Delectable Delights: 10 Easy Recipes Using Canned Apple Pie Filling
Canned apple pie filling is a pantry staple that can be so much more than just the inside of a pie. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a wide variety of delicious and comforting desserts, breakfast treats, and even savory surprises. This article will explore ten easy and delectable recipes that showcase the magic of canned apple pie filling, transforming it into everything from quick crisps and cobblers to elegant tarts and unique breakfast ideas. Get ready to unlock the potential of this unassuming ingredient and create unforgettable dishes with minimal effort.
## Why Canned Apple Pie Filling is a Kitchen Hero
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s appreciate the convenience and benefits of using canned apple pie filling:
* **Time-Saver:** The apples are already peeled, cored, sliced, and sweetened, significantly reducing prep time.
* **Consistency:** You get a consistent product every time, ensuring predictable results in your recipes.
* **Year-Round Availability:** Enjoy apple-flavored treats regardless of the season.
* **Versatility:** As you’ll discover, it can be used in a wide range of recipes, not just apple pie.
* **Affordability:** Canned apple pie filling is generally a budget-friendly option.
## 1. Classic Apple Crisp
This is the ultimate comfort food dessert, and using canned apple pie filling makes it incredibly easy to prepare. No peeling apples required!
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup rolled oats
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. **Prepare the Filling:** Pour the apple pie filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
3. **Make the Topping:** In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. **Assemble and Bake:** Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apple pie filling. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
5. **Cool and Serve:** Let the crisp cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add a handful of chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds) to the topping for extra crunch and flavor.
* Substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor.
* Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the apple pie filling for a warmer spice profile.
* For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free oats.
## 2. Apple Cobbler
Similar to a crisp, a cobbler features a biscuit-like topping instead of a crumbly one. It’s another simple and satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 cup melted butter
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. **Prepare the Filling:** Pour the apple pie filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
3. **Make the Batter:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and melted butter, and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour the batter evenly over the apple pie filling. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. **Cool and Serve:** Let the cobbler cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for extra flavor.
* Substitute buttermilk for milk for a tangier flavor and a more tender crumb.
* Top the batter with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking.
* Add a few drops of almond extract to the apple pie filling.
## 3. Apple Dumplings
These individual apple treats are a fun and easy way to enjoy the flavors of apple pie. They’re perfect for parties or a special dessert.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling
* 1 can (10 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough
* 1/2 cup melted butter
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7-Up)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. **Prepare the Crescent Rolls:** Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
3. **Assemble the Dumplings:** Place a spoonful of apple pie filling in the center of each triangle. Fold the corners of the dough over the filling to enclose it, pinching the seams to seal. Place the dumplings in the prepared baking dish.
4. **Make the Sauce:** In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Pour the mixture over the dumplings. Pour the lemon-lime soda around the dumplings in the baking dish (do not pour over the tops of the dumplings).
5. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
6. **Cool and Serve:** Let the dumplings cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add a few chopped nuts to the apple pie filling before assembling the dumplings.
* Substitute apple cider or ginger ale for the lemon-lime soda.
* Brush the tops of the dumplings with egg wash before baking for a more golden brown color.
* Dust the baked dumplings with powdered sugar.
## 4. Apple Hand Pies
These portable pies are perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a quick snack. They’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite pie crust recipe.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling
* 2 sheets refrigerated pie crust
* 1 egg, beaten
* Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Prepare the Pie Crust:** Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough. You should get about 10-12 circles from each crust. Re-roll the scraps to get more circles if needed.
3. **Assemble the Hand Pies:** Place a spoonful of apple pie filling in the center of half of the dough circles. Brush the edges of the circles with the beaten egg. Top with the remaining dough circles, pressing the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges to ensure they are sealed tightly.
4. **Bake:** Brush the tops of the hand pies with the remaining beaten egg. Sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired. Cut a few slits in the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the hand pies are golden brown.
5. **Cool and Serve:** Let the hand pies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use different shapes of cookie cutters for fun and festive hand pies.
* Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the apple pie filling before assembling the hand pies.
* Glaze the baked hand pies with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
* Make mini hand pies using smaller cookie cutters.
## 5. Apple Pie Parfaits
For a lighter and more elegant dessert, try layering apple pie filling with yogurt, granola, and whipped cream in a parfait glass.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling
* 2 cups vanilla yogurt (Greek or regular)
* 1 cup granola
* 1 cup whipped cream (optional)
* Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Assemble the Parfaits:** In parfait glasses or small bowls, layer the yogurt, granola, and apple pie filling. Repeat the layers until the glasses are full.
2. **Top and Serve:** Top with whipped cream, if desired, and sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Serve immediately or chill for later.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use different flavors of yogurt, such as caramel or cinnamon, to complement the apple pie filling.
* Add a layer of chopped nuts or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
* Substitute graham cracker crumbs for the granola.
