I always look forward to apple season. Making homemade apple pie filling and canning it lets me enjoy that fresh-picked flavor all year. There’s something special about opening a jar from my pantry ...

When using canned fried apples in a pie, you'll need to take consistency into consideration. Most canned pie fillings are thickened with cornstarch, tapioca starch, ClearJel, or similar agents.

Sure, canned fruit filling is convenient when you’re making a pie. But it’s good for making other desserts, too.

Layer in the baking dish in the following order (do not stir together): Spread 2 (about 21-ounce) cans apple pie filling into an even layer. Sprinkle evenly with 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix.