Description
This Homemade Apple Pie Filling recipe offers a delicious and simple way to prepare a classic pie filling from fresh apples. With a blend of sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of lemon juice to keep the apples fresh and vibrant, this filling can be used immediately for pies or preserved by canning or freezing for later use. Perfect for creating traditional apple desserts with a homemade touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit
- 9 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into uniform sizes
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Dry Ingredients
- 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
Liquids
- 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 fresh.
- Mix Sugars and Spices: In a large Dutch oven or 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. Add 4 cups of water and bring the mixture to a low simmer, stirring frequently to prevent lumps.
- Cook Apples: Stir in the prepared apples into the simmering mixture. Cover and cook for 6-10 minutes depending on the size of the apple pieces—bite-sized pieces take about 6 minutes, while larger slices need up to 10 minutes. The apples should be fork-tender, and the sauce should have thickened.
- Cool Filling: Remove the pot from heat and allow the apple pie filling to cool completely before using.
- Store or Use: Use the cooled pie filling immediately in your favorite recipes, or preserve it by canning or freezing for future use.
- Share Your Experience: If you try this recipe, consider leaving a comment or rating to share your feedback.
Notes
- Using lemon juice not only prevents browning but also adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- Ensure apples are chopped uniformly for even cooking.
- The cooking time may vary based on the size and type of apples used; adjust accordingly.
- This filling can be canned using proper sterilizing methods or frozen for several months.
- If thicker filling is desired, slightly increase the cornstarch but be cautious to avoid making it too gelatinous.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Apple Pie Filling, Homemade Pie Filling, Apple Dessert, Easy Apple Filling, Pie Filling Recipe
