Description
This is the ultimate homemade apple pie filling — sweet, spiced, and irresistibly gooey! Made with fresh apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of lemon, it’s the perfect blend of tart and sweet. Whether you’re baking a classic pie or topping pancakes, these 5 secrets guarantee perfect flavor and texture every time!
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups peeled, sliced apples (about 6 medium)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Step 1 – Prep the Apples: Peel, core, and slice apples evenly. Toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Step 2 – Mix the Base: In a large saucepan, whisk together sugars, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and water until smooth.
- Step 3 – Cook the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and glossy (about 5–7 minutes).
- Step 4 – Add Apples & Simmer: Add the sliced apples and cook for 10 minutes, stirring often, until apples are tender but not mushy.
- Step 5 – Finish & Cool: Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla, and let cool completely before using or storing.
Notes
- Secret #1: Use a mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp or Fuji) apples for balanced flavor.
- Secret #2: Cornstarch gives that perfect glossy, thick texture—don’t skip it!
- Secret #3: Adjust sweetness depending on apple variety.
- Secret #4: Add a splash of apple cider for deeper flavor.
- Secret #5: Store in jars in the fridge for up to a week—or freeze for up to 3 months!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Pie Filling
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Keywords: apple pie filling, homemade apple pie, apple dessert, apple recipes, pie filling from scratch