple mixture for storage.
Jar lifter: Helps safely place and remove the jars from the boiling water bath.
Boiling water bath canner: Used to process the jars in boiling water to ensure they are properly sealed.
Tongs: Useful for handling hot jars and lids.
Ladle: Helps in transferring the hot apple mixture into the canning jars.
Funnel: Makes it easier to pour the apple mixture into the jars without spilling.
Clean cloth: Used to wipe the rims of the jars before sealing to ensure a proper seal.
Timer: Essential for keeping track of the 10-minute simmering time and the 20-minute processing time.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Peel and slice the apples ahead of time and store them in lemon water to prevent browning.
Use a food processor: Quickly mix the sugar, cornstarch, and spices using a food processor to save time.
Sterilize jars efficiently: Sterilize your canning jars in the dishwasher while you prepare the filling.
Batch processing: Make a larger batch of apple pie filling and can it all at once to save time on future baking.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients before starting to streamline the cooking process.

Canned Apple Pie Filling Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups Apples, peeled and sliced
- 2 cups Granulated Sugar
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 4 cups Water
- 3 tablespoon Lemon Juice
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine water, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Add lemon juice and sliced apples. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Pack the hot mixture into sterilized canning jars, leaving ½ inch headspace.
- Process jars in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes.
- Let jars cool and check seals before storing.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Roquefort Pear Salad Recipe15 Minutes
- Stewed Apples Recipe30 Minutes
- Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe55 Minutes
- German Chocolate Cake Recipe1 Hours
- Tomato Basil Salad Recipe10 Minutes
- Sweet Pickles Recipe25 Minutes
- South African Melktert Recipe50 Minutes
- Scotch Eggs Recipe30 Minutes
Leave a Reply