Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe

Introduction

Homemade apple pie filling is a delightful way to enjoy the taste of fresh apples all year round. This easy recipe blends tender apples with warm spices, creating a perfect filling for pies, tarts, or even as a topping for pancakes and oatmeal.

Ingredients

• 9 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into uniform sizes
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cups white sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 4 cups water

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and chopped apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large Dutch oven or saucepan, combine white sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and coarse sea salt. Add water and bring the mixture to a low simmer, stirring frequently.
3. Step 3: Stir in the prepared apples, cover, and cook for 6 to 10 minutes. Use bite-sized apple pieces for closer to 6 minutes cooking time, or larger slices for up to 10 minutes. Apples should be fork-tender and the sauce thickened.
4. Step 4: Remove the pot from heat and allow the apple pie filling to cool.
5. Step 5: Once cooled, use the filling immediately, or preserve by canning or freezing for later use.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cloves to the filling.
• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor and texture.
• Adjust the sugar amount to taste, especially if your apples are very sweet or sour.
• Try substituting cornstarch with arrowroot powder for a clearer sauce.

Storage

Store cooled apple pie filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the filling in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Fresh apples are best for texture, but you can use thawed frozen apples if fresh are unavailable. Drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid overly watery filling.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling results in a smoother filling, but leaving the skins on can add extra texture and nutrients. If you prefer to leave skins on, ensure apples are well washed and use thinner slices for even cooking.

Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 94 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 5 servings 1x

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Description

This Homemade Apple Pie Filling recipe offers a delicious, easy-to-make filling perfect for pies, tarts, or as a sweet topping. Using fresh apples cooked with a blend of sugars, spices, and thickened with cornstarch, this filling is thick, flavorful, and can be used immediately or stored by canning or freezing for later use.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apples and Lemon Juice

• 9 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored and chopped into uniform sizes
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Sugar and Spices

• 3 cups white sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt

Additional Liquid

• 4 cups water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples: In a large bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and chopped 9 cups of fresh apples with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. The lemon juice helps prevent the apples from browning while preparing the filling. Set this mixture aside.
2. Make the Sugar and Spice Mixture: In a large dutch oven or heavy saucepan, combine 3 cups white sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt. Add 4 cups of water to the mixture and stir well. Heat over medium heat and bring it to a low simmer, stirring continually to dissolve cornstarch and sugars.
3. Add Apples and Cook: Stir in the prepared apples into the simmering sugar and spice mixture. Cover the pot and let it cook for 6 to 10 minutes. If the apples are cut into bite-sized pieces, cook closer to 6 minutes; larger pieces require up to 10 minutes. The apples should become tender enough to easily pierce with a fork, and the sauce should thicken and reduce slightly.
4. Cool the Filling: Remove the pot from heat and allow the apple pie filling to cool completely before using. This prevents the filling from becoming runny and helps it set properly.
5. Store or Use: Once cooled, use the apple pie filling immediately in your favorite desserts, or store for later use by canning or freezing. Properly sealed, this filling can be preserved to enjoy any time.
6. Share Your Experience: If you try this recipe, consider returning to leave comments or ratings to share your results and tips.

Notes

• Use uniformly sized apple pieces for even cooking.
• Lemon juice is essential to prevent browning of apples before cooking.
• Adjust cooking time depending on the size of apple pieces to achieve desired tenderness.
• Cooling the filling thoroughly helps it thicken properly before use.
• This filling can be canned or frozen for long-term storage.
• Use a large heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple pie filling, homemade apple filling, pie filling recipe, stovetop apple filling, easy apple filling