Hey there fellow food lovers! Got a jar or bowl of leftover apple pie filling sittin’ in your fridge and you’re scratchin’ your head about what to do with it? I feel ya. We’ve all been there after bakin’ up a storm for the holidays or a family get-together, only to realize we made way too much of that sweet, cinnamon-y apple goodness. But don’t even think about tossin’ it out! That stuff is gold, and I’m here to show ya how to turn it into somethin’ downright delicious.
At our lil’ kitchen here, we hate wastin’ food, and leftover apple pie filling is like a blank canvas waitin’ for a masterpiece. Whether it’s from a homemade pie or a can you cracked open, there’s a ton of ways to use it up. From quick breakfast fixes to decadent desserts and even some wacky ideas you ain’t thought of yet, I’ve got 35 ideas to make sure not a single spoonful goes to waste. So, let’s dive right in and get those creative juices flowin’!
Why You’ve Got Leftover Apple Pie Filling (And Why It’s a Good Thing!)
Real quick—why do we end up with extra filling anyway? Maybe you overestimated how much your pie crust could hold, or you got a lil’ overzealous with the apples. Heck, sometimes them store-bought cans just give ya more than you need. But guess what? That’s a blessin’ in disguise. Apple pie filling is packed with flavor—think tender apples, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s basically a ready-made ingredient that can jazz up almost anything. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and make the most of it!
Sweet Desserts to Whip Up with Leftover Apple Pie Filling
Let’s start with the obvious, ‘cause apple pie filling screams dessert. Here are some super tasty ways to transform that leftover stuff into sweets that’ll have everyone askin’ for seconds.
1. Mini Apple Pies
Why make one big pie when you can whip up a bunch of cute lil’ mini pies? Grab some pre-made pie dough or make your own, line a muffin tin with it, and spoon in that leftover filling. Top with another layer of dough or leave ‘em open-faced. Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes till golden. Boom—personal pies for everyone!
2. Apple Pie Bread Pudding
This one’s a game-changer Mix about 2 cups of your filling with some torn-up bread cubes—stale bread works best Pour over a mix of milk (about 8 oz), a couple eggs, and a dash of cinnamon. Bake it at 350°F for 30-40 minutes till it’s all gooey and warm. It’s like a hug in dessert form.
3. Apple Pie Muffins
Muffins are my go-to when I want somethin’ quick. Stir a cup of filling into your fave muffin batter—add a pinch of cinnamon if it ain’t already spiced enough. Scoop into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Perfect for a grab-and-go treat.
4. Skillet Apple Crumble Cake
Don’t wanna fuss with a full pie? Grab a skillet, mix your leftover filling with some cake batter ingredients (flour, sugar, eggs, ya know the drill), and sprinkle a crumble toppin’ of oats and butter on top. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. It’s rustic, easy, and dang tasty.
5. Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls
Oh, this is a crowd-pleaser! Roll out some dough (store-bought crescent dough works fine if you’re lazy like me sometimes), spread a layer of apple pie filling, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and roll ‘em up. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Drizzle with icing if ya feelin’ fancy.
6. Apple Pie Granola Bars
For a healthier-ish dessert, mix your filling with oats, a bit of melted butter, some honey, and cinnamon. Press into a greased pan and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cut into bars once cooled. Great for snackin’ or dessert on the go.
7. Apple Pie Banana Popsicles
This is a fun one for the kiddos (or just for you, no judgment). Mash up a banana, mix with a cup of filling, and pour into popsicle molds. Freeze overnight. You got a sweet, cold treat that’s kinda healthy too.
8. Pour It Over Cheesecake
Got a plain cheesecake? Slap some warmed-up apple pie filling on top. It adds a sweet, fruity layer that makes it taste like a million bucks. Trust me, your guests will be blown away.
9. Serve Warm Over Pound Cake
Heat up your filling on the stove, maybe add a splash of water if it’s too thick, and spoon it over a slice of pound cake or angel food cake. It’s simple, but feels so indulgent.
10. Use as a Dessert Sauce
Warm up that filling and use it as a sauce over ice cream or brownies. It’s like a shortcut to apple pie a la mode without all the work. Heck, I’ve even eaten it straight from the pan with a spoon. Don’t judge.
Breakfast Ideas to Start Your Day Right
Apple pie filling ain’t just for dessert. It can make your mornings extra special too. Here’s how we like to use it at breakfast time.
11. Caramel Apple Pie Pancakes
Mix some filling with a bit of caramel sauce (store-bought is fine), and let it sit in the fridge overnight with your pancake batter. Cook ‘em up in the mornin’ as usual. The apples get all soft and sweet—pure heaven on a plate.
12. Apple Pie French Toast Casserole
Layer some bread pieces in a baking dish, spread 2 cups of filling over it, and pour a mix of eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon on top. Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes. It’s like French toast and pie had a baby.
13. Spread on Toast
For a quick fix, spread some filling on buttered toast and sprinkle with a lil’ cinnamon or brown sugar. Pop it in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to warm through. It’s a cozy start to the day.
14. Fruity Overnight Oats
Mix a spoonful of filling into your overnight oats along with milk or water and some rolled oats. Add nuts or seeds if ya like crunch. Leave it in the fridge overnight, and you’ve got a hearty, apple-packed breakfast ready to go.
15. Garnish Waffles
Skip the syrup and top your waffles with warmed apple pie filling. It’s sweet, sticky, and way better than plain ol’ maple. Add a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feelin’ extra.
16. Apple Pie Breakfast Bake
Grab some buttery crackers (like Ritz), spread filling on top, and sandwich with another cracker. Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes. It’s weird, but it works, especially with a scoop of yogurt on the side.
