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After years of experimenting in the kitchen, I’ve discovered that leftover pie filling can be the secret ingredient in many delicious recipes.
I never liked throwing away all of my excess pie fillings, so I came up with these 13 creative ideas to use my leftover pie fillings to their fullest potential!
Can You Reuse Pie Fillings?
Pie fillings can be reused in various culinary applications. Rather than discarding excess filling, it can be repurposed into new desserts. The key is to store them in an airtight container in the fridge and use the pie fillings within a week. This will ensure that it is still fresh and delicious.
Leftover pie fillings can serve as a topping for ice cream, be swirled into yogurt, used as a filling for crepes or turnovers, or incorporated into layered parfaits.
These methods offer creative solutions to minimize waste and maximize flavor!
I recently came across The Perfect-Sized Plastic Round Storage Containers that can fit anything in them from a pie to even cupcakes. These containers come in a 2-pack and are Microwave and Dishwasher safe! You can check out these containers on Amazon!
You should only reuse the pie filling if it hasn’t been sitting for more than two hours at room temperature. Make sure to refrigerate the pie filling as soon as you are done with it.
Also, fruit-based pies tend to spoil faster than dairy-based pie fillings.
If you’re planning on reheating the pie filling, make sure to do so until it’s piping hot. This will kill any bacteria that may be present.
13 Creative Things To Do With Leftover Pie Fillings
Generally speaking, one of the most creative things to do with leftover pie fillings is to use them in other pies. For example, if you have leftover pumpkin filling, you could use it to make a pecan pie. If you have leftover apple filling, you could use it to make an apple crisp.
But if you’re no longer looking to make pies, you can also use leftover fillings for:
- Use the Pie Filling as a Topping for Ice Cream
- Add the Pie Filling to Your Morning Oatmeal
- Use It as a Filling for Pancakes
- Use It as a Filling for Crepes
- Use It as a Filling for Cupcakes
- Use the Pie Filling to Make a Fruit Pie Milkshake
- Use the Pie Filling to Make a Chocolate Pie Milkshake
- Use the Pie Filling to Make a Fruit Cobbler
- Use the Pie Filling to Make a Fruit Sauce
- Use It as a Filling for Pop-Tarts
- Use the Pie Filling to Make a Cherry Crumble Bar
- Mix the Pie Filling with a Lemonade Drink
- Freeze the Pie Filling into Cubes for Drinks
Be as creative as you want! I’ve actually made simple mini hand pies by adding leftover pie filling into some puff pastry. It’s simple and delicious!
1. Use the Pie Filling as a Topping for Ice Cream
Leftover pie filling makes a great topping for ice cream! Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream in a bowl and top it with the pie filling.
This will create a delicious and unique flavor combination.
Below, I narrowed down the top 5 most popular pie fillings and what ice cream flavors they pair up with:
| Leftover Pie Fillings | Ice Cream Flavors | My Reason Why… |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Pie Filling | Vanilla Bean Ice Cream | This is a classic combination of flavors |
| Cherry Pie Filling | Chocolate Ice Cream | The tartness of cherries pairs well with the rich chocolate flavor |
| Blueberry Pie Filling | Lemon Sorbet Ice Cream | Refreshing and bright that’s perfect for summer |
| Pumpkin Pie Filling | Cinnamon Ice Cream | Enhances the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin perfect for a holiday season dessert |
| Pecan Pie Filling | Coffee Ice Cream | It creates a nutty and sweet texture with a rich coffee contrast |
I typically like to use this method with fruit-based fillings such as cherry or apple pies. Make sure to warm it up first for an even tastier experience.
2. Add the Pie Filling to Your Morning Oatmeal
As a baker who loves to experiment with flavors and ingredients, I’ve always looked for ways to minimize waste and make the most out of every ingredient.
One of my favorite discoveries has been using leftover pie filling as an addition to my morning oatmeal!
Starting your morning off right by adding some leftover pie filling to your oatmeal will add sweetness and flavor to it and make it more enjoyable.
