Apple Pie Filling

Instead of starting with store-bought pie filling, discover how easy it is to make Apple Pie Filling from scratch. Invest about 10 minutes of prep time, let the spiced-up fruit simmer, and prepare to assemble your homemade pie (or a wide variety of apple desserts).

Course Pantry

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Total Time 45

Servings servings (1/2 cup each)

Calories 226kcal

Author Meggan Hill

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
3 pounds apples peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces (about 8 cups)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
6 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a Dutch oven or large stockpot over medium heat, melt butter until foaming. Add apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, water, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt and stir to combine.
Cook over medium until the apples are softened and cooked through, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely.

Notes

Tart apples: I recommend tart apples in particular since these varieties naturally tend to have a crisp texture that holds up well even after cooking. Plus, the tart flavor balances out the sugar in the filling as well as the sweet vessel you pair this mixture with. (See serving ideas below in “Recipe FAQs.”) Stock up on one or a mix of any of the following varieties: Granny Smith, Northern Spy, Braeburn, Cortland, Jonathon, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.
Sugar and brown sugar: Based on our testing, a one-to-one ratio of granulated sugar and brown sugar yields the best texture and flavor.
Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg: These powdered baking spices team up to make this Apple Pie Filling taste quintessentially fall. (As they simmer, this trio also acts as an all-natural air-freshener; infusing your whole home with tempting aromas).
Yield: This recipe makes about 4 cups of Apple Pie Filling.
Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Make ahead: The apples can be peeled, sliced, and submerged in water one day in advance.
Freezer: Apple Pie Filling can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Leave 1/2-inch headspace for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Nutrition