This healthy apple pie filling is made without any sweeteners and is delicious atop pancakes or yogurt. Stir in a handful of raisins and a sprinkle of granola for a healthy treat.
Next to chocolate, apples are my favorite ingredient to center a dessert recipe around.
Many a morning, I make a batch of these Oatmeal Pancakes.
Oftentimes, we can't finish them all, so later in the day, I find myself munching on them as a snack.
These gooey apple slices came to be as a result of wanting an accompaniment to the cakes. In lieu of maple syrup, I decided to saute an apple in a bit of butter and use that as my topping.
I daydream of all the different ways to use this recipe, because I love it so darn much!
It tastes like apple pie filling, minus all the associated sugar. Ironically, I've not used it as the filling in a pie....yet. 😉
How to make healthy apple pie filling
Ingredients needed
Recipe steps
Begin by rinsing the apples really well (you can peel them if you like, I actually enjoy the peel).
The best way I've found to cut apples is to slice off the sides; then, take each side and cut vertical slices, about 1/8 inch thick. Continue this for each apple side.
Add the apple slices to a pan with the melted fat, and saute them until softened. Add in the tapioca slurry, along with the cinnamon and/or pie spice.
FAQs
The general consensus out there is that Granny Smith apples make the best apple pie filling, as they are firm in texture. Given that this recipe is made without added sugar, I suggest a sweet (but firm!) apple, such as gala, Rome, or Fuji.
Yes! I originally used arrowroot in this recipe. I now use tapioca, as it holds the thickness better. With arrowroot, it can go from thick to runny if you keep it on a high temperature for too long.
I've tried to provide photos above, but if you're still having trouble, check out this Youtube video on slicing apples.
Ways To Enjoy These Warm, Gooey Apples
- Atop my Oatmeal Pancakes (or any pancakes!)
- Mixed with some Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon
- With a splash of Homemade Coconut Milk and a handful of Buckwheat Granola
- As the filling for a healthy apple pie (recipe to come!)
Homemade Apple Pie Filling (NO Sugar!)
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon butter or coconut oil
- 2 large sweet apples sliced ~1/8 inch thick
- dash sea salt
- ½ cup cold water
- 2 teaspoons tapioca starch
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- cinnamon and/or pie spice to taste
Instructions
- Heat the butter or oil in a medium-sized pan.
- Add the apple slices and salt.
- Saute the apples over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until softened.
- In a small cup, whisk the water with the tapioca and vanilla.
- Once the apples have softened, add in the tapioca slurry.
- Raise the heat a bit, and stir the apples until thickened.
- Once thick, remove the pan from the heat.
- Stir in cinnamon and/or pie spice as desired (I use a LOT!)
- Enjoy!
Sammi Ricke
Love this recipe, girl! I don't think there is a wrong way to eat these- by themselves, atop pancakes, yogurt, anything!! YUM!
Lauren
Thanks Sammi!
gina
Ooh! I just bought a tub of Dreaming Cow Cream Top Yogurt. Can't wait to dollop some atop these gorgeous apples! Thank you. Looks like winner!
Lauren
Thanks Gina, I hope you like them! 🙂
Dale
drool! Thank you for sharing your delicious genius with us mere mortals!
Jen Siokalo
Can you can this?
Lauren
Hi Jen,
I've never tried and really have no experience with canning, sorry!
Kala
Wondering how long this can be stored in fridge
Lauren Goslin
I would say about 3-4 days. If it shows signs of mold growth, an off smell, or a slimy texture, it is best to discard it immediately.
Trish
My 4 children are all adults now, but I raised them with similar food standards. One of their favorites was sliced apples sautéed in butter with a splash of cinnamon. Love this saucy idea! Love your site!
Lauren Goslin
Thank you, Trish!
Alba
Can it be done without arrowroot?
Lauren
It can, but without the arrowroot, the sauce won't be thickened.
Ann
You switch the arrowroot with cornstarch. 1:1 ratio
Joslyn
Hi,
I followed this link from Masonfit.com recipe on a healthier apple pie. I'd like to use this as my pie filling. Do I follow all instructions above and then just put in my pie crust and bake?
Thanks!
Tanya
I doubled the recipe and added just a little lemon juice. Its very good!
Dawn Dowling
Is the 182 calories for the entire recipe or per serving.
Lauren
All of the nutrition facts are per serving 🙂
Jodi Dyck
I just finished making this filling and I plan to pair it with some gluten free crepes for breakfast!
Natalie
OMG so good!
💞UpUrs✨🥴
🌼💫YUMMMMMMMMMMMMM🤯✌️💕
Melissa
Can you freeze this?
Lauren
Hi Melissa,
Yes, check out this post for detailed instructions: https://bakinghow.com/freeze-apple-pie-filling/
Jodie
Can this be canned?
Lauren
I know fruits and fruit fillings can be canned, so I would say yes, though I've not done it myself.
Bernadette Conroy
Haven’t made yet: doing tomorrow. No peeling off the apple?
Lauren
Hi Bernadette,
I leave the peel on, but you can take it off if you prefer.
Bernadette Conroy
Thanks for replying so quickly. We have picky eaters. I peeled them. They look really good and taste better. I’m using them in a cranberry/apple dump cake.