Apple Pie Filling Recipe
Yield: 10 servings
Calories: 159kcal
Prepare a delicious apple pie filling in advance to grab and bake it. It's so much better than the store-bought canned options.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds (681 g) granny smith apples
- 1 ½ pounds (681 g) honeycrisp apples, Fuji, or Braeburn
- ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons (15 g) cornstarch
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples - Peel, core, and cut the apples into ½" thick slices. Alternatively, cut into ½" dice for smaller pastries or to use as a topping.
- Cook the Apple Filling - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter, then add the apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Saute until apples are tender, but not overly soft and most of the moisture is released, about 8 to 10 minutes. For smaller diced apples, this will take about 5 to 7 minutes. Don't heat apples above 185ºF (85ºC), or they will become mushy.
- Thicken the Filling - In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water. Add the cornstarch slurry to the filling. Continuously stir until the apples are coated with the syrupy glaze, about 1 minute. Turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- To Serve - Use immediately for a topping while still warm. Alternatively, cool completely and store in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use.
Notes
- Recipe Yield: About 5 cups cooked apple pie filling.
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup filling
- Storing: Cool and store in a glass jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Freeze: Transfer to a large resealable plastic bag. Press out the air and flatten the filling, then seal. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost before using.
- Sweeter Filling: Double the amount of sweetener. Add 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
Nutrition
Calories: 159kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 33mg | Potassium: 157mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 216IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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Recipe Video