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The Best Homemade Stovetop Apple Pie Filling Recipe

A white bowl filled with glossy, spiced apple pie filling, showcasing thick slices of apple coated in cinnamon sauce.
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Create a glossy, perfectly spiced, and tender homemade apple pie filling on the stovetop. This easy recipe avoids watery results and is versatile for pies, crisps, or as a topping for pancakes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large apples (a mix of sweet and tart, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt in a large saucepan. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.
  2. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes. This allows the sugar to draw out some of the apple juices.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and water together until smooth to create a slurry. Set aside.
  4. Place the saucepan with the apples over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not let them become mushy.
  5. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the apple mixture. Stir constantly as the mixture comes to a simmer.
  6. Continue to cook, stirring, until the filling thickens and becomes glossy, about 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
  7. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the butter until it melts completely, adding richness and shine to the filling.
  8. Use immediately, or cool completely before storing or freezing.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use a combination of apples; Granny Smith provides tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji offer sweetness and hold their shape well.
  • If you plan to freeze this filling, cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 6 months.
  • To make this filling gluten free, this recipe is naturally gluten free as it uses cornstarch as the thickener.
  • This versatile fruit filling works perfectly as an apple crisp topping base or a warm topping for pancakes and waffles.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/apple-pie-filling-best-homemade-stovetop-recipe/