Time required
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Introduction
Enjoy the taste of a classic dessert at the comfort of your home with our homemade apple pie filling! This recipe is bursting with natural sweetness and tang from the apples, enhanced by the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. Not just for pies, this apple pie filling can also be a luscious topping for ice cream, tarts, or a sweet addition to your breakfast oatmeal.
Why Make This Recipe
Homemade always tastes better, and this apple pie filling recipe is no exception. You control the ingredients, ensuring there are no preservatives or additives. Use your favorite apple variety, adjust the sugar to taste, and enjoy the process of peeling, coring, and cooking the apples. Plus, nothing can beat the comforting aroma of simmering apples with cinnamon and nutmeg that will fill your home!
How to make Homemade Apple Pie Filling
Ingredients:
– 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples. Try to cut the apples into uniform slices for even cooking and a consistent texture in every bite.
2. In a large pot, combine the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add in the water and lemon juice into the pot. Stir all the ingredients and cook the mixture over medium heat.
4. Keep stirring until the mixture becomes thick, glossy, and begins to bubble.
5. Gently stir in the sliced apples, making sure all slices are coated with the mixture.
6. Let the filling simmer on low heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until your apples are nicely tender but not overly mushy.
7. Remove from heat, add the vanilla extract and let the mixture cool.
How to serve Homemade Apple Pie Filling
Once cooled, you have yourself a versatile and delicious homemade apple pie filling! Fill in your pre-baked pie crust and bake according to your apple pie recipe. Alternatively, use in apple tarts, turnovers, or as a topping for pancakes and ice creams.
How to store Homemade Apple Pie Filling
Store this filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about a week. You can even prepare this filling in large batches and freeze for later use. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to use.
Tips to make Homemade Apple Pie Filling
– Always choose fresh, firm apples for the best pie filling.
– Adjust sugar according to the sweetness of the apples and your personal preference.
– Cook over medium heat. High heat can cause the sugar to burn and low heat may result in an overly runny filling.
Variation (if any)
If you love a crunch in your filling, feel free to add some chopped walnuts or pecans. Raisins or cranberries could lend some additional sweetness and texture. Alternatively, you could switch up the spices, using allspice, cloves, or ginger instead of or in addition to the cinnamon and nutmeg.
FAQs
Q: What type of apples should I use?
A: Tart apples like Granny Smith apples work wonderfully for apple pie filling. They hold their texture well and their tartness balances out the sweetness of the filling.
Q: Can I freeze the apple pie filling?
A: Yes! Ensure the filling is completely cooled before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 3-6 months.
Q: How much apple pie filling will this recipe make?
A: This recipe is sufficient to fill one 9-inch pie shell. If you’re baking a larger pie or require more filling, simply double the recipe.