Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe

Experience the comforting flavors of Easy Apple Pie Filling made with fresh apples, a blend of granulated and brown sugars, and aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The butter kissed apple mixture offers a glossy texture and inviting aroma that transforms any dessert into a warm, classic treat.

I’ve been making my homemade apple pie filling for a few years now and it’s definitely one of my favorite recipes even though it may not be perfect every time. I start with 6 to 8 medium apples that I peel, core and slice.

Then I mix in 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1/4 cup brown sugar and add spices like 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg and 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger. I also add 1/4 teaspoon salt along with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 tablespoon cornstarch to get a good, thick consistency.

Finally, I stir in 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to give it a rich flavor. I love how these ingredients create a filling that tastes just like a classic apple pie recipe homemade with a pie crust that so many people search for when they want an easy apple pie filling that is simply amazing.

Enjoy baking and sharing it with those you love.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a few reasons. First, I like how the spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger work together to give the filling a warm, cozy flavor that just makes you feel homey. Second, I appreciate that it’s super easy to make – the steps are simple and you don’t need a bunch of fancy ingredients, which is perfect for when I’m in a rush. Third, I love how the apples absorb all that sweet and tangy flavor from the sugars and lemon juice; they end up with a great, glossy coating that makes the dish feel extra special. Lastly, I enjoy that this apple pie filling is versatile, so I can use it in a traditional pie or come up with other creative desserts. Overall, it really makes me feel like I’m creating something delicious with just a few basic items.

Ingredients

• Apples: the main ingredient loaded with fiber, vitamins, and natural fruit sugars for sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: a basic sweetener that makes the filling taste delightfully rich and balanced.
• Brown sugar: gives a deep molasses-like flavor with extra moisture for a soft texture.
• Cinnamon: adds warm spice and a pleasant aroma that makes the pie filling inviting.
• Lemon juice: provides a tangy contrast that brightens the sweetness and deep flavors.
• Unsalted butter: adds a creamy richness, sealing in flavor and ensuring a smooth mouthfeel.
• Nutmeg and ginger: sprinkle subtle spices, bringing an extra layer of warmth and character.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 to 8 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

How to Make this

1. First, prep your apples by peeling, coring, and slicing them into even pieces.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, lemon juice, and cornstarch until well combined.

3. Toss your apple slices into the bowl and make sure they all get coated evenly with the spice and sugar mixture.

4. Let the apples sit for about 10 minutes so they start to soak up the flavors a bit.

5. Meanwhile, heat your unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

6. Once the butter is melted, add the apple mixture into the skillet.

7. Stir the apples gently as they cook for about 5 to 8 minutes; you want them to soften without turning mushy.

8. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens up and the apples get a nice, glossy coating from the melted butter and sugars.

9. Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

10. Use your homemade apple pie filling straight into your pie crust or save it for another tasty dessert. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. A sharp knife for peeling, coring, and slicing the apples
2. A sturdy cutting board to work on
3. A large mixing bowl to combine the sugars and spices
4. Measuring cups and spoons to get the right amounts of each ingredient
5. A spatula or stirring spoon to mix and stir the apples in the skillet
6. A large skillet for cooking the apple mixture on the stove
7. A working stove to heat and cook the filling

FAQ

Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have granulated sugar, try using coconut sugar instead. It gives a similar sweetness but a little more of a caramel taste.
• For brown sugar, you can mix white sugar with a bit of molasses (about 1 teaspoon per cup) if that’s what you’re stuck with.
• If you run out of cornstarch, all-purpose flour works fine as a thickener. You can also use arrowroot powder but use a bit less.
• Unsalted butter can be swapped with coconut oil or margarine, though it might change the flavor slightly.
• Lime juice is a pretty good substitute for lemon juice if you’re looking for a different kind of tang.

Pro Tips

1. Let the apple slices chill in the spice mix for a bit before cooking; it really helps them soak up all the flavors, but don’t let em sit too long or they’ll start gettin mushy.
2. Make sure your butter is melted and bubbly in a big skillet before you add the apples; if it’s too cold or too hot, you risk burning the sugars or undercooking the apples.
3. Stir the filling gently while it cooks; you wanna get all the even coziness without breakin the apples into a mushy mess.
4. Use that cornstarch like a secret weapon for a thick, glossy sauce—if it gets too runny, add a tiny bit more next time.