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Apple Pie Filling

Apple Pie Filling

Discover how to create the perfect Apple Pie Filling, a rich and smooth mixture bursting with the flavors of warm spices and tender apples. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers the ideal balance of sweetness, texture, and spice, perfect for classic pies, tarts, turnovers, and toppings on pancakes or ice cream.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits

  • 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced firm apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), about 1/4 inch thick

Sweeteners

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

Spices & Flavorings

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Thickener & Liquid

  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice your apples evenly into about 1/4 inch thick pieces to ensure they cook uniformly and retain a tender but distinct bite.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Toss the apple slices in this mixture until well coated to evenly distribute the spices and prevent clumping.
  3. Cook the Filling: Transfer the coated apples to a saucepan over medium heat. Add water and lemon juice, then bring to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally. This activates the cornstarch and softens the apples.
  4. Simmer Until Thickened: Reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often to avoid sticking. Cook until the filling thickens and the apples are tender but not mushy.
  5. Cool and Use: Remove from heat and let the filling cool to room temperature. Use immediately in your preferred recipe or store it for later use.

Notes

  • Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for better shape retention; mixing tart and sweet apples creates a balanced flavor.
  • Don’t skip the lemon juice as it preserves color and adds subtle brightness.
  • Simmer gently rather than boiling vigorously to avoid mushy apples.
  • Adjust sweetness gradually to suit your taste.
  • Cool filling completely before adding to crust to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

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