Homemade Apple Pie Filling (NO Sugar!)

Name: Homemade Apple Pie Filling (NO Sugar!)
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 9 min
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon butter or coconut oil; 2 large sweet apples (sliced ~1/8 inch thick); dash sea salt; 1/2 cup cold water; 2 teaspoons tapioca starch; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; cinnamon and/or pie spice (to taste)

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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!)

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4.28 from 18 votes