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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prep the apples: Wash, peel, and core the apples. Chop them into approximately 1-inch chunks for even cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Finish with butter: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the unsalted butter to add richness and a silky texture (optional).
- 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
