Apple pie filling is one of the most versatile ingredients you can have in your pantry. It doesn’t just stop at pie; with its sweet and spiced flavor, apple pie filling is perfect for an array of desserts that go beyond the classic pie. Whether you’re working with store-bought or homemade apple pie filling, its rich flavor and convenience make it an essential go-to for bakers of all levels.
In this guide, we’ll walk through various desserts you can create with apple pie filling, from the familiar apple crisp to more innovative dishes like apple pie taquitos. Each recipe is easy to prepare, delicious, and customizable, allowing you to elevate the humble apple pie filling into something extraordinary. We’ll also provide detailed FAQs to help you perfect your creations.
Let’s get baking!
Desserts Using Apple Pie Filling
1. Classic Apple Crisp
When you think of apple desserts, one of the first that comes to mind is the classic apple crisp. It’s simple yet so satisfying, with a delicious contrast between the soft, spiced apple base and the crunchy oat topping. The beauty of the apple crisp is how easy it is to prepare—just toss your apple pie filling into a baking dish, mix up a topping with oats, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and bake until golden and bubbly.
Recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Pour apple pie filling into a baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg.
- Cut 1/2 cup of cold butter into the mixture until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Spread the oat mixture evenly over the apple pie filling.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate comfort dessert. For a twist, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.
2. Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake
If you enjoy a sweet start to your day, apple pie filling coffee cake is the perfect breakfast or brunch treat. Combining the moistness of a coffee cake with the flavors of apple pie filling, this dessert is ideal for casual gatherings or a leisurely weekend brunch.
The base is a tender, buttery cake that complements the sweet, spiced apple filling. Top it off with a crumble or powdered sugar glaze, and you’ve got a winning combination.
Recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
- Mix 1/2 cup of softened butter with 1 cup of sugar until creamy.
- Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup of milk.
- Spread half the batter into the prepared dish, then spoon apple pie filling evenly over it.
- Top with the remaining batter and sprinkle with a cinnamon-sugar mixture or streusel.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. Once cooled, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
3. Apple Pie Taquitos
Who knew you could turn apple pie filling into something crispy and fun like taquitos? This recipe is perfect when you want a dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to eat. You only need a few ingredients: tortillas, apple pie filling, butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
The tortillas get filled with apple pie filling, rolled up, and baked or fried until crispy. Once cooked, you can sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar for that irresistible sweet crunch.
Recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Lay out small flour tortillas and spoon about 2 tablespoons of apple pie filling onto the center of each one.
- Roll the tortillas up and place them seam-side down on a greased baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve warm, drizzled with caramel sauce or alongside vanilla ice cream for a fun and delicious twist on the classic apple pie.
4. Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling
There’s something magical about the combination of cinnamon rolls and apple pie filling. The gooey, sweet filling seeps into the layers of soft dough, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting. By using pre-made dough, you can save time and still achieve incredible results.
Recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Roll out pre-made cinnamon roll dough (or make your own) and spread a layer of apple pie filling over the surface.
- Roll the dough back up and slice it into individual rolls.
- Place the rolls in a greased baking dish and bake according to the cinnamon roll package instructions (typically 25-30 minutes).
Once baked, drizzle with a cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze for a decadent finish. These rolls make an excellent breakfast treat, snack, or dessert.
5. Apple Pie Hand Pies or Fried Pies
For a handheld treat, apple pie hand pies are a great option. You can make them by wrapping apple pie filling in pastry dough, either store-bought or homemade, and baking or frying them until golden and crispy. The beauty of hand pies is their portability and ease of eating—perfect for parties or casual desserts.
Recipe:
- Roll out pre-made pie crust or puff pastry and cut it into circles (using a biscuit cutter or small bowl as a guide).
- Spoon apple pie filling onto one half of each circle.
- Fold the dough over to enclose the filling and crimp the edges with a fork.
- Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar for a golden finish.
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or fry in hot oil until golden brown.
