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.

Overhead shot of gooey apple slices on a white plate with a doily and wooden cutting board.

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

Various ingredients laid out on a wood table, including apples, cinnamon, and tapioca starch.

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.

Apple slices and silver knife on a black cutting board.

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.

Sliced apples in a steel pan with a red spoon.

Saucy bubbly apples in a stainless steel pan.

Saucy apple slices on a large silver spoon.

FAQs

What are the best apples to use?

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.

Can I use cornstarch or arrowroot in place of the tapioca?

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.

How do you slice apples for apple pie filling?

I've tried to provide photos above, but if you're still having trouble, check out this Youtube video on slicing apples.

Cooked apple slices in a small porcelain bowl.

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!)

Print Recipe

4.24 from 21 votes

Homemade Apple Pie Filling (NO Sugar!)

This healthy apple pie filling is made without any sugar and is delicious atop pancakes or yogurt.

Prep Time2

Cook Time7

Total Time9

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Gluten-Free, Grain-free, Sugar-free

Servings: servings

Calories: 135kcal

Author: Lauren Goslin

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!

Notes

Nutrition facts based on using butter.

WW Points: 7

Nutrition

If you have a chance to try this recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment below letting me know how you liked it!

Shared with: Fiesta Friday, Busy Monday

Comments

💞UpUrs✨🥴

September 13, 2022 at 8:48 am

🌼💫YUMMMMMMMMMMMMM🤯✌️💕

Natalie

September 13, 2022 at 8:45 am

OMG so good!

Jodi Dyck

January 18, 2021 at 4:00 pm

I just finished making this filling and I plan to pair it with some gluten free crepes for breakfast!

Dawn Dowling

July 09, 2020 at 11:30 am

Is the 182 calories for the entire recipe or per serving.

- Lauren
  
  July 11, 2020 at 9:15 am
  
  All of the nutrition facts are per serving 🙂
  
Tanya

February 20, 2020 at 4:45 am

I doubled the recipe and added just a little lemon juice. Its very good!

Joslyn

November 27, 2019 at 1:53 pm

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!

Alba

November 30, 2018 at 7:46 am

Can it be done without arrowroot?

- Lauren
  
  November 30, 2018 at 12:43 pm
  
  It can, but without the arrowroot, the sauce won't be thickened.
  
- Ann
  
  December 05, 2018 at 2:07 pm
  
  You switch the arrowroot with cornstarch. 1:1 ratio
  
Jen Siokalo

September 09, 2018 at 9:22 am

Can you can this?

- Lauren
  
  September 09, 2018 at 9:44 am
  
  Hi Jen,
  
  I've never tried and really have no experience with canning, sorry!
  
Dale

April 23, 2017 at 2:05 pm

drool! Thank you for sharing your delicious genius with us mere mortals!

gina

April 10, 2017 at 6:06 pm

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
  
  April 11, 2017 at 1:10 pm
  
  Thanks Gina, I hope you like them! 🙂
  
Sammi Ricke

April 10, 2017 at 11:16 am

Love this recipe, girl! I don't think there is a wrong way to eat these- by themselves, atop pancakes, yogurt, anything!! YUM!

- Lauren
  
  April 10, 2017 at 3:16 pm
  
  Thanks Sammi!