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–+ servings

Homemade Apple Pie Filling

Sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple pie filling made on the stovetop with tender sliced apples and a glossy, thickened sauce — ready to use in pies, tarts, or as a topping.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 6 cups apples, peeled and thinly sliced About 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
  • 0.75 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cups packed brown sugar
  • 0.25 cups cornstarch For thickening; mix with cold water to make a slurry
  • 0.25 cups cold water For cornstarch slurry
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Prevents browning and adds brightness
  • 1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Cut into small pieces, stirred in at the end
  • 1 teaspoons vanilla extract Optional, adds depth of flavor

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples to about 1/4-inch thickness.
  • In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly coated. Let sit 5 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth to make a slurry.
  • Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the apple mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften, about 6–8 minutes.
  • Stir the cornstarch slurry into the apples and continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2–4 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla until the butter melts and is incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Let the filling cool to room temperature before using in a pie or storing. Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

For a firmer filling for deep-dish pies, reduce the cornstarch to 0.20 cups. Apples can be substituted with a mix of tart and sweet varieties for best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
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