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Homemade Apple Pie Filling with cooked apple slices in a thick cinnamon brown sugar syrup in a glass jar on a wooden surface with cinnamon sticks

Homemade Apple Pie Filling

Thick, glossy apple pie filling made on the stovetop with tart apples, warm cinnamon spice, and a smooth cornstarch-thickened sauce. Freezer friendly and ready in under 30 minutes for pies, breakfast, or dessert toppings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4 inch thick about 8 medium apples
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 1/2 cup apple juice or apple cider
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Equipment

  • Large Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Peeler
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Slice apples evenly and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  2. Whisk sugars, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt together, then whisk in water and apple juice until smooth.
  3. Add apples to the saucepan, bring to a gentle boil, then simmer 8 to 10 minutes until thickened.
  4. Stir in butter until melted, then cool 15 minutes before using or storing.

Notes

  • Whisk cornstarch into dry sugar before adding liquid to avoid clumps.
  • Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture.
  • Do not rush the simmer, a full 8 to 10 minutes is needed to thicken properly.
  • Freezes well for up to 12 months in flat freezer bags.