I prefer using the cherry or blueberry pie filling for this because it goes well with the oatmeal!
Cherry pie filling adds a burst of tartness and vibrant color, while blueberry pie filling gives a sweet and tangy flavor that’s perfect for a morning boost.
*By the way, I recently wrote an article about The Best Ways To Prevent A Soggy Pie Crust. This article breaks down all the ways to make sure your crust does not come out soggy after it’s baked. You can check out this article here!
3. Use It as a Filling for Pancakes
Another idea that I came across recently is adding leftover pie filling to my pancakes in the morning.
I usually add batter to my pan and pour a little of any leftover filling I have. I then pour a little more batter on top to cover it and cook both sides evenly.
Doing this will get you yummy pancakes with a pie-filling interior!
When it’s ready, cut into the pancake to reveal a stunning flow of the pie filling from the inside!
In my experience so far, blueberry is the best leftover pie filling to use because it will add a natural sweetness to the pancakes and imitate the famous blueberry pancake flavor.
4. Use It as a Filling for Crepes
Crepes are versatile dishes that can be made sweet or savory. To make sweet crepes, fill them with your favorite pie filling. You can even top them with whipped cream or ice cream.
This delightful idea has turned into a favorite in my household, making breakfast and brunches truly special!
You can use the same method for savory crepes by filling them with chicken or beef pie filling. This is great for when you are making shepherd’s pie or chicken potpie and you have leftover filling.
I recently came across these Adjustable Pie Crust Shield Silicone Pie Protectors which protected my pies perfectly every time I used them. They’re made out of heat-resistant silicone material that will protect the pie crust edges from getting burnt. You can check them out on Amazon!
5. Use It as a Filling for Cupcakes
Leftover pie filling can also be used to make delicious cupcakes. You should add the filling to your favorite cupcake recipe or use it as a frosting. Either way, you’ll end up with some delicious and unique cupcakes.
When I have leftover dairy-based fillings, I love smothering the tops of the cupcakes with it as a frosting. If it’s a fruit-based filling, I make a hole in the center of each cupcake and just spoon in the pie filling!
The inspiration struck during a weekend baking session when I had a generous amount of leftover blueberry pie filling. I was making vanilla cupcakes for a friend’s birthday and thought, why not add a sweet, fruity surprise in the center?
I spooned a bit of the blueberry filling into each cupcake before baking them, and the result was nothing short of spectacular.
The juicy blueberries paired perfectly with the light, fluffy vanilla cake, creating an unexpected and delicious treat!
6. Use the Pie Filling to Make a Fruit Pie Milkshake
This option is very easy and quite delicious. You need to take some vanilla ice cream and mix it with cherry pie filling (or any fruit filling). You can also add a little bit of milk to make it thinner.
Once you’ve mixed everything, blend it in a blender and enjoy!
Personally, I love doing this with leftover cherry pie since the tartness compliments the sweetness of the vanilla ice cream so well. The opportunities are endless with the pie-filling flavors!
*By the way, I recently wrote an article about Which Oven Rack Should You Use To Bake A Perfect Pie. This article breaks down what happens when you bake a pie in all the oven racks and why one might be better than the others. You can check out this article here!
7. Use the Pie Filling to Make a Chocolate Pie Milkshake
One of the most tasty discoveries that I’ve made has been turning leftover pie filling into a rich chocolate pie milkshake.
I recently found myself with a surplus of chocolate pie filling and didn’t want it to go to waste. On a whim, I decided to blend it into a milkshake.
I combined the filling with vanilla ice cream, a splash of milk, and a bit of whipped cream, then blended it until smooth. The result was a creamy, milkshake with the deep, rich flavor of chocolate pie.
You can also add a little bit of milk to make it thinner or if you’re crazy for chocolate, add chocolate milk!
8. Use the Pie Filling to Make a Fruit Cobbler
A fruit cobbler is a great way to use any leftover pie filling as well as a leftover pie crust. Cobblers are essentially an upside pie so any fruit filling can suffice.
