Description

This homemade apple pie filling recipe features tender, spiced apples simmered to perfection, creating a sweet and flavorful base ideal for pies, tarts, or as a delicious topping. Using a blend of Granny Smith apples, lemon juice, and apple pie spice, this filling balances tartness and sweetness with a luscious, thickened texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples

4 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (or your preferred variety)
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Liquid and Sugars

1½ cups water
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed

Spices and Thickeners

1½ teaspoons apple pie spice
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Toss the peeled, cored, and sliced apples in the lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside.
Cook the Apples: In a 3 to 4-quart saucepan over high heat, combine the lemon-coated apples, water, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and apple pie spice. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the apples soften and flavors meld.
Make the Thickening Mixture: In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth and free of lumps.
Thicken the Filling: Slowly stir the cornstarch mixture into the hot apple mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. The filling will thicken quickly. Once thickened, remove the pan from heat and allow the apple pie filling to cool before using.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
Lemon juice helps prevent apple slices from browning and adds brightness.
Adjust the sugar amounts to your preference for sweetness.
Make sure to stir constantly when adding the cornstarch slurry to prevent lumps.
Cool the filling completely if you plan to store it or freeze it.
This filling can be used immediately in pies, tarts, or as a topping for desserts.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Filling
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple pie filling, homemade apple pie filling, apple filling recipe, apple pie, pie filling