Learn how to make apple pie filling with this simple method & recipe! This is a low sugar apple pie filling so that the flavor of the apples really shine. Apple Pie Filling can be used in so many desserts and is a great way to use fresh apples when they’re in season.
You’re going to love this apple pie filling recipe. It’s super simple to make and absolutely fantastic for a wide variety of uses. The best part about this stovetop apple pie filling is that it tastes absolutely delicious, and dare I say it might even be the best apple pie filling recipe ever?
What is Apple Pie Filling?
Apple pies are a traditional pie filled with fresh or canned apples, seasoning spices, and sugar. Once baked it tastes like a little bit of heaven, especially when served with afresh scoop of vanilla ice cream! This low sugar apple pie filling recipe is a stovetop method, which gives a thicker filling than the cold mix methods. But don’t forget that while this recipe is perfect for a double pie crust, it’s also great for apple pie turnovers, cake filling, cobblers, or anywhere else you’d use a can of apple pie filling!
Ingredients for Apple Pie Filling
Ingredients for Apple Pie Filling-Firm Apples: You can use any good baking apples, but I prefer Honey Crisp, Fuji, Braeburn, or even Gala for a naturally sweet filling.
-Lemon Juice: This helps to add a little acidity, round out the flavors, and keep the apples looking fresh. We need 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to accomplish all of this.
-Water: Using 4 cups of water we can get the base for the apple pie filling.
-Brown Sugar: Making apple pie filling with brown sugar is a great way to add sweetness and a depth of flavor thanks to the molasses. We only need 1 cup of brown sugar to help sweeten this pie filling.
-Cornstarch: 1/2 cup of cornstarch will act as our thickener for this filling recipe.
-Spices: We need 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to get a good seasoning.
-Salt: Just 1/2 teaspoon of salt will work to enhance the flavors in this filling and make them taste great.
How to Make Apple Pie Filling
How to Make Apple Pie FillingWash and peel the apples. Cut into about 8 or 10 sections depending on how thick you want your apple slices to be.
Combine the apple slices in a large bowl with the lemon juice. Stir well to coat and then set the bowl aside.
In a mixing bowl, add the brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg, whisking to combine.
In a large stockpot, pour your 4 cups of water inside and bring to an almost boil. Add in the brown sugar mixture, whisking to dissolve. The mixture will be thickening as it cooks.
Add in the apples and cover the pot and simmer for 10-20 minutes. This time is dependant upon your apples and will vary. Check after 10 minutes. The apples should be soft enough that they are pliable, but they should also hold shape.
Turn off the heat to the stove, but keep the pot covered and let rest for 30 minutes. Transfer the apples to canning jars or freezable containers. This filling freezes well for up to 4 months. Enjoy!
Homemade Apple Pie Filling
Learn how to make apple pie filling with this simple method & recipe! This is a low sugar apple pie filling so that the flavor of the apples really shine. Apple Pie Filling can be used in so many desserts and is a great way to use fresh apples when they’re in season.
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Servings: 24
Calories: 85kcal
Ingredients
- 10 Firm Apples (Honey Crisp, Fuji, Braeburn, Gala)
- 2 TBSP Lemon Juice
- 4 cups Water
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch
- 2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
Instructions
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Wash, peel and cut apples into 8-10 sections. Combine apples in a large bowl and top with lemon juice. Stir well to coat. Set aside.
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Add brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt & nutmeg to a mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.
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Pour water in a large stockpot. Heat almost to boiling, then add the brown sugar mixture, whisking to dissolve. Bring just to a boil. Mixture will be thickening. Add apples. Cover pot and simmer 10-20 minutes. The amount of time cooking largely depends on your apples. Check after 10 minutes. Apples should be soft enough so that each individual piece is fairly pliable, but definitely still holds shape. I used Honey Crisp apples and mine took the full 20 minutes.
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Turn heat off stove. Keep lid on pot and let apples sit for at least 30 minutes. Transfer apples to canning jars or freezing containers. Apple Pie Filling freezes well for up to 4 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 85kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 54mg | Potassium: 93mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 41IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg
Can you mix apples in a pie?
Yes, absolutely! You don’t have to use just one specific type of apple in this filling recipe. Feel free to mix and match and play around with multiple varieties for that perfect apple flavor you know you’ll crave!
Can I use Red Delicious apples for apple pie?
I recommend that you do not. Red Delicious apples are a soft grain texture and are best for eating as is. Unlike baking variety apples, a red delicious will be “off” on texture and overpoweringly sweet if baked into a pie or turned into filling. It’s best to save them for lunchtime or caramel apple nachos if you’re looking for ways to use them.
Is this recipe canning safe?
Is this recipe canning safe?No. While you can use canning jars and lids to store your apple pie filling in the fridge or freezer, this recipe is not safe for home canning. Mostly due in part to the cornstarch as that is not an approved thickening agent for canning, another issue is the low acid in this recipe. That said, this recipe does last a while in the fridge or freezer and can still yield several pies, so it’s worth a try! 🙂
Check out these other Apple Recipes
Learn how to make apple pie filling with this simple method & recipe! This is a low sugar apple pie filling so that the flavor of the apples really shine. Apple Pie Filling can be used in so many desserts and is a great way to use fresh apples when they’re in season.
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