* Drizzle with caramel sauce or maple syrup.
## 6. Apple Pie French Toast Casserole
This overnight casserole is the perfect breakfast or brunch treat. It’s easy to prepare the night before and bake in the morning.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling
* 1 loaf (1 pound) French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 8 large eggs
* 2 cups milk
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 cup melted butter
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Casserole:** Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the bread cubes in the dish. Top with the apple pie filling. Spread the remaining bread cubes over the apple pie filling.
2. **Make the Custard:** In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. **Pour and Soak:** Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press down gently to ensure the bread is soaked. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
4. **Preheat and Bake:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set. Let cool slightly before serving.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add a handful of raisins or chopped pecans to the apple pie filling before assembling the casserole.
* Use challah or brioche bread instead of French bread.
* Substitute almond milk or soy milk for dairy milk.
* Top with a streusel topping made with flour, butter, brown sugar, and oats before baking.
## 7. Apple Pie Pancakes
Add a touch of apple pie flavor to your morning pancakes with this simple recipe. It’s a delicious way to start the day.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling, chopped
* 2 cups pancake mix
* 1 1/2 cups milk
* 2 large eggs
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Batter:** In a large bowl, combine the pancake mix, milk, eggs, and melted butter. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
2. **Add the Apple Pie Filling:** Gently fold in the chopped apple pie filling.
3. **Cook the Pancakes:** Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. **Serve:** Serve the pancakes warm with maple syrup, butter, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, if desired.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for extra flavor.
* Use different types of pancake mix, such as whole wheat or buttermilk, for a different flavor and texture.
* Top the pancakes with whipped cream, chopped nuts, or caramel sauce.
* Make mini pancakes for a fun and easy breakfast for kids.
## 8. Apple Pie Waffles
Just like pancakes, waffles can also be elevated with apple pie filling. The crispy waffles and warm apple filling make for a delightful combination.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling, chopped
* 2 cups waffle mix
* 1 1/2 cups milk
* 2 large eggs
* 1/4 cup melted butter
* Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Batter:** In a large bowl, combine the waffle mix, milk, eggs, and melted butter. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
2. **Add the Apple Pie Filling:** Gently fold in the chopped apple pie filling.
3. **Cook the Waffles:** Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook until golden brown and crispy.
4. **Serve:** Serve the waffles warm with maple syrup, butter, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, if desired.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for extra flavor.
* Use different types of waffle mix, such as Belgian or buttermilk, for a different flavor and texture.
* Top the waffles with whipped cream, chopped nuts, or caramel sauce.
* Make mini waffles for a fun and easy breakfast for kids.
## 9. Apple Pie Quesadillas (Savory Surprise!)
This recipe might sound unusual, but the combination of sweet apple pie filling and savory cheese in a quesadilla is surprisingly delicious. It’s a fun and unexpected way to use canned apple pie filling.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling, chopped
* 4 large flour tortillas
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 2 tablespoons butter
**Instructions:**
1. **Assemble the Quesadillas:** Spread half of the apple pie filling on one half of each tortilla. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling.
2. **Cook the Quesadillas:** Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the quesadillas in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
3. **Serve:** Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve warm.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a different flavor.
* Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the apple pie filling before assembling the quesadillas.
* Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a side of salsa.
* Add shredded cooked chicken or pork for a heartier meal.
## 10. Apple Pie Tarts
These elegant tarts are perfect for a special occasion or a sophisticated dessert. They’re surprisingly easy to make using pre-made tart shells and canned apple pie filling.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling
* 1 box (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts, thawed OR pre-made tart shells
* 1 egg, beaten
* Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare the Tart Shells:** If using refrigerated pie crust, unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut out circles of dough that are slightly larger than your tart pans. Gently press the dough into the tart pans, trimming off any excess dough. You can also use pre-made tart shells.
3. **Fill the Tarts:** Spoon the apple pie filling into the tart shells, filling them to the top.
4. **Bake:** Brush the edges of the tart shells with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
5. **Cool and Serve:** Let the tarts cool on a wire rack before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add a few chopped nuts to the apple pie filling before filling the tarts.
* Substitute different fruits for the apples, such as peaches or berries.
* Glaze the baked tarts with a simple apricot jam glaze.
* Top with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
## Conclusion
As you can see, canned apple pie filling is a remarkably versatile ingredient that can be used to create a wide variety of delicious and easy recipes. From classic desserts like crisps and cobblers to unexpected surprises like apple pie quesadillas, the possibilities are endless. So, the next time you’re looking for a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth, reach for a can of apple pie filling and let your creativity shine in the kitchen. Enjoy! These recipes are easy to scale, so you can make as much or as little as you need. Feel free to adjust the sweetness, spice levels, and other ingredients to suit your personal preferences. Happy baking (and cooking)!