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Easy Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe

A mound of glossy, spiced apple pie filling recipe chunks served on a white plate.

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Make thick, flavorful apple pie filling on the stovetop using brown sugar and warm spices. This recipe tastes better than store-bought and works well for pies, crisps, or as a topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium apples (use a mix like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Place the slices in a large bowl and toss them with the lemon juice to prevent browning.
  2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until combined.
  3. Add the water to the dry mixture and whisk until smooth.
  4. Add the apple slices to the saucepan. Stir gently to coat the apples evenly with the sugar and spice mixture.
  5. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken. This usually takes 5 to 8 minutes.
  6. Once the filling is thick and glossy, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the butter until it melts completely.
  7. Remove the pan from the heat. The filling will thicken more as it cools. Let it cool for at least 20 minutes before using it in your pie crust or dessert.

Notes

  • For the best texture, avoid overcooking; you want tender slices, not mush.
  • This filling is freezer friendly; cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
  • If you plan to can this apple pie filling, follow proper safe canning procedures for high-acid foods.
  • Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor balance in your baking recipes.

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