There's something about the smell of apples and cinnamon that instantly makes a kitchen feel like the holidays!
This classic apple pie filling is warm, comforting, and filled with tender apple slices coated in a rich cinnamon-spiced sauce.
A little Thick Gel helps the filling hold together beautifully, giving you those lovely slices of apple pie without the filling running all over the plate.
Please note: The image is for inspiration purposes only and may not reflect the exact appearance of the finished recipe
APPLE PIE FILLING RECIPE
INGREDIENTS:
For approximately one generous 9-inch pie:
- 8 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter
- 2 tablespoons water
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ tablespoons Thick Gel, as a starting point. (Or 1½ tablespoons cornstarch)
- 2 tablespoons cold water, for mixing the thickener
Instructions
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into approximately ¼-inch-thick slices. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan or deep skillet, melt the vegan butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the sliced apples, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of water. Mix well until the apples are evenly coated.
- Cook over medium heat for approximately 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften and release their natural juices. The apples should still hold their shape, as they'll continue cooking when baked into a pie.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1½ tablespoons of Thick Gel and 2 tablespoons of cold water until completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Slowly pour the Thick Gel slurry into the apple mixture, stirring continuously to distribute it evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for approximately 1–2 minutes, stirring, until the juices thicken and become glossy.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Allow the apple pie filling to cool completely before using it in your favorite pie crust, hand pies, turnovers, or other baked treats. The filling will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
Make-ahead tip: Prepare your apple pie filling in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
ways to use your apple pie filling
Apple pie filling isn't just for pies! Once you've made a batch, you'll find plenty of delicious ways to enjoy those tender, cinnamon-spiced apples.
1. Classic Apple Pie
Of course, you can't go wrong with a traditional apple pie! Spoon your filling into a prepared pie crust, add a lattice or full pastry topping, and bake until golden and bubbly. Serve warm with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for the ultimate holiday dessert.
2. Easy Apple Hand Pies and Turnovers
For a fun, individually portioned treat, spoon a little apple pie filling onto squares or circles of vegan puff pastry. Fold, seal the edges with a fork, and bake until golden and crisp. These are perfect for holiday gatherings, lunchbox treats, or an afternoon snack with a warm cup of tea.
3. Apple Crumble or Crisp
Turn your filling into a comforting apple crumble in minutes! Simply spread it into a baking dish and top with a mixture of rolled oats, flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, and melted coconut oil or vegan butter. Bake until the topping is golden and crunchy. Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
4. A Cozy Breakfast Topping
Who says apple pie filling is only for dessert? Warm a few spoonfuls and serve over oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or French toast. It's an easy way to make an everyday breakfast feel a little more special, especially on chilly mornings.
5. Mini Apple Pie Cups
For an easy holiday dessert, press small rounds of pie dough into a muffin tin, fill with your prepared apple pie filling, and top with a little crumble mixture or pastry cutouts. Bake until the pastry is cooked through and golden. They're a lovely addition to a holiday dessert table and easy to serve to guests.
6. Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Give homemade cinnamon rolls a fruity twist! Spread a thin layer of apple pie filling over your rolled-out dough before rolling it up. Chop larger apple slices into smaller pieces first, and avoid adding too much filling so the rolls hold their shape. Bake as usual, then finish with a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze.
7. Apple Pie Parfaits
For a quick, no-bake dessert, layer cooled apple pie filling with dairy-free vanilla yogurt or whipped coconut cream and crushed granola or cookies. Serve in small glasses or jars for a pretty, fuss-free holiday treat.
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