Easy Instant Pot Apple Pie Filling Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Easy Instant Pot Apple Pie Filling Recipe! Whether you’re using it in a classic apple pie recipe, an apple crumble pie, or just enjoying it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this homemade apple filling will be your go-to for fall! It tastes so much better than canned, and you can easily store it for later.

Why Make Homemade Apple Pie Filling?

There’s nothing quite like the flavor of fresh, tender apples combined with warm spices. Making apple pie filling at home gives you control over the ingredients, ensuring the best apple flavor and texture for your favorite apple desserts. This recipe uses raw apples that cook to perfection in the Instant Pot, making it an easy apple pie filling without any canning required.

If you’ve ever made an apple pie from scratch, you know how long it can take to soften fresh apples in the oven. With this homemade apple pie filling recipe, the apples are already cooked to perfection, cutting down the bake time for your pie while giving it a rich, delicious apple flavor. Whether you’re making apple hand pies, apple dump cake, or a perfect apple pie, this filling is versatile and will take your apple recipes to the next level.

No Canning Skills Needed!

I have a confession to make. The thought of canning anything makes me nervous. The whole canning process is foreign to me. Experienced canners share their canning recipes and say things like use a pressure canner for this or use a water canner. They say leave 1 inch of headspace. I'm not sure what any of that means and so I've always been hesitant to make my own “canned apple pie filling”. I guess I thought I'd need to actually can it. But when I realized I could make my own pie filling that tastes better than a can of apple pie filling (without any canning), I was ALL IN.

If you're like me and have always wanted to make your own apple pie filling, this is a great recipe is for you. And while I do use canning jars to store the apple pie filling in, no home canning knowledge is required.

The Best Apples for Apple Pie Filling

Tip: If you have an abundance of apples from apple season, this is the best way to use them up! Mix and match your favorite apple varieties for a truly unique flavor.

The type of apples you choose can make a big difference in both the flavor and texture of your apple pie filling. For this recipe, I recommend using a mix of tart and sweet apples to create a balanced flavor.

• Tart apples like Granny Smith add a refreshing bite and keep the filling from being overly sweet.
• Sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Gala are great for adding natural sweetness.

You can also use Pink Lady apples or any firm variety available at your local grocery store. They hold their shape better when cooked, preventing your filling from becoming mushy. Avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious, which may break down too much.

Pro Tip: Feel free to mix apple varieties! A combination of tart and sweet apples makes for a truly amazing pie filling. If you picked a ton of apples during apple season, this is one of the best ways to use them up. {And homemade apple pie filling also makes a great gift!}

Ingredients You Need To Make Apple Pie Filling

{Scroll down for a printable recipe card.}

• 2 pounds fresh apples (about 5-7 apples)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar 
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbs cinnamon 
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg 
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 tbs corn starch 
• 1 tbs vanilla 
• 1/4 cup water {If you'd like a more intense flavor, feel free to replace some or all of the water with apple juice.}

Helpful Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Apple Corer & Peeler (I use a separate apple peeler and use one of these to core my apples)
• Mason Jars
• Mixing Spoon

How To Make Instant Pot Apple Pie Filling

Check out the full recipe in the card below.

Peel, core and dice the apples. I like to cut them into medium-sized chunks for a consistency that’s similar to canned pie filling.

If you're like me and you have the tendency to get distracted in the middle of a recipe, you may want to spritz your apples with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar after you cut them so they don't turn brown.

Place apples in the inner pot of your instant pot. Then add cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, salt, cornstarch, & water into the inner pot of your instant pot. {One of my favorite things about making this in the instant pot is that you can just add corn starch instead of making a cornstarch slurry like you have to do when you make it on the stovetop!}

Mix well.

Close the instant pot and turn the pressure valve to the sealing position.

Cook on manual high pressure for 6 minutes.

Allow the steam to release naturally instead of quick release.

Enjoy!!!!

The Benefits of Instant Pot Cooking

Using an Instant Pot to make apple pie filling has several advantages:

• Speed: You’ll save time compared to traditional stovetop methods.
• Consistency: The Instant Pot cooks everything evenly, so no mushy apples here!
• Easy thickening: Since you’re adding the cornstarch directly, there’s no need to make a separate slurry like you would on the stovetop.

How to Store Homemade Apple Pie Filling

Homemade apple pie filling should be stored in an airtight container. I love using mason jars because they’re durable and look cute when stored in the fridge. Also, I know this is totally random, but if you've never used plastic mason jar lids, you totally need to get some! They don't get weird and rusty like regular mason jar lids and the cute colors make them so much more fun!

You can also freeze the pie filling in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 6 months. Please keep in mind that if you freeze the pie filling, you'll want to make sure to leave a little room at the top of your container for expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of apple is best for apple pie filling?

I love using a combination of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples. The mix of tart and sweet creates a perfect balance of flavors. Other good choices include Gala, Golden Delicious, or Pink Lady. Just be sure to pick firmer apples for the best consistency.

Can I use a different sugar?

Yes! You can substitute white sugar for brown sugar, though it will slightly alter the flavor. If you want to make your own brown sugar, mix 1 tablespoon of molasses with 1 cup of white granulated sugar. You can also use maple syrup as a substitute in this recipe.

Can I use cinnamon sticks instead of ground cinnamon?

If you prefer using cinnamon sticks, go ahead and toss a few into the Instant Pot with your apples. Just remember to remove them before serving! Ground cinnamon has a more concentrated flavor, so adjust the amount based on your preference.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Doubling the recipe works great, and you’ll have plenty of pie filling to use in other desserts, like apple turnovers, fruit crisps, or even as a topping for ice cream.

How to Use Apple Pie Filling

There are so many ways to enjoy apple pie filling beyond just using it in pies:

• Apple Crisp: Layer the filling with a buttery, crumbly topping for a quick and easy dessert.
• Turnovers: Fill puff pastry with apple pie filling for a tasty treat.
• Cobbler: Use it in your favorite cobbler recipe. Pair with other fruits like blueberries or cranberries for a twist.
• Ice Cream Topping: Warm the filling and spoon it over vanilla ice cream for a delicious fall dessert.
• Dip: Combine it with cream cheese for a creamy, fruity dip—perfect for fall parties!

Health Benefits of Homemade Apple Pie Filling

Homemade apple pie filling is not only delicious but healthier than store-bought alternatives. By using fresh apples and controlling the amount of sugar, you avoid the preservatives and artificial ingredients found in canned versions. Plus, apples are high in fiber and antioxidants, making them a nutritious choice!

Canning vs. Freezing

If you’re interested in preserving your apple pie filling for longer, consider freezing it. While this recipe isn’t designed for canning, freezing the filling is a simple and effective way to keep it fresh for months.

Check out some of my favorite Instant Pot Recipes!

If you're not using your electric pressure cooker on a regular basis, you're missing out! Check out my Instant Pot tips to help you make the most of this amazing kitchen tool! And try some of these easy recipes!

Easy Instant Pot Apple Butter Recipe

This Easy Instant Pot Apple Butter recipe takes less than an hour to make, but will taste like it’s been simmering on the stove top all day long!

Instant Pot Banana Bread with Caramel and Pecans

This Banana Bread Recipe includes caramel and pecans, so it tastes like a decadent dessert but can also be served for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.

Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe

If you love the taste of homemade mashed potatoes, you need to make this Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe! It’s a perfect side dish for any family dinner or Thanksgiving feast!

The Best Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

Looking for a quick and easy dinner that your whole family will enjoy? You are going to love this Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup Recipe!

Pin this delicious apple pie filling recipe for later!