Best Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert Filling
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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