How To Make Canned Apple Pie Filling Taste Better?

Canned apple pie filling can be a real time-saver when you’re craving a homemade apple pie but don’t have hours to spare.

However, with a few simple tweaks and additions, you can transform that convenient canned filling into something truly delicious.

You might need to tweak your recipe if you want your apple pie filling to taste like homemade. Even canned pie filling can be turned into a perfect apple pie by using the right ingredients.

14 Ways To Make Canned Apple Pie Filling Taste Better

If you don’t want to make your own apple pie filling, it’s easy to make canned apple pie filling taste better with minimal work. You can make the filling extra special just by taking the time to customize it will really simple solutions.

1. Add Fresh Apples

To give your canned filling a homemade touch, consider adding some fresh apple slices or chunks. This will not only improve the texture but also enhance the flavor.

2. Spices

Adjust the seasoning by adding more spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These spices are classic choices for apple pie and will elevate the flavor of the filling.

3. Add Walnuts Or Pecans

Your pie filling will be more interesting with chopped nuts, which add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. 

4. Use Vanilla

The flavor of apple pie filling will be amazingly enhanced when you add a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.

5. Add In Cinnamon

Ground cinnamon can enhance the flavor of apple pie filling by liberally sprinkling it on top before baking. You can use this to calm down a tart flavor or to add some warmth to your filling. 

6. Lemon Juice

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the flavor of the apples and add a hint of acidity. This can help balance the sweetness of the canned filling.

7. Brown Sugar

If you prefer a richer, caramelized flavor, add some brown sugar to the canned filling. This will add depth and complexity to the sweetness.

8. Vanilla Extract

A dash of vanilla extract can enhance the overall flavor profile of your apple pie filling.

9. Butter

A small amount of butter can add richness and depth to the filling. Melt it and stir it into the filling to incorporate the flavor.

10. Fruit Juice

Consider adding a splash of apple juice or cider for a more intense apple flavor.

11. Cornstarch or Flour

If your filling is too thin, you can thicken it with a small amount of cornstarch or flour. Mix the starch with water before adding it to the filling to avoid lumps.

12. Simmer and Reduce

Heat the canned filling on the stove and let it simmer for a while to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.

13. Fruit Additions

You can add other fruits like berries or pears to your apple pie filling to give it more complexity.

14. Taste and Adjust

Always taste your filling as you go and adjust the ingredients to your liking. Everyone’s preference for sweetness and spiciness varies.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Canned Apple Pie Filling?

Using canned apple pie filling can offer several benefits, making it a convenient option for both novice and experienced bakers:

Time-Saving Convenience

One of the primary advantages of using canned apple pie filling is the time it saves.

Preparing fresh apple filling from scratch can be time-consuming, involving peeling, slicing, and cooking the apples. Canned filling is ready to use, cutting down on prep time significantly.

Consistency

Canned apple pie fillings are manufactured to specific standards, ensuring consistency in taste and texture.

This means you can expect a reliable outcome every time you use it, which can be especially helpful for those new to baking.

Year-Round Availability

Canned fillings are available year-round, so you can enjoy the flavors of apple pie regardless of the season. This is particularly useful when fresh apples are out of season or hard to come by.

Extended Shelf Life

Canned fillings have a long shelf life, allowing you to keep them in your pantry until you’re ready to use them. This makes it easy to have ingredients on hand for spontaneous baking or for unexpected guests.

Conservation of Fresh Ingredients

Canned filling allows you to save fresh apples for other uses, such as snacking or making applesauce, rather than using them all in a pie filling.

Uniform Sweetness

Canned fillings are typically pre-sweetened, ensuring a consistent level of sweetness throughout the pie. This can be helpful if you prefer a precise level of sweetness in your pies.

Reduced Waste

By using canned filling, you can minimize food waste because it eliminates the need to dispose of apple cores and peels, reducing the environmental impact.

Versatility

Canned apple pie filling isn’t limited to just pies. You can use it in a variety of desserts like turnovers, cobblers, tarts, or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.

Conservation of Energy

Canned fillings require less energy to prepare compared to cooking fresh apples on the stovetop or in the oven, which can be a consideration in hot weather or when you want to conserve energy.

Can You Freeze Canned Apple Pie Filling?

Canned apple pie filling can be frozen, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind to ensure it freezes well and maintains its quality:

Choose Appropriate Containers

Transfer the canned apple pie filling from the can to a freezer-safe container. Use a container that is airtight and designed for freezing, such as a freezer bag or a plastic or glass container with an airtight lid.

Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion as the filling freezes.

Label and Date

Clearly label the container with the date of freezing and any other relevant information, such as the type of filling or any added ingredients.

Remove Excess Air

If using a freezer bag, remove as much excess air as possible before sealing it. This helps prevent freezer burn.

Store Flat

If using a freezer bag, try to store it flat in the freezer. This allows for easier stacking and saves space.

Flash Freezing (Optional)

If you’d like to freeze individual portions, you can use an ice cube tray or muffin tin to portion out the filling.

Freeze these smaller portions until solid on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, you can thaw just the amount you need for future use.

Thawing and Using

When you’re ready to use the frozen filling, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator.

It’s best to thaw it slowly to maintain its texture. Once thawed, you can use it as you would fresh filling in your pie, tart, or other dessert recipes.

How Long Does Canned Apple Pie Filling Last?

Brand, storage conditions, and production date can all affect the shelf life of canned apple pie filling.

It is generally safe to store unopened canned apple pie filling for between 1-2 years from the date of manufacture.

Ensure that the container is kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The expiration date on the can should always be checked before using the filling.

The leftover canned apple pie filling should be stored in the refrigerator once it has been opened. It can last for up to 5-7 days after opening.

If you wish to prolong the shelf life of the leftover canned apple pie filling, you can freeze it for up to 6 months. Once frozen, the texture of the apples may change slightly, but the flavor should remain the same.

Final Words

Remember that canned fillings can be quite sweet, so it’s essential to taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Experiment with these suggestions to find the perfect balance for your taste buds. Additionally, don’t forget to make or choose a delicious pie crust to complement your enhanced filling for the best overall pie experience.