Description
This homemade apple pie filling is a deliciously spiced, tender apple mixture cooked to perfection with cinnamon and lemon juice. Perfect as a pie filling or served on top of pancakes, oatmeal, or ice cream, it’s easy to make using simple ingredients on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Pie Filling
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup water
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1½ tablespoons lemon juice
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water (for slurry)
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until completely melted and slightly bubbling.
- Add Ingredients to Pan: Add the sliced apples, ⅓ cup water, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir well to evenly combine all ingredients with the melted butter.
- Cook Apples: Cook the apple mixture over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the apples to soften slightly while retaining some texture.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water until smooth, creating a slurry that will thicken the filling.
- Thicken Filling: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet with the apples while stirring continuously. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the apples are tender and the filling has thickened to a syrupy consistency. Be careful not to overcook to avoid mushy apples.
- Cool the Filling: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the apple pie filling to cool completely at room temperature before storing or using.
- Store the Filling: Transfer the cooled filling to an airtight container such as a glass or mason jar. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor and to help the filling hold its shape.
- The cornstarch slurry is essential to achieve a thick, pie-like consistency.
- If you prefer a sweeter filling, increase the sugar to ½ cup.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine or oil.
- This filling can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- If the filling thickens too much after refrigeration, gently reheat with a splash of water to loosen it.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Pie Filling
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple pie filling, homemade apple filling, stovetop apple filling, cinnamon apple filling, pie filling recipe
