Easy Apple Pie Filling Recipe

This is a delicious apple pie filling recipe to freeze ahead. We give you step by step instructions for freezing, defrosting and baking this filling.

Apple pie filling is easy to make ahead and freeze. It requires only a few ingredients and some fresh apples. Freezing apple pie filling can be done in a few simple steps. Frozen apple pie filling is easy to pull out of the freezer and defrost for delicious apple pie.

In this post we will go over a few simple steps to make the most delicious and easy apple pie filling. We have answered a few questions we frequently come across as well.

Should Frozen Apple Pie Filling be Thawed Before Baking?

Apple pie filling can be thawed before baking it into a pie. This recipe calls for the filling to be thawed before baking. In this recipe, the cornstarch is added to the filling after it has thawed. Cornstarch works best when it is mixed into the thawed filling.

Some recipes call for the filling to be frozen and then put in the crust. In this instance, the cornstarch is sprinkled onto the frozen filling. If the cornstarch is being added into the pie before baking, it is best to thaw the filling first.

Can you Freeze Apple Pie Filling with Cornstarch?

Freezing apple pie filling with cornstarch is not recommended. Cornstarch absorbs excess moisture which will thicken the pie filling. Added cornstarch will often make the pie filling turn into a thick jelly like texture. The pie filling will fall apart when thawed and not be very appetizing.

For the best frozen Apple Pie filling results, add the cornstarch after the pie filling is thawed. We like to completely defrost the filling and whisk in the cornstarch. This ensures that the cornstarch is evenly dispersed throughout the filling.

Can you Freeze Uncooked Apple Pie?

You can freeze uncooked apple pie. To freeze it simply wrap the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap. Do not put any air slits in the pie dough before freezing it. Properly frozen unbaked pies will last 2-3 months in the freezer.

To bake a frozen apple pie cut slits in the frozen pie crust. put it in the oven frozen do not thaw it. Bake at 425 F for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 375 F and continue baking 40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. The pie filling should be bubbling inside.

Do you Cook Apples before Putting them In a Pie?

Do not cook apples before putting them in a pie. Apples should be kept in cold water until the filling is ready to prepare. Place the raw apples in the filling ingredients and bake immediately in a pie or freeze.

Some recipes call for cooking the apples ahead of time and boiling them in water. This will result in very soft apples that are almost mushy in texture. Canned apple pie filling will also give you this result. If you want crunchier apples, use fresh apples and bake them without cooking them first.

What is Apple Pie Filling Made of?

Apple pie filling is a blend of brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Just before the pie is baked cornstarch will be added into the filling to act as a thickening agent. Butter pats are usually placed on top of the filling underneath the pie crust. To make a shiny crust, egg whites are often brushed along the surface of the crust before baking. Sanding sugar can also be sprinkled on the crust before baking.

More Apple Pie Ideas:

We love apple pies of all sorts. If you are looking for more ways to use up your fresh apples or wow your Holiday guests, check these out!

Links to pictured Recipes:

• Sour apple Pie with crumb topping enjoy this sour apple crumble pie. Its amazing!
• Caramel Apple Pie very flavorful pie with a Carmel flavor twist
• Apple Pie turnovers Make your family hand pies for the lunchbox and treats.
• Sourdough Pie Crust for all you sourdough bakers this is a STELLAR pie crust
• Coconut Oil Pie Crust is very simple and vegan

Simple Apple Pie Filling Recipe:

This is a wonderfully simple apple pie filling to freeze. Or use it for batch baking if you have a lot of fresh pies to make at once.

You will get about four quarts of apple pie filling for the freezer. Each bag is enough (if full) for a regular nine inch pie. You can also use it fresh or defrosted for baking up to four 9 inch regular depth pies.

We used perfectly ripe Golden Delicious Apples from Chelan Valley Farms. It’s a wonderful orchard, winery and Vaca spot in Eastern Washington. Follow them on Instagram.

Golden delicious apples are a soft sweet apple that makes a yummy pie and needs very little sweetener. If you are using a tart apple you may want to adjust the sweetener to taste.

Apple Pie Spice Recipe:

We use our own apple pie spice recipe for this freezer filling. Feel free to tweak it your own preference.

The type of apples you use do make a difference. If you use a tart firm apples plan to sweeten and possibly adjust the flavors to complement them.

This apple pie filling is perfect with a crumb topping or pastry as you prefer. Our Sour Apple Pie Recipe has a wonderful crumble top recipe you can use.

The Thickener:

We add cornstarch for thickener in this pie filling recipe at BAKING time. It makes a nice transparent filling that holds together perfectly with great flavor.

In my experience it is best to add the thickener just before baking. Cornstarch might get lumpy in the freezer.

If using flour you will probably need to add more at baking time anyway since it tends to break down with freezing. This can make the pie filling taste a bit floury.

We do NOT add the thickener before freezing the filling. If you are baking pies from this defrosted or fresh apple pie filling add 2 Tablespoons of cornstarch before baking.

We also do NOT recommend cooking this pie filling ahead with cornstarch in it. Cooking and baking cornstarch in any recipe can give you a jelly like and often lumpy result. Not at all what you want to eat.

So defrost the filling, Add the cornstarch and then bake your apple pie filling or best results.

We have complete baking instructions for defrosting and baking this apple pie filling recipe below.

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