Description
This Best Apple Pie Filling recipe delivers a deliciously sweet and cinnamon-spiced apple filling that’s perfect for pies, tarts, or as a topping for desserts. Made from fresh apples simmered in a fragrant syrup of brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice, this classic filling is easy to prepare on the stovetop and offers a tender but still firm texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Pie Filling Ingredients
- 6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into even 1/4-inch thick slices to ensure uniform cooking and texture.
- Mix Syrup Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg if using, and salt. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until smooth and free of lumps.
- Cook Syrup: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens into a glossy, translucent syrup.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice to enhance the flavor and add brightness to the filling.
- Incorporate Apples: Add the sliced apples to the syrup and gently fold them in to coat them uniformly with the thickened syrup.
- Simmer Apples: Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook the apples for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples should become tender but still hold their shape without becoming mushy.
- Cool Filling: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the apple pie filling cool to room temperature, allowing it to thicken further as it cools.
- Store Filling: Transfer the cooled filling to airtight jars or containers. Store refrigerated until ready to use, best consumed within 5-7 days or frozen for longer storage.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the best balance of flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook apples to prevent a mushy filling; they should stay slightly firm.
- The filling can be used immediately once cooled or refrigerated for later use.
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the apples and your preference.
- The optional nutmeg adds subtle warmth but can be omitted if desired.
- This filling works perfectly for pies, turnovers, or as a topping for pancakes and ice cream.
