I know what you’re thinking… pies are one of the more intimidating desserts to make. I used to believe that myself, especially with bakeries and restaurants specializing in just pies. While those are delicious and little works of art, I promise a homemade pie is much easier to make than you think. As for the aesthetics, lattice work and all that jazz comes with practice, but you can make a gorgeous looking pie that really lets the filling shine.
Let’s dive into my homemade pie filling recipe that’s perfect for any fruit. While grabbing a store-bought pie is convenient, once you taste this filling, you’ll never want to go back. Trust me, it’s so easy, you won’t believe you haven’t tried it sooner!
Which Fruit Is Best As Pie Filling?
The fun part of pies is that you can fill them with just about anything. Depending on the season (and what you and your loved ones are craving), the options are endless. Apple pie is a complete classic, perfect for those cozy fall evenings. For a burst of summer flavor, try juicy peaches or a mix of strawberries and rhubarb. Cherries add a delightful sweetness, while raspberries offer a tart twist. Blackberries and raspberries create a deliciously bold filling, and don’t forget about the classic combination of strawberries and blueberries
Citrus fruits like lime or lemon wouldn’t be the best option for pie fillings. Think Lemon meringue or key lime pie—these pies require a different approach and unique ingredients. Stick to sweeter fruits like berries, apples, and cherries for your pie fillings and you won’t go wrong.
10 Pie Filling Ideas:
- Apple
- Blackberry
- Cherry
- Peach
- Strawberry
- Blueberry
- Rhubarb
- Pecan
- Sweet Potato
- Pumpkin
What Pie Crust Is Best?
When it comes to making homemade pie filling, I believe it’s worth going the extra mile and crafting the pie crust from scratch as well. And yes, I understand how store-bought crust is simply too convenient to resist, but I always recommend whenever you are making a crust to double or triple the recipe and freeze the dough so you can always have the best on hand!
Even if you decide to use a premade crust, making the filling yourself will create a MUCH healthier pie that’s just as delicious. Storebough pies are packed full of so many sugars and preservatives that are not needed. Instead, making it yourself will be much better for your body.
Simple and Delicious Homemade Pie Filling Recipe
Homemade Pie Filling Ingredients:
- 4-5 cups of your choice of fruit (such as apples, berries, peaches, etc…) peeled, pitted, and sliced if necessary.
- ½ cup of pure cane sugar, maple syrup, or honey (adjust according to the sweetness of your chosen fruit)
- ¼ cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
Homemade Pie Filling Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced fruit, sugar, all-purpose flour, lemon juice, ground cinnamon (if using), and salt. Toss the ingredients together until the fruit is evenly coated.
- Let the mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the fruit to release some of its juices.
- Preheat your oven to the desired temperature for your pie crust.
- Prepare your pie crust and place it in a pie dish. Pour the fruit filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- If desired, add a lattice or full crust on top of the filling or leave it open-faced.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven according to your pie crust recipe’s instructions, usually around 40-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set.
NOTE: This recipe can be used with a variety of fruits, allowing you to customize your pie based on what’s in season or your personal preference. You can also make the filling ahead of time in a saucepan. Mix all ingredients together (besides the flour) and sautéed until apples release its juices, then add in the flour and stir well. Let it cook down until thickened and then proceed to can or freeze it.
Homemade Pie Filling Recipe
Equipment
- Pie pan
Ingredients
- 4-5 cups fruit (such as apples, berries, peaches, etc…) peeled, pitted, and sliced if necessary
- 1/2 cup pure cane sugar, maple syrup, or honey (adjust according to the sweetness of your chosen fruit)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced fruit, sugar of choice, all-purpose flour, lemon juice, ground cinnamon (if using), and salt. Toss the ingredients together until the fruit is evenly coated.
- Let the mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the fruit to release some of its juices.
- Preheat your oven to the desired temperature for your pie crust.
- Prepare your pie crust and place it in a pie dish. Pour the fruit filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- If desired, add a lattice or full crust on top of the filling or leave it open-faced.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven according to your pie crust recipe's instructions, usually around 40-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
Curious To Find More Easy Homemade Recipes?
Once you start making homemade and healthy recipes, I promise there’s no going back. If you’re looking to start making the switch to more whole foods and meals in home, I want to help! My recipe book, Staples Made Simple, will give you a complete guide on how to make everyday recipes that are good for the body and the soul.
Have you ever made a pie completely from scratch? Let me know in the comments! If you haven’t I promise it’s much easier than you think. And to see even more simple homemade recipes, check out my recent posts: