Amish Apple Pie Filling Recipe For Perfect Homemade Pies

Updated On: October 12, 2025

There’s something undeniably comforting about a classic Amish apple pie filling. This recipe has been handed down through generations, capturing the essence of simple, wholesome ingredients combined to create a filling that bursts with the sweet-tart flavor of fresh apples and warm spices.

Whether you’re preparing a pie from scratch or want a versatile apple filling for tarts, turnovers, or even pancakes, this Amish apple pie filling recipe is a perfect go-to. It’s easy to make, uses pantry staples, and delivers that authentic homemade taste that reminds us of cozy family dinners and festive gatherings.

In this post, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know to make the best Amish apple pie filling—from selecting the right apples to tips for perfect spice balance. Plus, I’ll share ideas for how to enjoy this filling beyond just pie.

Ready to bring a bit of Amish tradition into your kitchen? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Amish apple pie filling recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it uses fresh apples that hold their shape beautifully during baking, giving you that ideal mix of tender yet slightly crisp pieces.

The spice blend is balanced and gentle, enhancing the natural apple flavor without overwhelming it.

Another reason is its versatility. Beyond pies, this filling works wonderfully as a topping for oatmeal, a mix-in for yogurt, or a warm sauce over ice cream.

The recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal prep and common ingredients, which makes it accessible for cooks of all levels. Plus, it freezes well, making it perfect for batch prep and future desserts.

If you love recipes that feel like a warm hug on a plate, this Amish apple pie filling is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 6 medium apples; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
  • Peeler (optional but recommended)
  • Storage containers or jars (for leftover filling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice your apples into uniform pieces about ¼ inch thick. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture in your filling.
  2. Toss with lemon juice: Place the sliced apples in a large bowl and pour over the fresh lemon juice. Toss gently to coat. This step helps prevent browning and adds a subtle tanginess.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until well blended.
  4. Combine and cook: Transfer the lemon-coated apples to a medium saucepan. Add the sugar-spice mixture and water. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
  5. Simmer the filling: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10–12 minutes. The filling will thicken, and the apples should become tender but not mushy.
  6. Add vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This enhances the depth of flavor and adds a lovely aromatic note.
  7. Cool and use: Let the filling cool to room temperature before using it in your favorite pie crust or other recipes. If not using immediately, transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips & Variations

For the best texture, choose apples that hold their shape well during cooking, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Avoid softer varieties that might turn mushy.

If you prefer a chunkier filling, reduce the cooking time slightly or add the apples in two batches, cooking the second batch for less time.

Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for an extra cozy spice profile.

For a richer filling, stir in a tablespoon of unsalted butter at the end of cooking.

Want to sweeten it naturally? Substitute the granulated and brown sugars with ½ cup maple syrup or honey, adjusting to taste.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per ½ cup serving
Calories 120
Carbohydrates 31g
Fiber 3g
Sugars 24g
Fat 0g
Protein 0.3g
Sodium 115mg

Serving Suggestions

This Amish apple pie filling is incredibly versatile. Of course, the classic use is as a filling for a double-crust apple pie, but here are some creative ways to enjoy it:

  • Use it as a topping for vanilla ice cream for a quick and delicious dessert.
  • Spread it over warm pancakes or waffles for a fruity breakfast twist.
  • Mix into plain yogurt with a sprinkle of granola for a wholesome snack.
  • Fill puff pastry shells or turnovers and bake for a flaky treat.
  • Serve warm alongside roasted pork or chicken for a sweet-savory combo.

For more delicious fruit-based recipes, check out Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy and Clementine Bakery Vegan Recipes for Delicious Treats.

Conclusion

Making Amish apple pie filling at home is not only easy but incredibly rewarding. This recipe captures the essence of traditional Amish cooking—simple ingredients, careful preparation, and a taste that brings back memories of family and warmth.

Whether you’re baking a holiday pie or looking to add some homemade goodness to your breakfast or desserts, this filling is a fantastic choice.

Remember, the key to a great apple pie filling is in the balance of spices and the quality of your apples. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite varieties or tweak the sweetness to suit your palate.

And if you’re interested in expanding your cooking repertoire, be sure to explore other tasty recipes like Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious and Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping for easy and flavorful meal ideas.

Enjoy your baking adventure and the delicious results that come with making this authentic Amish apple pie filling!

📖 Recipe Card: Amish Apple Pie Filling Recipe

Description: A classic Amish apple pie filling made with fresh apples and a blend of warm spices. Perfect for pies, tarts, or as a delicious topping.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 6 cups

Ingredients

  • 6 cups peeled, sliced apples (about 6 medium)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples with lemon juice.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix sugars, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. Add dry ingredients to apples and toss to coat evenly.
  4. In a saucepan, combine water and apple mixture; cook over medium heat.
  5. Stir constantly until mixture thickens and apples are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  7. Allow filling to cool before using in pies or storing.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.1g | Carbs: 39g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Amish Apple Pie Filling Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A classic Amish apple pie filling made with fresh apples and a blend of warm spices. Perfect for pies, tarts, or as a delicious topping.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “6 cups”, “recipeIngredient”: [“6 cups peeled, sliced apples (about 6 medium)”, “1 cup granulated sugar”, “1/2 cup brown sugar”, “2 tablespoons cornstarch”, “1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon”, “1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice”, “1/2 cup water”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, combine sliced apples with lemon juice.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a separate bowl, mix sugars, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add dry ingredients to apples and toss to coat evenly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a saucepan, combine water and apple mixture; cook over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir constantly until mixture thickens and apples are tender, about 15-20 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Allow filling to cool before using in pies or storing.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150”, “proteinContent”: “0.3g”, “fatContent”: “0.1g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “39g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X