Best Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe

Introduction

This best apple pie filling recipe creates a warm, comforting mix of tender apples and fragrant spices that’s perfect for pies, tarts, or even topping your morning oatmeal. With a balance of sweetness and spice, it’s easy to prepare and stores well for future use.

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples (sliced, about 6 cups)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even pieces about 1/4-inch thick.
2. Step 2: Toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning and to enhance the flavor.
3. Step 3: In a large pot, combine water, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Step 4: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 3–5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Stir in the apple slices, coating them well with the sauce. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until apples are tender but still hold shape.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely.
7. Step 7: Store in airtight jars or containers in the fridge for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a more complex flavor.
• Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a deeper spice profile.
• To make it thicker, add a little more cornstarch dissolved in cold water before cooking.
• For a smoother filling, mash some of the apples slightly during the simmering step.

Storage

Store the cooled apple pie filling in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for the filling?

Fresh apples work best for texture, but you can use frozen apples if fresh are unavailable. Thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess liquid.

Is this filling suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, this recipe uses cornstarch as a thickener and does not include any gluten-containing ingredients, making it safe for gluten-free diets.

Best Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 72 reviews

This best apple pie filling recipe offers a perfectly spiced, homemade apple filling that’s tender, flavorful, and ideal for pies, tarts, or even as a topping for pancakes and ice cream. Made from fresh apples cooked gently in a cinnamon and nutmeg spiced syrup, this filling balances sweetness and spice for a deliciously comforting treat.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert Filling
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Apple Mixture

• 6 medium apples (peeled, cored, sliced thin, about 6 cups)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Syrup

• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even pieces about 1/4-inch thick to ensure uniform cooking and texture in the filling.
2. Toss with Lemon Juice: Immediately toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning and add a fresh citrus note that enhances the flavor.
3. Mix Syrup Ingredients: In a large pot, combine water, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt ensuring the dry ingredients dissolve well in the liquid.
4. Cook Syrup: Place the pot over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble lightly, about 3–5 minutes, creating a thick, flavorful base for the apples.
5. Add Apples and Simmer: Stir the apple slices into the thickened syrup, coating them thoroughly. Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes until the apples are tender but still hold their shape, giving a perfect balance of softness without becoming mushy.
6. Cool Filling: Remove the pot from heat and allow the apple pie filling to cool completely, which helps it thicken further and develop its flavors.
7. Store Properly: Transfer the cooled filling into airtight jars or containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months to preserve freshness and flavor.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance.
• Adjust sugar quantities depending on apple sweetness and personal preference.
• For a smoother filling, mash some apple slices gently during cooking.
• To use, warm gently if frozen or chilled before filling pies or desserts.
• Ensure constant stirring while thickening the syrup to avoid lumps or scorching.

Keywords: apple pie filling, homemade apple filling, apple dessert recipe, cinnamon apple filling, pie filling recipe