According to Gwen Fowler from discoversouthcarolina.com when asked what’s the difference between pie and cobbler, she said:
“While a pie is made with a bottom crust and often a top crust, the dough and the fruit filling cook together in a cobbler.”
Gwen Fowler
I poured my excess filling into a baking dish, topped it with a simple, buttery biscuit topping, and baked it until golden and bubbly. Baking a cobbler smells just as good as baking a pie making it a great choice to make as well!
9. Use the Pie Filling to Make a Fruit Sauce
If you have leftover pie filling that is fruit-based, a fruit sauce is a great way and quick way to use up any leftovers.
I usually place the fruit filling in a pot and cook it over low heat until it’s thickened. Once it’s thickened, you can use it as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, or waffles.
You can also use it as a filling for crepes or a topping for cupcakes!
*By the way, I recently wrote an article breaking down The Best Pie Thickeners for Thickening Runny Pie Fillings. This article talks about all the potential thickeners that you might have laying around the house that can thicken your runny pie filling. You can check out this article here!
10. Use It as a Filling for Pop-Tarts
Poptarts are a fun dessert that I like to serve to my guests from time to time. They are almost like handheld pies, making it a great way to use up any pie filling you have left over!
The idea came to me after a particularly busy holiday season. I made several pies and was left with a generous amount of leftover filling.
Rather than letting it go to waste, I decided to use it in a batch of pop tarts!
Here’s a step-by-step process of how I made my pie-filled pop tarts from scratch:
- Roll out some pie dough.
- Cut the dough into rectangles.
- Spoon a small amount of the leftover pie filling onto each rectangle.
- Seal the edges of each rectangle with a fork.
- Bake the pop tarts until golden brown.
Cherry pie filling adds a sweet-tart punch that’s ideal for a snack. Blueberry pie filling brings a burst of summer freshness to each bite, while pumpkin pie filling offers a cozy, spiced flavor perfect for autumn mornings.
*By the way, I recently wrote an article about How To Bake A Pie Without A Pie Pan. This article talks about all the substitutes you can use instead of a pie pan and what you should do differently with each substitute. You can check out this article here!
11. Use the Pie Filling to Make a Cherry Crumble Bar
I’ve discovered that leftover pie filling can be delicious when turned into Cherry Crumble Bars. Here’s a quick step-by-step plan to make this crumble bar:
- Gather graham cracker crumbs, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Combine the ingredients in a bowl until it forms a dough-like consistency.
- Press the mixture into a 9×9-inch pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Add cherry pie filling on top of the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Let it cool before cutting into bars.
The result was a batch of refreshing cherry crumble bars, with a perfect balance of buttery crust, juicy filling, and crunchy topping.
Just in case you have some leftover pie crust as well, here’s a video I found about the best desserts to make with leftover pie crust:
*By the way, I recently wrote an article breaking down Creative Things To Do With Leftover Pie Crust Dough. This article talks about all the different ways you can use your leftover pie crust dough so that it doesn’t go to waste. You can check out this article here!
12. Mix the Pie Filling with a Lemonade Drink
Mixing leftover pie filling with a lemonade drink makes this the perfect summer drink. The first time I tried this, I had some leftover blueberry pie filling.
I decided to blend it with homemade lemonade, hoping to create a drink that was both delicious and refreshing!
I stirred a few spoonfuls of the blueberry filling into a pitcher of lemonade, giving it a good mix to ensure the flavors melded together.
The result was a beautifully colored, slightly thickened lemonade bursting with the sweet-tart flavor of blueberries. You can also add some alcohol to make it into a cocktail!
