There’s something nostalgic about a slice of apple pie made completely from scratch, especially when it starts with this Homemade Apple Pie Filling. The warm cinnamon, buttery sauce, and tender apples create that cozy flavor everyone loves. If you’re planning to bake this filling into a pie, be sure to start with our Homemade Pie Crust for a flaky, golden base that complements the sweet, spiced apples perfectly.
Choosing the Best Apples
Granny Smith apples are a classic choice for pie because they hold their shape beautifully and have a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the filling. However, you can mix and match varieties for more depth of flavor. Try combining Granny Smiths with Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples for extra juiciness and natural sweetness. Avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious, which tend to break down too much when cooked.
How to Use This Filling in a Pie
Once your filling has cooled completely, you can spoon it into a prepared pie crust. Add a top crust or lattice design, seal the edges, and cut small slits in the top for steam to escape. Brush the crust with an egg wash and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 375°F and continue baking for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let the pie cool for at least an hour before slicing; it helps the filling set beautifully.
Tips and Tricks
- Adjust the sweetness: Taste your apples before cooking, if they’re very tart, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar.
- Add texture: For extra flavor and crunch, stir in a handful of chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel before baking.
- Make ahead: This filling stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before using in a pie or other dessert.
Other Ways to Use Apple Pie Filling
This filling is versatile! Try it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or vanilla ice cream. You can also layer it between cake layers, spoon it over cheesecake, or use it to fill hand pies or turnovers for a quicker dessert option.
Apple Pie Filling
Ingredients
- 10 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 6 tablespoons water
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sliced apples and water. Cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften.
- Add the butter and stir until fully melted.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, cornstarch, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Add the sugar mixture to the saucepan. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the apples.
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.
- Use immediately in your favorite recipe or store the cooled filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
This recipe is inspired by apple pie filling from iambaker.net.
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