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The Best Easy Homemade Apple Pie Filling (Thick & Perfectly Spiced)

A spoonful of rich, cinnamon-spiced apple pie filling recipe held up against a bright window.
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Make this easy homemade apple pie filling on the stovetop for a thick, sweet, and perfectly spiced result that beats store-bought every time. This recipe works great in pies, crisps, or as a topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium apples (about 2.5 lbs, use a mix like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Peel, core, and slice the apples into uniform 1/4-inch thick pieces. Place the slices in a large bowl and toss them with the lemon juice to prevent browning.
  2. In a large saucepan, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture just begins to simmer.
  3. Add the apple slices to the saucepan. Stir gently to coat the apples in the sugar mixture. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften slightly but still hold their shape. You want tender apples, not mushy apple pie filling.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the simmering apple mixture.
  5. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens significantly, about 1 to 2 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon.
  6. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of butter until it melts completely, adding richness to your sweet apple pie filling.
  7. Let the apple pie filling cool completely before using it in your pie crust or storing it. Cooling allows the filling to set to the proper thickness.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use a mix of firm, tart apples (like Granny Smith) and sweeter apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji). This helps prevent mushy apple pie filling.
  • To freeze this freezer friendly apple pie filling, cool it completely, then store it in airtight, freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. It keeps well for up to 6 months.
  • If you plan to can this apple pie filling recipe, follow standard water bath canning procedures for high-acid fruit fillings, processing quart jars for 20 minutes.
  • This stovetop apple pie filling is also excellent served warm over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishcraze.com/apple-pie-filling-recipe/