Snack-Time Treats with Apple Pie Filling
Need a lil’ somethin’ to munch on between meals? Here’s how to turn that leftover filling into snacks that satisfy.
17. Apple Pie Energy Bites
Mix oats, a pinch of cinnamon, ground flaxseed, and a cup of filling. Roll into bite-sized balls and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. These lil’ guys are perfect for a quick energy boost.
18. Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies
Add filling to a basic oatmeal cookie dough, roll out, and cut into shapes. Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes till the edges are golden. Soft, chewy, and full of apple flavor—yep, I’m hooked.
19. Mix with Yogurt
Spoon some filling into plain or vanilla yogurt. It’s like a healthier apple pie in a cup. I do this when I want somethin’ sweet but don’t wanna overdo it.
20. Fold into Granola
Stir filling into your granola for a sweet twist. Whether it’s homemade or from a box, the apples add a nice chewiness that makes it extra yummy.
21. Combine with Cottage Cheese
If you’re tired of plain cottage cheese, mix in some apple pie filling. It gives it a creamy, sweet vibe that’s oddly addictin’. I didn’t think I’d like it, but now I’m all about it.
Unique and Savory Twists You Didn’t See Comin’
Now, let’s get a bit wild. Apple pie filling ain’t just for sweet stuff. Here are some outta-the-box ideas that might surprise ya.
22. Apple Pie Fajita
Yup, you read that right. Sauté some bell peppers and onions in olive oil for 5 minutes, then toss in your filling for another 3-5 minutes till tender. Serve with cheese, sour cream, or avocado in a tortilla. It’s a sweet-savory mashup that’s weirdly awesome.
23. Top Baked Brie
Spoon some filling over a wheel of Brie or any soft cheese, maybe add nuts if ya got ‘em, and bake till melty. Serve with crackers. It’s a fancy appetizer that takes zero effort.
24. Make a Tarte Tatin
This French dessert is easier than it sounds. Caramelize apples from your filling with butter and sugar in a skillet, top with puff pastry, and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Flip it over to serve. Looks pro, tastes amazin’.
25. Apple Dumplings
Spoon filling into dumpling wrappers, fold ‘em up, and steam for 10 minutes. Top with ice cream or whipped cream. It’s a lil’ different but so stinkin’ good.
Even More Dessert Ideas (Cause We Can’t Get Enough!)
I ain’t done yet. Here are more sweet treats to keep ya goin’.
26. Make Apple Pie Milkshakes
Blend ¼ cup milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and ½ cup filling till smooth. Pour into a glass and sip away. It’s like drinkin’ a pie—how cool is that?
27. Apple Pie Smoothie
Throw ½ cup filling, a frozen apple (chopped), 2 cups Greek yogurt, a teaspoon of cinnamon, a splash of almond milk, and some honey into a blender. Blend till smooth. Perfect for a quick dessert or breakfast.
28. Fill Mini Tart Shells
Buy or bake mini tart shells, fill ‘em with your leftover stuff, and top with whipped cream or fruit. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes if using raw dough. They’re adorable and delish.
29. Add to Cookies
Mix half a cup of filling into any cookie dough—chocolate chip, sugar, whatever. Bake as usual. It adds a fruity punch that makes ‘em stand out.
30. Use in Cake Recipes
If your cake recipe calls for applesauce, sub in apple pie filling instead. It’ll make the cake moister and add a sweet kick. Works with most flavors, trust me.
Wrapping Up the Sweetness with Storage Tips
Before I let ya go, let’s talk about keepin’ that leftover apple pie filling fresh if you ain’t ready to use it all right away.
- Refrigerator Storage: Pop it into an airtight container or Ziploc bag. It’ll stay good for about 4 days in the fridge. Just make sure it’s cooled to room temp first.
- Freezer Storage: Wanna save it longer? Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to use it.
- Can You Eat It Straight? Heck yeah, you can eat it straight from the can or jar since it’s pre-cooked. But honestly, it’s better mixed with somethin’ else for max flavor.
A Quick Table of Top Ideas for Leftover Apple Pie Filling
| Category | Idea | Prep Time | Cook Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dessert | Mini Apple Pies | 10 min | 20 min | Family Treats |
| Dessert | Apple Pie Bread Pudding | 15 min | 40 min | Cozy Nights |
| Breakfast | Caramel Apple Pie Pancakes | 10 min (plus overnight) | 10 min | Weekend Brunch |
| Snack | Apple Pie Energy Bites | 10 min | 15 min | On-the-Go |
| Unique | Apple Pie Fajita | 10 min | 10 min | Adventurous Eaters |
Let’s Keep the Apple Love Goin’!
There ya have it, folks—35 ways to use up that leftover apple pie filling without lettin’ a drop go to waste. From classic desserts to breakfast hacks and even some funky savory twists, there’s somethin’ here for everyone. I’ve tried most of these myself, and lemme tell ya, they’ve saved my butt when I’ve had extra filling lyin’ around.
Which idea are ya gonna try first? Got a wacky way of usin’ apple pie filling that I didn’t mention? Drop it in the comments below—me and the crew here would love to hear your kitchen adventures. Keep cookin’, keep creatin’, and never let good food go to waste!

Make This Apple Pie Filling for your Pies & Tarts
FAQ
What can I do with leftover pie filling?
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What else can I do with apple pie filling?
This one simple ingredient can be used in so many different ways-baked into pies, layered into crisps, swirled into cakes, stuffed into pastries, or even served warm over pancakes and ice cream.
How long will apple pie filling last in the refrigerator?
Can you freeze extra apple pie filling?