Serve these warm, dusted with powdered sugar, or alongside a scoop of ice cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert.
Creative Desserts with Apple Pie Filling
6. Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
For those who love both apple pie and caramel, salted caramel apple pie bars are a must-try. These bars start with a shortbread crust, topped with apple pie filling and a streusel crumble, and are finished with a drizzle of salted caramel. They’re easy to cut into squares, making them perfect for parties or dessert platters.
Recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Make the shortbread crust by combining 1 cup of butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 2 cups of flour. Press the dough into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake for 15 minutes.
- Spread apple pie filling over the crust.
- For the topping, combine 1/2 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of flour, and 1/4 cup of butter until crumbly. Sprinkle it over the apple filling.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden.
Drizzle with salted caramel sauce before serving for a decadent and flavorful treat.
7. Apple Pie Pastries
For a quick and easy dessert, apple pie pastries using puff pastry are the way to go. The light and flaky pastry encases the sweet apple filling, making these little treats perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into squares.
- Place a spoonful of apple pie filling onto each square, then fold the pastry over to create triangles.
- Seal the edges by pressing them together with a fork, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing for a simple yet impressive dessert.
8. Apple Pie Cheesecake
For those who love cheesecake, adding apple pie filling to a creamy cheesecake base is a dream come true. The combination of the smooth, tangy cheesecake with the sweet, spiced apples is nothing short of divine.
Recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Make a graham cracker crust by combining 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/3 cup of melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, beat together 3 packages of cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add 3 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Pour half of the cheesecake mixture into the crust, then spoon apple pie filling over the top.
- Pour the remaining cheesecake mixture over the apples and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, then cool completely before refrigerating.
For a stunning finish, top with additional apple pie filling and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
9. Apple Pie Trifle
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both easy to make and visually stunning, try making an apple pie trifle. Layering apple pie filling with cake, whipped cream, and spices creates a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for special occasions.
Recipe:
- Layer cubes of pound cake or angel food cake at the bottom of a trifle dish.
- Add a layer of apple pie filling, followed by whipped cream.
- Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the dish.
- Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon and drizzle with caramel sauce for extra flavor.
This dessert is not only delicious but also a beautiful centerpiece for any dessert table.
10. Apple Pie Sundaes
For a super simple dessert, why not use apple pie filling as a topping for ice cream? An apple pie sundae is an easy and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Recipe:
- Warm apple pie filling in the microwave or on the stove.
- Scoop vanilla ice cream into bowls and top with the warm apples.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce and add whipped cream for a classic sundae experience.
This is a great option for a last-minute dessert that still packs a punch in flavor.
FAQs
1. What can I do with leftover apple pie filling?
Leftover apple pie filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or even oatmeal. It also makes a great filling for crepes or can be mixed into yogurt for a quick and easy snack.
2. Can I use apple pie filling in baking recipes not listed here?
Absolutely! Apple pie filling is incredibly versatile and can be used in muffins, breads, or even added to pancake or waffle batter. It’s a great way to infuse your baked goods with flavor and moisture.
3. How can I make apple pie filling taste better?
To elevate your apple pie filling, try adding a touch of extra spices like nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom. A splash of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors, or you can stir in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for added texture.
4. Can I freeze desserts made with apple pie filling?
Yes! Most desserts made with apple pie filling freeze well. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
5. What brands make the best canned apple pie filling?
Some of the most popular brands for apple pie filling include Lucky Leaf and Comstock. Both brands offer high-quality fillings that are perfect for a wide range of recipes. However, making your own apple pie filling at home with fresh apples, sugar, and spices allows for greater customization and freshness.
Conclusion
Apple pie filling isn’t just for pies! From comforting classics like apple crisp to fun and creative recipes like apple pie taquitos, this simple ingredient can be transformed into countless delicious desserts. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or an elegant dessert, the recipes in this guide will help you make the most out of your apple pie filling.
Now it’s time to get baking! Try one of these recipes today and enjoy the wonderful world of apple pie filling desserts.