Rustic Homemade Apple Pie Filling for Pies & Crumbles (Print Version)

Craft delicious Homemade Apple Pie Filling with fresh apples, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for pies, crisps, or just a spoon!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 6 medium crisp apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced 1/2-inch thick
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - Pinch of salt

→ Thickener

07 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
08 - 2 tablespoons cold water

→ Optional Extras

09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those apples ready. I usually peel, core, and slice them into about 1/2-inch thick pieces. Honestly, this is where my kitchen gets a bit messy with peels everywhere, but it's part of the fun, right? I aim for somewhat uniform slices so they cook evenly, though a few chunky bits are totally welcome for texture. I love the crisp sound of the knife going through a fresh apple!
02 - In a large bowl, toss your sliced apples with the granulated sugar and fresh lemon juice. Give it a good stir to make sure every apple slice is coated. This step, called macerating, helps draw out some of the apple's natural juices, creating a lovely base for your Homemade Apple Pie Filling. I usually let it sit for about 10-15 minutes while I gather the rest of my ingredients; it’s a little waiting game, but worth it.
03 - Pour the apple mixture into a large pot or Dutch oven and set it over medium heat. Stir it occasionally, and you'll start to see those juices really come out and bubble. The kitchen begins to smell absolutely incredible at this point—that sweet apple aroma is just heavenly! I usually cook it for about 5-7 minutes, just until the apples start to soften slightly but are still firm. Don't let them turn into mush yet!
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a couple tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. This prevents lumps, which I learned the hard way once when I just dumped it straight into the hot apples—oops! Pour this slurry into your simmering apples, along with the cinnamon, nutmeg, and that essential pinch of salt. Stir well to combine everything and watch the magic happen as it starts to thicken.
05 - Continue to cook the Homemade Apple Pie Filling, stirring gently, for another 5-10 minutes. You'll notice the sauce becoming thick and glossy, coating the apples beautifully. The apples should be tender but still have a slight bite—we’re not making applesauce here! This is where you can sneak a taste and adjust the sweetness or spices if you feel it needs a little something extra. Trust your taste buds!
06 - Once your filling reaches that perfect consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in the optional vanilla extract, if you're using it. Transfer the Homemade Apple Pie Filling to a heatproof bowl or jar and let it cool completely. It will thicken even more as it cools. Honestly, resisting the urge to eat it all straight from the pot is the hardest part of this entire recipe!

# Notes:

01 - Always use a mix of firm, crisp apples for the best texture and flavor.
02 - Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer.
03 - If you're out of cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour, but double the amount and expect a slightly cloudier filling.
04 - Serve warm over ice cream or stirred into oatmeal for a delicious treat, not just in pies!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot or Dutch oven
02 - large mixing bowl
03 - whisk
04 - peeler
05 - knife
06 - cutting board

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 150
Total Fat: 0g
Total Carbohydrate: 38g
Protein: 0g

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