Description
This homemade apple pie filling recipe delivers a perfectly spiced, thick, and luscious filling ideal for classic apple pies or as a delicious topping for pancakes and desserts. Using a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples, combined with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of lemon juice, this filling captures the essence of fall in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 6-8 medium apples, mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
Sweeteners and Flavorings
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness of apples)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Thickening Agent
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture in the filling.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir everything together to coat the apples evenly with the spices and sugars.
- Cook the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the apple mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples start to soften and release their juices.
- Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water until smooth. Gradually add this slurry to the simmering apple mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the filling thickens to your desired consistency.
- Cool and Use: Remove the filling from heat and let it cool completely before using it in your pie or dessert recipes. This filling can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use a combination of tart and sweet apples such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
- Adjust sugar quantities depending on the sweetness of your apples and personal preference.
- Make sure to cook the filling long enough for the cornstarch to fully thicken the mixture to avoid a runny filling.
- You can add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for additional warmth and complexity if desired.
- Cool filling before assembling your pie to prevent soggy crust.
