Name: THE BEST HEALTHY APPLE PIE FILLING
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 pounds of apples, about 8-10 apples; 3 tablespoons golden monk fruit or brown sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 teaspoons apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice; pinch of salt; 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Apple pie is the ultimate fall comfort food, and this healthy apple pie filling is a fresher, lighter version that Ella and I can’t get enough of! Imagine your kitchen filled with the cozy scent of warm spices and juicy, tender apples, it’s pure magic! Whether you’re whipping up an apple pie, mini phyllo dough apple pie tarts, or using it as a delicious topping for oatmeal or yogurt, this homemade apple pie filling is versatile, simple, and so much better than anything store-bought. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of a classic apple pie in a healthier way.

Why You Will Love This Apple Pie Filling

This healthy apple pie filling is low-sugar compared to traditional canned versions. You can also make it sugar-free by using a sugar-free sweetener.
This homemade apple pie filling is easy to make and incredibly versatile.
It’s made with simple ingredients and tastes delicious!
There is no butter needed for this recipe.
This apple pie filling is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.

What Is Healthy Apple Pie Filling?

This homemade healthy apple pie filling is a lighter version of traditional apple pie filling. Also, it’s a lower-calorie alternative that contains less sugar and fat. This apple pie filling maintains the classic flavor of apples and warm spices. It can be used to make apple pie, enjoyed on its own as a cozy treat, or as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or pancakes.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients for healthy apple pie filling

Apples: You will need four pounds of apples for this recipe, about 8-10 apples. Peel, core, and slice the apples.
Sweetener: Use brown sugar or a 1:1 sugar substitute such as brown monk fruit to sweeten this apple pie filling.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch acts as the thickening agent in this apple pie filling! It creates a rich, smooth texture by thickening the excess juices from the apples as they cook.
Apple Pie Spice: Add apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice to enhance the flavor of the apples in this recipe. The warm and aromatic notes complement the sweetness of the apples perfectly.
Salt: Add just a pinch of salt.
Lemon: Zest a fresh lemon and squeeze the juice.
Vanilla Extract: Add a splash of vanilla extract for flavor.

Best Apples To Use For Apple Pie Filling

There are many different types of apples to choose from when making this apple pie filling! You can choose to use one type of apple or a combination of apples! Here are some apples that work well in this recipe.

Honeycrisp: Honeycrisp apples are crisp and sweet.
Pink Lady: Pink Lady apples have a sweet and tart flavor that is incredibly delicious!
Granny Smith: Granny Smith apples are firm and tart. They are great for apple pie filling and balance the sweetness of pies.
Gala: Gala apples are sweet with a soft texture. They are ideal if you want a more tender pie filling.
Fuji: Fuji apples are sweet and hold their shape well.
Jonagold: These apples are sweet and tart.
Braeburn: These apples add a tart and sweet complex flavor profile.

How To Make Healthy Apple Pie Filling

Step 1: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even pieces, about 1/4-inch thick.

Step 2: Add the golden monk fruit or brown sugar, cornstarch, apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt to a bowl.

Then, mix these ingredients.

Step 3: Add the sliced apples to a large bowl.

Sprinkle the combined dry ingredients over top.

Then, toss to coat the apples.

Step 4: Add the coated apples, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to a large saucepan, Dutch oven, or large pot. Cook the apples over medium heat, stirring so they don’t burn. Cook the apples until tender and the mixture has thickened, it will take about 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Once done, let the apple pie filling slightly cool before enjoying.

Serving Suggestions

This apple pie filling is incredibly versatile! Enjoy it as a delicious treat or serve it with yogurt, cottage cheese, oatmeal, waffles, or pancakes. Or, use this apple pie filling to make an incredible apple pie. This recipe makes enough for one 9-inch pie dish. You can also make individual apple hand pies. For another option, make mini apple pie tarts with phyllo shells and bake them in the oven. These make great bite-sized desserts!

Healthy apple pie filling in phyllo shell

Expert Tips

Adjust The Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sweetener based on your preference.
Prepare The Apples: For this recipe, peel, core, and thinly slice the apples before cooking them.
Evenly Slice Apples: Evenly slice the apples so they cook at the same rate. The slices should be about 1/4-inch thick.
Avoid The Pith: When zesting the lemon, avoid the pith, the white part, as it is bitter.
Coat The Apples: Thoroughly mix the sliced apples in the bowl to evenly coat them.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover apple pie filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Or, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe airtight container for 3-6 months.

Healthy apple pie filling in storage container

Variations

Use A Slow Cooker: Instead of cooking the apples on the stovetop, you can cook them in the slow cooker. If you do this, add 1/2 cup of water to your slow cooker. Then, pour in the apples and mix. Cook the apples on low for 5-6 hours. Once done, serve and enjoy!
Spice Options: Use apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice. Make a spice combination if you don’t have either of these spices. You can combine two teaspoons of ground cinnamon with 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and a pinch of ginger and cloves.
Cornstarch Alternatives: If you don’t want to thicken this apple pie filling with cornstarch, replace it with an equal amount of arrowroot powder or tapioca starch. You could even use all-purpose flour instead of cornstarch. Use 2-4 tablespoons of flour in this recipe, depending on the desired thickness.
Sweetener Options: You can sweeten this apple pie filling with brown sugar, coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey.
How To Make It Sugar-Free: To make this apple pie filling sugar-free use a 1:1 sugar-free sweetener such as brown monk fruit or Swerve.
Mini Apple Pie Tarts: If you make mini apple pie tarts, dice the apples, as opposed to slicing them, so the apple pie filling fits in the phyllo shells.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Homemade Apple Pie Filling Last?

This homemade apple pie filling is best enjoyed within one week of making it. Keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can You Freeze Apple Pie Filling?

Yes, you can freeze this apple pie filling for 3-6 months! Let it cool completely and then store it in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it in portions if you prefer to thaw only what you need at a time. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or heat it in a saucepan.

Is Apple Pie Filling Healthy?

Traditional apple pie filling often contains a lot of sugar and fat. However, we have made a healthier version. We’ve reduced the sugar and omitted butter and oil, making it a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. You also have the option to make it sugar-free using a sugar-free sweetener of your choice. Our recipe focuses on fresh apples and spices, for a delicious apple pie filling with less sugar and fat. Also, this recipe is dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free!

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