Everyone loves a classic apple pie, and this homemade Apple Pie Filling is a wonderful homemade treat perfect for any celebration. Not only is this great to go over pancakes, crepes, ice cream, or biscuits. It is a perfect filling to go inside tarts, pies, and even to mix into your vanilla ice cream for a truly unique milkshake flavor.
If you are trying to limit sugar, you can easily substitute your own preferred sweetener in this recipe to create a delicious but healthier version. We love this classic homemade apple pie filling just like it is, though. Give me a bowl with a spoon and I will eat it up.
Deep fry some bits of pie crust and spoon it up like you would if dipping a cookie into some frosting. Apple pie filling is a truly versatile dessert staple that you will want to have on hand all the time.
Simple Homemade Apple Pie Filling
Ingredients for Apple Pie Filling
- Apples
- Lemon Juice
- Brown Sugar
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
- Water
How to Make Apple Pie Filling
This recipe starts simply by peeling and slicing a few apples. I make it easier by using an apple corer. Since apples tend to turn brown pretty easily after exposure to air, you need to coat them in lemon juice to keep them looking fresh. In this recipe, the lemon juice works well and doesn't make them too tart either.
Next, you make what my grandma would have called a sweet gravy. With cornstarch, water, and seasonings you mix and heat until you have a thickened but delightful liquid going.
Add in your apples to cook until tender. You'll want to watch your sweet gravy making sure it doesn't burn. Sugary syrups do tend to burn pretty quickly if you aren't careful. This is definitely a dish you want to monitor while cooking.
Once your apples are all softened, you can pour them into a pie crust. Scoop into tart pans or simply store for use later. I love heating up a 1/2 cup of this and pouring directly over a scoop of my favorite vanilla bean ice cream or cinnamon ice cream.
What kind of apples are good for pie filling?
You can use any kind of apples you prefer. Some people have a favorite and stick to just that one type. Others use whatever is on hand. I like to use a firmer, tarter apple along with a sweeter apple. Granny Smiths and Red Delicious are the two I find myself using most often.
Can I freeze apple pie filling?
Yes! This recipe is freezer-friendly. Simply make as directed in the recipe card below & allow to cook. Freeze in a freezer bag or your favourite freezer friendly container. When you are ready to use it, place in the fridge to defrost overnight. Use just like you would a can of apple pie filling!
Can I can apple pie filling?
You may even want to try your hand at home canning! If it is your first time canning foods, I recommend getting the book, Ball Complete Book Of Home Preserving. It's a great step-by-step guide that teaches you how to safely home can fruits, vegetables, and even meats. It's ideal for helping you can your homemade apple pie filling.
Canning Supplies
Check out some of my favourite canning supplies
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For summer barbecues, family gatherings or just that homemade treat your family will remember you by for years to come. This homemade apple pie filling is a great pantry and refrigerator staple. Grab your canning supplies, and cook up large batches to can and store in your pantry when you find a great crop of apples on sale.
Typically apples are harvest in the late summer and early fall, but sometimes you'll find great deals in stores to take advantage of as well. This is a perfect recipe to portion and freeze or can for future use!
Homemade Apple Pie Filling
Ingredients
- 5-6 Medium Apples (peeled and chopped)
- 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Nutmeg
- Salt
- 2 cups Water
Instructions
- Toss the apples in a large bowl with lemon juice to keep them from browning and set aside.
- Pour cornstarch into a large saucepan and slowly whisk in water to prevent the cornstarch from getting lumpy.
- Mix in the sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Allow to come to a hard boil, stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
- Add the apples and bring back to a boil then reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 15 minutes or until apples soften to the desired texture.
- Cool completely before storing or using.
More Apple Recipes:
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome
You make it look so easy! Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner link up!
Carlee
Yum! There is just something about a homemade apple pie and I can think of a hundred ways to use the filling too! So good!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome
Thanks for sharing this great recipes last week on the What’s for Dinner link up – it’s been featured this week!! Make sure you grab a button!
http://www.lazygastronome.com/whats-for-dinner-sunday-link-up-107/
Reena Bansal
I’m 13 and made this with my brothers. Its really good and was so easy. Thanks for the amazing recipe!