Easy Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe
This easy homemade apple pie filling recipe combines tender apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and a smooth cornstarch-thickened sauce. Use it in pies, apple hand pies, pastries, and simple desserts.
Print
Pin
Servings: 0
Ingredients
- 6 cups apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup water divided
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Peel and core the apples, then cut them into ¼-inch slices.
- Place the apples in a large bowl and toss them with the lemon juice.
- Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and ½ cup water to a large skillet or heavy-bottomed saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar begins dissolving.
- Add the sliced apples and stir until they are evenly coated.
- Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin softening around the edges.
- Whisk the cornstarch with the remaining ¼ cup cold water in a small bowl.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the apples while stirring.
- Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is thick and glossy.
- Remove the pan from the heat while the apples are still slightly firm if the filling will be baked in a pie.
- Stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract.
- Let the filling cool completely before using it in a pie or transferring it to an airtight container.