Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe
Introduction
This homemade apple pie filling is a classic, perfectly spiced mixture that’s easy to prepare and versatile for many desserts. With fresh apples and warm spices, it creates a rich and flavorful filling that can elevate any pie or pastry.
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
- Step 1: In a large bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and chopped apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a large Dutch oven or saucepan, combine white sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt. Add the water and bring the mixture to a low simmer over medium heat, stirring regularly.
- Step 3: Stir in the apples, cover the pot, and cook for 6 to 10 minutes until apples are tender and easily pierced with a fork, and the sauce has thickened. Smaller apple pieces will cook in about 6 minutes; larger slices may take up to 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove the pot from heat and allow the filling to cool completely before using.
- Step 5: Use the filling right away in your favorite pies or pastries, or preserve it by canning or freezing for later use.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Fuji for a balanced flavor.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract after cooking for an extra depth of flavor.
- For a chunkier texture, cut apples into larger pieces; for a smoother filling, chop them smaller.
- Adjust the spices to your taste, increasing cinnamon or nutmeg to suit your preference.
Storage
Store the cooled apple pie filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the filling for up to three months. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples for the pie filling?
Frozen apples can be used, but they may release more water, resulting in a thinner filling. Thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking, or increase the cornstarch slightly to help thicken the sauce.
Is this filling safe to can at home?
Yes, this recipe can be canned using proper water bath canning methods for fruit preserves. Ensure you follow safe canning guidelines to prevent spoilage and maintain quality.
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Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (including cooling time)
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
This Homemade Apple Pie Filling recipe creates a delicious, thick, and flavorful apple mixture perfect for pies, tarts, or as a topping. Made with fresh apples, spices, and a blend of sugars, this filling simmers gently until tender and thickened, ensuring a classic autumn dessert base that’s easy to prepare and versatile for many uses.
Ingredients
Apples
- 9 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into uniform sizes
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Filling Mixture
- 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
- Prepare Apples: In a large bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and chopped 9 cups of fresh apples with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. This step prevents the apples from browning and keeps them looking fresh while you prepare the filling.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large Dutch oven or heavy saucepan, combine 3 cups of white sugar, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt. Stir these together well to mix the spices and the starch evenly with the sugars.
- Add Water and Simmer: Add 4 cups of water to the dry ingredient mix and bring the mixture to a low simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the cornstarch and sugars completely.
- Cook Apples in Mixture: Stir the prepared apples into the simmering sugar mixture. Cover the pot and cook for 6 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of your apple pieces. Smaller, bite-sized pieces will cook faster (about 6 minutes), while larger chunks require closer to 10 minutes. The apples should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork, and the liquid will thicken into a sauce.
- Cool the Filling: Remove the pot from heat and allow the apple pie filling to cool completely. This will further thicken the sauce and prepare it for use.
- Use or Store: After cooling, the filling is ready to be used in baking your favorite apple pie, or it can be canned or frozen for later use.
- Share Feedback: If you try this recipe, come back and let us know how it turned out by leaving a comment or rating!
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or a mix of sweet and tart for the best flavor and texture.
- Cut apples into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the sugar amount to taste depending on apple sweetness.
- This filling can be canned or frozen for future use, following proper food preservation guidelines.
- For a chunkier filling, reduce cooking time slightly; for softer, cook longer but avoid overcooking to prevent mushy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert Filling
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple pie filling, homemade apple pie filling, apple dessert filling, pie filling from scratch, apple pie recipe