After seeing the success I had with the blueberry filling, I started trying out other types of fillings to see what I could come up with:
| Pie Filling | Flavor Addition To The Lemonade | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Blueberry Filling | Sweet-Tart | Initial success, created a beautifully colored drink. |
| Cherry Filling | Vibrant and Tangy | Made the lemonade a stunning pink drink. |
| Apple Filling | Warm and Spiced | Gave the lemonade a cozy, autumn flavor that was surprisingly delicious. |
I usually specifically look for Ceramic Pie Pans when baking pies. I recently came across a Set of Two Ceramic Pie Pans for Baking that work perfectly for baking pies in the oven with no problem. You can check out this Set of Ceramic Pie Pans on Amazon!
13. Freeze the Pie Filling into Cubes for Drinks
You can also try to freeze your leftover pie filling into cubes and use them in your drinks.
This is a great way to dress up any boring drink. You can add the cubes to seltzer water, lemonade, or even iced tea!
The first time I tried this, I had some leftover strawberry pie filling. I spooned it into ice cube trays, making sure each compartment was filled with the sweet, chunky filling.
After a few hours in the freezer, I had vibrant strawberry cubes that added a burst of flavor to my lemonade!
Not only did they keep my drink cold, but as they melted, they infused the lemonade with a delicious strawberry essence.
Since the strawberry filling ice cubes were a huge success, I decided to experiment with other pie fillings:
| Pie Filling | Resulting Ice Cube Color | Beverage Pairing | Flavor Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strawberry Filling | Bright Red | Lemonade | Added a burst of flavor and fruity essence |
| Blueberry Filling | Deep Purple | Iced Tea | Turned it into a fruity delight |
| Peach Filling | Light Orange | Sparkling Water | Added lovely sweetness, making it special |
| Apple Filling | Light Brown/Golden | Iced Chai Tea | Spiced it up, creating a cozy, refreshing drink |
*By the way, I recently wrote an article breaking down The Best Ways To Store A Pie To Make It Last Longer. This article talks about the right way to store your pies at room temperature, in a container, in the fridge, and in the freezer. You can check out this article here!
How Do You Store Extra Pie Fillings?
To store extra pie fillings correctly, first transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage, up to 3 months. Ensure the filling is cooled before sealing to prevent condensation. Label containers with the date and type of filling for easy identification.
Properly storing pie fillings prevents spoilage, preserves quality, and allows for versatile future use in various desserts!
You can store the following kinds of pie fillings in the fridge:
- Apple
- Blueberry
- Cherry
- Pumpkin
- Rhubarb
Fruit fillings are stored well because their high sugar content acts as a preservative, maintaining flavor and texture when refrigerated or frozen.
I also sometimes store custard and cream fillings, even though they may require gentle stirring after thawing to restore their smooth consistency.
Can You Freeze Leftover Pie Fillings?
Generally speaking, you can freeze leftover pie fillings. Transfer the filling to an airtight container or freezer bag, leaving some space for expansion. Label with the date and type of filling. Frozen pie fillings can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use to maintain quality and texture.
*By the way, for a long time, I was looking for a way to store my baked goods without them breaking and losing their shape. I recently came across a great Set of Flat Storage Containers that worked great for storing my baked goods flat in the fridge and freezer without breaking them! You can check out this Storage Set on Amazon!
What Can You Not Do With Fillings?
You should not leave pie fillings at room temperature for extended periods, as this can promote bacterial growth and spoilage. Avoid storing fillings in non-airtight containers, which can lead to contamination and drying out. Additionally, do not refreeze thawed fillings, as this can degrade texture and flavor.
You should also not let any pie filling come into contact with raw meat. This will contaminate the fillings which will spoil them faster.
I think that you should not reheat any pie filling more than once since it reduces the quality of the pie filling tremendously.
I usually try NOT to freeze any pie filling for more than two months since it also reduces the quality of the pie filling making it almost inedible.
Finally, I recommend NOT eating any pie filling if it has been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours. Most pie fillings tend to expire quickly making them spoil even though it might not be noticeable.
I’ve been using Ceramic Pie Weights for as long as I could remember and it saved my pie crusts on so many occasions. As a general rule, you should use about 2.2 lbs of pie weights for every 9-inch pie you make. I use these Ceramic Pie Weights that you can check out on Amazon!
