There is no reason to turn on your stove to make this Easy Apple Pie Filling! Instead you’ll thinly slice Honey Crisp or Granny Smith apples and combine it with a few pantry staples and it’s ready to fill your pie crust. This filling is full of warm cinnamon and sweet flavor and only takes 5 minutes to make!

A pre baked apple pie with lattice crust on a beige surface.
Fill any pie crust or even puff pastry with this filling and then bake!

What’s better than apple pie filling? A homemade apple pie filling that you don’t need to cook!

Usually when you make an apple pie it requires you to pre-cook the apples. With this recipe, there is no reason to turn on your stove at all. You can easily get this filling together to add to your un-baked pie crust.

All you have to do is thinly slice apples (a mandolin makes this really easy) then combine it with brown sugar, cornstarch, flour, cinnamon and salt. Just six simple ingredients you can find anywhere! 

Once you’ve drained the apples, it’s ready to be baked into a flaky pie crust, an apple pie with graham cracker crust or inside a puff pastry apple pie!

As a professional baker, I really appreciate when there are ways around traditional recipes to cut down on time without sacrificing on flavor. This apple pie filling is still so juicy, sweet, and full of warm cinnamon flavor. Add it to my apple pie in a graham cracker crust or a puff pastry apple pie!

No matter how you use it, no-cook apple pie filling is a great way to use in-season apples during the fall months to make lots of tasty desserts in no time! 

WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE THIS RECIPE

  • Say goodbye to lengthy baking sessions. This no-cook apple pie filling lets you create a delicious apple pie in a fraction of the time!
  • You can fill this into a graham cracker crust or even puff pastry!
  • It takes only 5 minutes to prep and is so versatile!
  • This apple pie filling is made up of just six simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.

Best apples to use

The best apples to use are the ones that will hold their shape when exposed to heat. These are apples like Honey Crisp or Granny Smith. Other apples can get mushy and won’t allow the pie to slice as nicely.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

Ingredients needed for apple pie filling.
Use Honey Crisp or Granny Smith apples because they hold their shape well.
  • Honeycrisp Apples – These apples are the star of the show, providing a crisp and juicy texture as well as a naturally sweet and slightly tart flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
  • Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and depth to the filling, enhancing the natural flavors of the apples while imparting a rich caramel-like taste.
  • Flour – Acts as a thickening agent, helping to absorb excess liquid released by the apples as they cook. 
  • Cornstarch – Another thickener that plays a role in preventing a soggy crust by absorbing excess moisture from the apples. It also helps to bind the filling together.
  • Cinnamon – Brings warm and aromatic notes to the filling, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
  • Salt – Just a touch of kosher salt brings out the natural flavors of the apples and other ingredients.

HOW TO MAKE APPLE PIE FILLING

Prepare the apples: Wash the apple with cold water. Peel the skin off, then core them. Use a mandolin to easily and thinly slice the apples. 

Combine the filling ingredients: Add the apples to a large bowl along with the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Use your hands to toss all of the ingredients together until well-coated. 

Strain the apples: Place the apple pie filling into a colander and strain any excess liquid. Toss the apple mixture with cornstarch until well coated. 

Add to crust: Add the seasoned apple pie filling to your preferred pie crust. Bake according to the recipe instructions. Enjoy!

Thinly sliced and spiced apples in a large glass bowl.
Use a mandolin to easily and thinly slice the apples.
Apple pie filling added to a springform pan.
You can make an apple pie in a graham cracker crust!

TIPS FOR RECIPE SUCCESS

  • Opt for firm and crisp Honeycrisp apples for this filling. Their sweet-tart profile makes them ideal for this recipe, and they hold up well during baking. 
  • When using a mandolin to slice the apples, aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. This not only enhances the appearance of your pie but also ensures each bite is consistent.
  • When combining the apples with brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt, be sure to mix everything well. Using your hands to combine the ingredients gently ensures each apple wedge is evenly coated.
  • Straining the apple mixture before adding the cornstarch is crucial to prevent a soggy crust. 
  • Whether using a traditional pie crust, graham cracker base, or puff pastry, pre-baking the crust slightly before adding the filling can help maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming soggy due to the moisture in the filling.
  • Avoid over-packing the filling, which can cause the pie to collapse or leak during baking.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

To store your apple pie filling, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days for optimal freshness. Drain the filling before adding it to a pie, as it will release moisture as it sits in the fridge. 

Freezing is not recommended as the apples will change their structure and become mushy when thawed. 

FAQ

Can I use a different type of apple for the filling?

While Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their texture and flavor, you can experiment with other varieties like Granny Smith for a tangier taste or Fuji if you can’t find them. 

Can I skip the cornstarch in the filling?

The cornstarch is essential for thickening the filling and preventing a runny consistency. Skipping it might result in a watery filling, so it’s best to include it.

Can I use pre-made pie crusts with this filling?

Absolutely, pre-made pie crusts work well with this filling. Whether you opt for traditional graham crackers or puff pastry crusts, they will all beautifully complement the no-bake apple pie filling.

WAYS TO USE NO COOK APPLE PIE FILLING

Thinly sliced and spiced apples in a large glass bowl.
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Easy Apple Pie Filling

Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 12 people
There is no reason to turn on your stove to make this Easy Apple Pie Filling! Instead you'll thinly slice Honey Crisp or Granny Smith apples and combine it with a few pantry staples and it's ready to fill your pie crust. This filling is full of warm cinnamon and sweet flavor and only takes 5 minutes to make!
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Ingredients

  • 5 Honeycrisp apples peeled cored, and cut into wedges
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt

Instructions
 

  • Use a mandolin to easily and thinly slice the apples.
  • Thinly sliced and spiced apples in a large glass bowl.
    In a large bowl combine the apples with ½ cup brown sugar, 3 tbsp flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, and ¼ cup kosher salt.
  • Mix well with your hands to combine.
  • Before adding it to the pie crust, strain the apples, getting rid of as much juice as possible.
  • Pour the 1 tbsp cornstarch over the apples and mix again.
  • A pre baked apple pie with lattice crust on a beige surface.
    Add to your pie crust and bake according to the recipes instructions.

Notes

You will still need to bake the pie that this filling goes into you just don’t need to pre cook it!
For best results use an apple that will hold its shape while baking like Honey Crisp or Granny Smith
Serving: 1portion, Calories: 84kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 0.4g, Fat: 0.1g, Saturated Fat: 0.02g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.05g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Sodium: 52mg, Potassium: 96mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 17g, Vitamin A: 41IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 14mg, Iron: 0.3mg
Course: Dessert, desserts, pie, pies and tarts
Author: Sam Adler
Cuisine: American, Anything
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