A great apple pie starts with the perfect Apple Pie Filling. Sweet, buttery, and spiced with cinnamon, this filling is not only ideal for pies but also for crisps, cobblers, turnovers, and even as a topping for pancakes or ice cream. Making it from scratch is easy and far more flavorful than using canned filling.
This recipe uses fresh apples cooked with sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg, creating a thick and glossy filling. You can prepare it ahead of time, store it in jars, or freeze it for later use, making it a versatile staple for fall baking.
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups water (or apple cider for richer flavor)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and slice apples into thin wedges. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Step 2: Make the Base
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, water (or cider), cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook until mixture thickens and bubbles.
Step 3: Add Apples
- Stir in sliced apples and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until apples are tender but not mushy.
Step 4: Finish the Filling
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter until smooth. The filling should be glossy and thick.
Step 5: Cool and Store
- Let cool before using in pies or storing. Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Variation
- Caramel Apple Filling: Stir in 1/4 cup caramel sauce for richness.
- Spiced Apple Filling: Add cloves, allspice, or cardamom for deeper flavor.
- Boozy Apple Filling: Add 1 tbsp bourbon or rum for a grown-up twist.
- Chunky Style: Keep apples in larger slices for a rustic filling.
- Sugar-Free: Replace sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Cooking Notes
- Granny Smith apples provide tartness; mix with Honeycrisp for balance.
- Cornstarch thickens the filling; for a glossy finish, cook until bubbling.
- Always cool filling before using in baked recipes to avoid soggy crusts.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic apple pies, crisps, or cobblers
- Fillings for turnovers, hand pies, or galettes
- Topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast
- Layer in parfaits, cheesecakes, or trifles
- Warm over vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert
Tips
- Slice apples evenly for consistent texture.
- For canning, follow safe water-bath canning procedures.
- Make extra and freeze in small portions for easy baking later.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx. 8 servings)
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 39g
- Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 60mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Apple Pie Filling ahead of time?
- Yes, store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Q2: Can I use this filling for crisps or cobblers?
- Absolutely—it works as a base for many desserts, not just pies.
Q3: What apples are best for pie filling?
- A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp offers the best balance of tart and sweet.
Q4: Can I thicken without cornstarch?
- Yes, use flour or tapioca starch as substitutes.
Q5: How do I keep apples from getting mushy?
- Cook until just tender—remember they’ll soften more during baking.
Conclusion
This Apple Pie Filling is the foundation of countless fall desserts. Sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples cooked to perfection create a filling that’s versatile, delicious, and easy to make at home. Whether you’re baking a classic pie, preparing turnovers, or just need a cozy topping, this recipe will become your go-to for apple season.