Description
Apple pie filling is a sweet, spiced mixture of tender apples, sugar, and warm spices cooked until thick and flavorful. It’s perfect for classic apple pie, crisps, turnovers, or even as a topping for pancakes and ice cream.
Ingredients
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 6 medium apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add water to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the sliced apples and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are just tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Let the filling cool before using in pies or other recipes, or store in the refrigerator for later use.
Notes
- Adjust sugar depending on apple variety and sweetness preference.
- This filling can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth of flavor.
- Cool completely before adding to pie crust to avoid soggy bottoms.