See how easy it is to doctor up canned apple pie filling into a delicious filling for pies and cakes and decadent topping for pancakes and ice cream. All you need are about 10 minutes, a few easy tips, and simple ingredients you might already have!
Try it in Apple Pie with Canned Apple Pie Filling and Apple Pie Coffee Cake, or spooned over Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix.
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Canned apple pie filling is so handy for making a quick apple pie, coffee cake, or delicious dessert topping.
And when you don't have the time or energy for all the peeling, coring, and chopping that goes into homemade apple pie filling, a can of apple pie filling from the grocery store is a great way to go.
But sometimes canned pie filling needs a little ... something.
Give a boost to your favorite apple recipes with these super easy ways to make canned apple pie filling taste better.
How to Improve Apple Pie Filling
Canned apple pie filling is fast, easy, convenient, and delicious. And with just a few extra ingredients, you can give canned filling rich, warm homemade flavor and turn it into your very own apple pie filling.
These are my favorite ways to make canned apple filling taste better.
1. Warm spices.
Cinnamon is the only spice listed in the ingredients of all the different brands of apple pie filling I tried. And sometimes I can barely taste it.
To give apple pie filling that perfect apple pie flavor, add the spices that are commonly found in apple pie spice.
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Allspice
- Cardamom
- Ginger
- Cayenne pepper -- just a tiny bit adds an amazing spicy snap!
Add all of these or only the ones you like. I use alllll of them!
You can also use apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice.
2. Salt.
Salt = flavor. By adding a little bit of salt to canned apple pie filling, you'll enhance the flavors of the apples and the spices without making the filling taste too salty.
3. Citrus juice.
A splash of citrus is an easy way to brighten up and enhance the apple flavor -- and counteract some of that "canned" taste.
I use lemon juice, but you can also use lime juice or orange juice.
4. Flavor extracts.
Extracts add great homemade flavor to commercial pie filling. Vanilla extract is the go-to in a classic apple pie recipe, but you can add unique flavors to your pie by trying different flavor extracts -- orange extract would be delicious!
5. Butter.
If you're baking the pie filling into a pie, add dabs of butter on top of the filling before you cover it with crust. The fat in the butter will add richness to the filling.
For toppings and no-bake desserts, sautee fresh apples in butter until soft and stir them into the filling.
6. Brown sugar.
Brown sugar adds richness and enhances the flavors of the apples and the spices. It's also a great vehicle for adding cornstarch to the filling.
Keep reading for more about that.
7. Cornstarch.
The consistency of canned apple pie filling is pretty gloopy. Not that that's a bad thing, but if you don't want the filling running out of your pie, consider thickening it.
The best way to add cornstarch to pre-cooked pie filling without adding more liquid is to mix cornstarch and brown sugar together in a small bowl, then stir the mixture into the filling.
If you are using your pie filling in a baked dessert, the filling will thicken as it bakes.
To thicken apple pie filling for a dessert topping, warm it in a saucepan over medium heat with a few tablespoons of water until the mixture is bubbly and translucent.
8. More apples.
If your apple pie filling is more goo than apple, add fresh apples. Pink Lady and Granny Smith apples are both good choices because of their tart flavor.
For baked recipes, add raw apple slices and they will soften as they bake.
For toppings and other unbaked uses, sautee the apples in butter until soft and add them to the pie filling.
When you add fresh fruit to the apple mixture, you may end up with more filling than your pie crust can accommodate. Save your leftovers for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes.
If you thickened the filling with cornstarch, cook it before you eat it using the instructions in step #7.
How to Store Canned Apple Pie Filling
- Refrigerator: Store apple pie filling in a mason jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Place cooled apple pie filling in mason jars with plenty of headspace or in freezer bags with the air squeezed out.
Expert Tips
- When adding spices to pie filling, start small and taste as you go to ensure it's to your liking.
- To use this filling for toppings and no-bake desserts, activate and cook the cornstarch by warming the filling over medium heat until bubbly and translucent.
- Sliced fresh apples add delicious flavor and variety to the texture. Add them raw to the filling for baked desserts -- they'll soften as they bake. For no-bake desserts and toppings, sautee the apples in butter until soft and stir into the filling.
FAQs
The best way to improve canned apple pie filling is to add flavor and texture.
For flavor, add spices, flavor extracts, and a splash of citrus. To make the filling less runny, thicken canned apple pie filling with a mixture of cornstarch and sugar. You can also add fresh apple slices to add variety to the texture.
To thicken canned apple pie filling, add a mixture of cornstarch and sugar to the filling. Bake in a pie or warm over medium heat until the filling is bubbly and translucent.
You don't have to because canned pie filling is already cooked. If you would like to spruce up store bought apple pie filling, add spices, flavor extracts, a splash of citrus, and even some fresh fruit to make it taste better.
How to Make Apple Pie with Canned Filling
Ready to start baking? Learn how to make a delicious and beautiful apple pie with canned filling and refrigerated pie dough.
Get my easy recipe, tips, instructions, and tons of photos to help you turn canned apple pie filling and store-bought pie dough into a holiday-worthy apple pie.
How to Make Homemade Apple Pie Filling
Ready to break out the apple peeler? Try this super easy recipe to make your own apple pie filling.
It's easy to make with basic ingredients and the hardest part is peeling and chopping the apples.
Pre-cooked apple pie filling is delicious in this Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust, your favorite no-bake desserts, and as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
Delicious Pie Recipes
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📖 Recipe
How to Make Canned Apple Pie Filling Taste Better
Ingredients
- 20 oz. apple pie filling
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 pinch allspice (or 1/16 teaspoon)
- ⅛ teaspoon cardamom
- ⅛ teaspoon ginger
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper start small and taste
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup fresh apple slices ¼" thick
- ½ tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Place the apple pie filling in a mixing bowl. Stir in the spices, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla.
- In a small bowl, stir the brown sugar and cornstarch together. Add the mixture to the pie filling and stir until well combined.
- For baked desserts: Stir in the fresh apples. Place the filling in the baking dish and top it with dabs of butter. Bake. The apples will soften and the cornstarch will thicken the filling as it bakes. For toppings and no-bake desserts: Sautee the apples in the butter until soft and add to the filling. Activate (and cook) the cornstarch by warming the filling over medium heat until bubbly and translucent.
Excellent suggestions to enhance apple pie filling. I have used some of these methods in the past but you taught me a couple of new ones. Thanks!
Thank you, Kay. I'm so happy you were able to pick up a couple more tricks! Cara