Apple pie is a beloved American tradition. Everyone devours a warm, homemade slice whenever they get the chance. If you want to make an outstanding apple pie but prefer a shortcut, this guide shows you how to make apple pie with canned apple pie filling and still achieve a homemade flavor and beautiful presentation.
You can create that moment when family and friends declare, “This is delicious!” and “You’re a genius!” By following a few simple steps and a couple of small tricks, canned apple pie filling can taste remarkably homemade. This recipe is quick, reliable, and great for times when you don’t have the hours required to make pie filling from scratch or when fresh baking apples aren’t in season.
I generally prefer making things from scratch, including pie crusts and fillings, but I also know that life gets busy. Using canned pie filling doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor—just a little seasoning and the right technique will get you a tasty, classic apple pie in under an hour.
Can You Use a Store-Bought Crust?
Yes. For convenience, use a refrigerated rolled pie crust for the best balance of flavor and ease. Avoid frozen pre-baked shells if you want a homemade texture and appearance; refrigerated rolled crusts give a much better result.
How Long Can an Apple Pie Sit Out?
To be safe, refrigerate your apple pie within two hours of baking. While some families leave pies covered on the counter, storing it in the fridge will preserve freshness longer and is the safer choice.
How Long Is Apple Pie Good For?
Properly stored in the refrigerator, this pie will keep for about a week, though it rarely lasts that long in most households.
Can I Use Frozen or Other Canned Apples?
Yes. Frozen apples and other canned apple varieties can be used in apple pie, but adjustments to sugar and thickening may be needed. That topic merits its own guide; check back for more pie variations in future posts.
What Goes Well with Apple Pie?
Apple pie is lovely served simply warm. Popular accompaniments include:
- Vanilla ice cream—use a good-quality vanilla for best results.
- Fresh whipped cream or a light dollop of whipped topping.
If you want a full American-style meal to pair with your apple pie, try serving it after classics like roasted or grilled chicken, meatloaf, burgers, or a hearty baked potato, finishing the meal with warm pie and ice cream.
Tips and Tricks for Making Apple Pie with Apple Pie Filling
- Empty the canned pie filling into a medium bowl and stir in flavorings before filling the crust—this helps distribute flavor evenly.
- An egg wash improves color and sheen but is optional. Brushing the top with egg white or a whole beaten egg gives a glossy, golden finish.
- One can of filling will make a thinner pie; two cans give a fuller, more generous filling.
- Always place a baking sheet under your pie while it bakes to catch drips and prevent oven messes.
- Cut vents in the top crust or create a lattice so steam can escape during baking. If you’re new to pie, simple slits are fine.
- For a crispier bottom crust, you can prebake the bottom crust in the pie plate for 5–10 minutes until lightly browned before adding the filling.
A Note from the Baker
If you try this recipe, I’d appreciate a review. Share a photo of your pie by emailing me at [email protected] or tag my social accounts—it’s wonderful to see your creations and hear how the recipe worked for you.
Recipe: How to Make Apple Pie with Apple Pie Filling
How to Make Apple Pie with Apple Pie Filling
A simple, reliable recipe for making a classic apple pie using canned apple pie filling. Fast, comforting, and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts (the rolled-up kind; refrigerated crusts give the best result for this recipe)
- 2 (21 oz) cans apple pie filling
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (freshly ground if possible)
- 1 egg white (for brushing the top, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a 9-inch pie plate with one pie crust and set the second crust aside. Do not crimp the edges yet.
- Pour the apple pie filling into a medium bowl, scraping the can to get all of the filling out.
- Gently stir in the lemon juice and ground ginger until evenly combined.
- Pour the seasoned filling into the prepared bottom crust.
- Lay the second crust over the filling, centering it so the edges meet. Moisten your fingers with a little water and crimp the edges to seal and create a fluted design, or press together with a fork.
- Cut slits or vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Brush the top crust with the egg white if using; this will brown and glaze the crust nicely.
- Place the pie on the center rack with a baking sheet underneath to catch any drips. Bake 40–45 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool before slicing to let the filling set.
Notes
- Mix flavorings into the filling in a bowl before adding it to the crust for the best, most even flavor.
- If you only have one can of filling, the pie will be thinner but still tasty.
- Feel free to make a lattice top or decorative cutouts for a prettier pie—just be sure to include vents for steam.
- To achieve a crisper bottom crust, prebake the bottom crust for 5–10 minutes until lightly golden before adding the filling.
Nutrition
Approximate values per serving: 300 calories. Percent daily values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
A Verse to Share
I’ll admit I sometimes struggle with negative thoughts. It’s easy to let unhelpful or critical thinking take over, and it can be a challenge to replace those patterns with encouraging, uplifting thoughts. How do you manage your inner dialogue? Do you have practices that help you stay positive and build others up in word and thought?
Ephesians 4:29-32
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”