Easy Apple Pie Filling Recipe

Easy Homemade Apple Pie Filling recipe is made using Granny Smith apples, sugar, cornstarch, spices, and of course lots of butter. It is simmered until thickened and then you can use it to make your favorite Apple Pie and many other recipes such as Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars or Apple Hand Pies

Homemade Apple Pie Filling that you make from scratch is so much more amazing that the ones that we buy at stores. And, the beautiful fall season is totally incomplete without some classic apple pies.

If you ask anyone what their favorite pie is, they'll probably answer apple pie. The natural sweetness of apples makes for an excellent pie filling.

But since most people end up using canned apple filling, they are not able to make the best apple pie filling that everyone deserves to have! So we are here with the most concise guide to making apple pie filling from scratch!

Jump to:

• What's wrong with canned Apple filling?
• What do you need to make a Thick Apple Pie filling?
• Ingredients:
• What kind Apples should I choose to make Best American Apple Pie Filling?
• How to Make Apple Pie Filling?
• How to Store Apple Pie Filling?
• Can we Freeze Apple Pie Filling?
• Tips to make The Best Apple Pie Filling
• More Decadent Apple Recipes
• Easy Apple Pie Filling Recipe

What's wrong with canned Apple filling?

There's nothing wrong with using canned apple filling if you are on a tight schedule. It's a convenient and easy option undoubtedly.

But it's definitely not a better option than a homemade apple filling, because here you'll be able to control the ingredients and sweetness of the filling.

Something that you cannot do with a canned apple filling. You'll also be able to avoid all the preservatives and artificial taste enhancers just by making apple pie filling at home!

What do you need to make a Thick Apple Pie filling?

The ingredients list for making an apple pie is very simple. And you don't need a bazillion number of tools to get your apples peeled and cut.

Of course you can do your own adjustments to the apple pie filling according to your taste preferences, but if you are a beginner then this ingredient list is the best place to start!

Ingredients:

• Apples

The most basic part of the recipe, obviously. You need to make sure that the apples are washed, their cores are removed. Then peel and slice them into moderately thin slices. Also pat the apple slices with paper towels, that will help take away some of their moisture. Too much wetness can ruin your filling.

• Lemon Juice

Adding a bit of sour element to sweet dessert helps in cutting all the excessive sweetness. You can use citric acid as well, but we suggest you go for lemon juice as it also makes for a good combination with apples!

• Brown Sugar

You're not using brown sugar here just for adding sweetness. Brown sugar is known best for giving pie fillings a nice caramelized colour, something that you want your apple filling to have.

In addition to this brown sugar also has notes of deep molasses like flavor, something that you'll love in your filling!

• Granulated Sugar

Apples are not that sweet naturally, and brown sugar is just not enough to make up for it. So you might want to add a bit of granulated sugar to tip the scale of sweetness in your apple pie filling!

• Cinnamon and Nutmeg

While an apple pie filling is not that heavy in spices like say a pumpkin pie filling, it can still use love from these two special spices. Not only will it enhance the taste, they'll also give your pie filling a delicious fragrance.

• Cornstarch

You want your filling to set when you use it for making an apple pie. Cornstarch will help with that. Or alternatively you can also use arrowroot powder!

• Salt

A bit of saltiness always helps in sweet dishes, and apple pie filling is no exception. You can use either regular table salt or if you want to be really fancy, Himalayan pink salt is always an option for you!

• Apple Cider

A good apple pie filling would have a delicious sauce that covers all the apple slices. Adding some apple cider will help that sauce to not only taste like apples but also make it thick and rich in texture!

• Butter

Make sure that you warm your butter over stove top and liquify it before adding it into the apple pie filling's mix. Also, if you want to make your apple pie filling healthy with less fat, skipping butter is always an option!

What kind Apples should I choose to make Best American Apple Pie Filling?

You'll want apples that are both tart-y and sweet to make your apple pie filling balanced in its taste.

We highly recommend using Gala or Granny apples for their tart-y sweetness and perfect level of crispness with no mushiness! You can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji or Golden Delicious or Red Delicious apples.

Gala, Fuji, Golden, and Red Delicious will help you make a sweet apple pie filling.

Whereas, Granny Smith or Pink Lady or McIntosh to make a tarty apple pie filling.

I like tarty apple pie filling therefore I choose Granny Smith Apples.

How to Make Apple Pie Filling?

Making apple pie filling can seem like a lot of work at the beginning, but it gets easier as you continue and practice! And with our steps to making apple pie filling, you'll become a master of it in no time!

• Peel, core and slice apples.

• Place apples in a bowl and stir with lemon juice.
• Place water, apple cider vinegar, cornstarch, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and kosher salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently and bring it to a slow boil over medium heat.Simmer gently over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes stirring often.
• Stir in apples. Cover the saucepan with a lid and cook until the apples soften (but not become mushy) at least 5-6 minutes, stirring often. The filling will further thicken as it cools down. So, don't overcook.

• Pour it in a glass jar. Cool it down to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate.

You can make recipes like Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars with Maple Glaze or Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake or Stuffed Baked Apples with Walnuts, Raisins, and Cranberries

How to Store Apple Pie Filling?

Apple pie filling is pretty high in its sugar percentage, so you can keep it inside your fridge for quite a while if you store it properly. To store your apple pie filling the right way all you need is an air-tight glass container or jar. Just pack your apple pie filling inside the jar and keep it in the crisper shelf of your fridge. This way you can expect your apple pie filling to last at least three days, and at most a week. Don't use plastic, as that can affect the taste of the filling.

Can we Freeze Apple Pie Filling?

Yes you can! Apples are a seasonal fruit, so it's definitely a good idea to freeze the filling. That way you can make an apple pie anytime of the year!

1. Use a freezer safe bag to seal your apple pie filling. They are non-toxic and specifically made to freeze food items.
2. Pack in the apple pie filling in the bag and seal it air-tight with no air left inside. Make sure you are making multiple batches to make the most of it!
3. Keep the stacks of sealed bags in the freezer and leave it there for a day so they can completely freeze. Expect these frozen bags of apple pie filling to easily last three-five months!
4. If you want to use frozen apple pie filling, just let them thaw in the warmer side of the fridge for a day or two. Then you can use it for any recipe you want safely!

Apple pie is the best comfort food to cheer up anyone! Even the Queen of England can appreciate a slice of apple pie! So if you want to impress anyone with your cooking skills, maybe this guide to making the perfect homemade apple filling will help you make a perfect pie for that special someone!

Tips to make The Best Apple Pie Filling

• Cut apples uniformly. This will make sure that they cook evenly.
• Always use freshly grated Nutmeg for to make the Best Apple Pie Filling.
• I have used Apple Cider vinegar for a rich taste and texture. You can skip it if you like.
• You can store Homemade Apple Pie Filling for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and for up to 2 months in the freezer.
• Don't overcook apples. Cook just until they become soft.
• Don't worry about apple pie filling being thick. It will thicken further when it cools down.

More Decadent Apple Recipes

• Apple Sheet Cake with Salted Caramel Frosting
• Apple Crisp Baked Brie
• New York-Style Apple Crumb Pie
• No-Bake Apple Coconut Squares
• Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Pecan Nuts