Homemade Apple Pie Filling (No Sugar!) Recipe
A simple, homemade apple pie filling with no added sugar, made by sautéing sweet apples with butter and thickening with tapioca starch. This recipe offers a naturally sweet and flavorful filling perfect for pies, tarts, or as a topping for desserts.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Filling for one 9-inch pie
- Category: Pie Filling
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Apple Pie Filling Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon butter or coconut oil
- 2 large sweet apples, sliced approximately 1/8 inch thick
- Dash of sea salt
- ½ cup cold water
- 2 teaspoons tapioca starch
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cinnamon and/or pie spice to taste
Instructions
- Heat Butter or Oil: In a medium-sized pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter or coconut oil over medium heat until melted and warm.
- Add Apples and Salt: Add the 2 large sliced sweet apples and a dash of sea salt to the pan. Stir to coat the apples evenly with the butter or oil.
- Sauté Apples: Cook the apples over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened but not mushy.
- Prepare Tapioca Slurry: In a small cup, whisk together ½ cup cold water, 2 teaspoons tapioca starch, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until the starch is fully dissolved.
- Add Tapioca Slurry to Apples: Once the apples have softened, pour the tapioca slurry into the pan with the apples.
- Thicken Mixture: Increase the heat slightly and stir continuously until the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove from Heat and Spice: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in cinnamon and/or pie spice to taste. Adjust the quantity according to your preference, typically adding a generous amount for enhanced flavor.
- Enjoy: Your apple pie filling is ready to use immediately in pies, tarts, or as a topping. Let cool if desired before use or storage.
Notes
- Use sweet apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for natural sweetness without sugar.
- Tapioca starch acts as a thickener and gives the filling a glossy finish.
- Adjust spices according to your taste preference; more cinnamon can elevate the flavor.
- This filling can be used immediately or cooled and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a vegan version, use coconut oil instead of butter.
