Stovetop apple pie filling is a fast way to get the flavor of apple pie without turning on the oven. Sliced apples cook in a skillet with brown sugar, cinnamon and a little allspice until they are fork tender in a glossy, spiced sauce.
It takes about 20 minutes and works as a pie filling, a topping for pancakes and ice cream, or a spoonful for oatmeal. Make a batch and you will find reasons to use it all week.
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Why This Stovetop Apple Pie Filling Recipe Works
Cooking the apples covered over medium low heat lets them steam in their own juices, so they turn tender without breaking down into applesauce. Cornstarch mixed in from the start thickens the sauce into a clear syrup as it heats.
Both white and brown sugar add depth, and the warm spices go beyond cinnamon with allspice and cloves. Vanilla goes in after the heat is off so its aroma stays strong.
Ingredients for Stovetop Apple Pie Filling
- 3 lb apples, peeled, cored and sliced (about 1300 g)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Apples. A mix of sweet and tart apples works well. Slice them evenly so they cook at the same pace.
Cornstarch. It thickens the juices into a syrupy sauce. Stir it into the apples and sugar before heating.
Lemon juice. It brightens the flavor and keeps the slices from browning while you work.
Vanilla. Stir it in at the end, off the heat, for the strongest aroma.
How to Make Stovetop Apple Pie Filling
1. Prep the apples. Peel, core and slice the apples. Toss them with the lemon juice as you work.
2. Combine. In a medium non stick skillet over medium low heat, add the apples, white sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, allspice, cloves and salt. Stir gently to mix.
3. Cook covered. Cover the skillet and cook over medium low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every 3 to 5 minutes so nothing sticks.
4. Add water if needed. If the apples start to stick, stir in 1 tablespoon of water.
5. Check for tenderness. When the apples are fork tender and the sauce is thick, turn off the heat.
6. Finish. Stir in the vanilla extract and let the filling cool slightly before using.
How to Serve Stovetop Apple Pie Filling
Spoon the warm filling over pancakes, waffles, oatmeal or ice cream, or use it in a pie shell. For breakfast ideas, try apple cinnamon breakfast quesadillas or fluffy pancakes. For baking, Classic apple cake and cinnamon crunch banana bread pair well with the same warm spices.
How to Store and Reheat Stovetop Apple Pie Filling
Cool the filling, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and warm gently before serving.
Tips and Variations for Stovetop Apple Pie Filling
Slice evenly. Even slices cook at the same rate and stay tender instead of turning mushy.
Keep the heat low. Medium low heat prevents the sugar at the bottom of the pan from scorching.
Stir gently. Careful stirring keeps the slices whole.
Add water only if needed. A tablespoon stops sticking without thinning the sauce.
Adjust to taste. Add more cinnamon or reduce the sugar if your apples are very sweet.
Cool before using. Warm filling can soften a raw crust, so let it cool slightly first.
Mix in other fruit. Pears or berries make good variations. Advice from Purdue Extension on storing leftovers is handy if you make a large batch.
Use a wide skillet. A wide pan lets the apples cook in a thin layer for even heat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stovetop Apple Pie Filling
How do you make stovetop apple pie filling thick?
Cornstarch thickens it as the apples simmer, so make sure it is stirred in with the sugar before heating.
Can I use stovetop apple pie filling in a pie?
Yes. Cool it slightly, pour it into a pie shell and bake as your pie recipe directs.
What apples work in stovetop apple pie filling?
A mix of sweet and tart apples gives the ideal flavor.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, for up to 3 months.
How do I know it is done?
The apples are fork tender and the sauce is thick and glossy.
Stovetop Apple Pie Filling
Equipment
- medium non stick skillet
- skillet lid
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lb apples peeled, cored and sliced (about 1300 g)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract added at the end
Instructions
Cooking
- Slice. Peel, core and slice the apples and toss with the lemon juice.
- Combine. Add the apples, sugars, cornstarch, spices and salt to a skillet over medium low heat and stir gently.
- Cook. Cover and cook 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every 3 to 5 minutes, until fork tender.
- Adjust. If the apples stick, stir in 1 tablespoon of water.
- Finish. Off the heat, stir in the vanilla and cool slightly before using.
