Best Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe

Introduction

This best homemade apple pie filling is a flavorful and easy way to create a classic dessert base using fresh apples and warming spices. Perfect for pies, crisps, or even as a topping, it offers a deliciously smooth texture and rich taste.

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced – about 7 cups chopped)
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/3 cup cornstarch (plus more if needed)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• Pinch all-spice (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Wash, peel, core, and chop the apples into 1-inch chunks. Place them in a large bowl and add the lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir to combine and prevent browning.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, all-spice (if using), cornstarch, and salt. Stir well until the cornstarch fully dissolves.
3. Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often, and continue boiling for 2-3 minutes to activate the thickening.
4. Step 4: Add the prepared apples to the saucepan. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and let the apples simmer for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples soften but remain slightly firm.
5. Step 5: If the filling seems too watery, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth to create a slurry. Stir it into the filling and simmer for 2 more minutes to thicken.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in the butter if using, for added richness.
7. Step 7: Allow the filling to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or jars. Refrigerate to let the mixture thicken further before use.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract after removing from heat.
• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith and Fuji) for a balanced flavor.
• If you prefer a chunkier filling, reduce simmering time slightly to keep apple pieces firmer.
• To make it vegan, omit the butter or substitute with coconut oil.

Storage

Store the apple pie filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this filling?

While fresh apples provide the best texture, you can use frozen apples if fresh ones are unavailable. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery filling.

How do I prevent the apples from turning brown before cooking?

The lemon juice in the recipe helps prevent browning. Make sure to toss the chopped apples immediately with the lemon juice and zest to maintain their color and freshness.

Best Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 61 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x

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Description

This Best Homemade Apple Pie Filling recipe creates a perfectly spiced and tender apple filling that’s ideal for pies, tarts, or as a delicious topping. Made from fresh apples simmered with lemon, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a touch of butter, the filling is thickened with cornstarch for the ideal texture. It’s quick to prepare and can be stored refrigerated for later use.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients

• 6 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced – about 7 cups chopped)
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/3 cup cornstarch (plus more if needed)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• Pinch of allspice (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prep the apples: Wash, peel, and core the apples. Chop them into approximately 1-inch chunks for even cooking.
2. Combine apples with lemon: Place the chopped apples in a large bowl, then add the lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir well to coat the apples, which helps prevent browning and adds brightness.
3. Make the filling base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice (if using), cornstarch, and salt. Stir thoroughly until the cornstarch dissolves completely to avoid lumps.
4. Cook the syrup: Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring frequently. Maintain the boil for 2 to 3 minutes; this activates the thickening properties of the cornstarch.
5. Add apples and simmer: Lower the heat to low and add the prepared apples to the saucepan. Cover with a lid and let the mixture simmer gently for 6 to 8 minutes until the apples are softened but still hold their shape. Stir often to prevent sticking.
6. Adjust thickness (if needed): If the filling appears too thin, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir this into the simmering filling and cook for an additional 2 minutes until thickened. Keep in mind the filling will further thicken once cooled.
7. Finish with butter: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the unsalted butter to add richness and a silky texture (optional).
8. Cool and store: Allow the filling to cool to room temperature. Transfer it into airtight containers or jars, and refrigerate. The filling will continue to firm up as it chills, making it ready to use for pies or desserts.

Notes

• The allspice is optional but adds a nice depth if you have it on hand.
• Use firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best texture and flavor.
• The filling thickens more as it cools, so avoid over-thickening it on the stove.
• This filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.
• For a smoother filling, you can mash the apples slightly during cooking, but the recipe favors chunky texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert Filling
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple pie filling, homemade apple pie filling, apple dessert filling, easy apple filling, spiced apple filling, pie filling recipe