Is there anything more reminiscent of autumn than the scent of a fresh apple pie wafting through your kitchen? Just like a warm, cozy sweater is an essential part of autumn, this homemade apple pie filling is an absolute must for your baking endeavors. Are you tired of the canned stuff and want something more authentic and delicious?
You’re in the right place! This apple pie filling recipe is like a ticket to a flavor-packed, homey autumn day, even if it’s just the middle of summer. It’s a blend of sweet, tart, and spiced flavors that’ll make your pies, crumbles, and even pancakes an unforgettable treat. Ready to take a dive into the world of homemade apple fillings?
The Secret to a Perfect Apple Pie Filling
Everyone knows that the filling makes all the difference in an apple pie. It needs to strike the right balance between sweetness and tartness, with just the right hint of spices. Too sweet, and it’s cloying; too tart, and it’s a sour mess. The secret to achieving this delicate balance? The right blend of apples and spices.
Using a mix of sweet and tart apples helps to balance the flavors. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices. As for the spices, cinnamon and nutmeg are traditional favorites, but a hint of cardamom or allspice can elevate your pie to the next level.
What Apples are Best for Apple Pie Filling?
Not all apples are created equal, especially when it comes to pie filling. Some are sweet, others are tart, and a few are downright mealy. So, which ones should you use for your apple pie filling? Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are the perfect blend.
The tartness of Granny Smith apples beautifully counteracts the sweetness of the pie, while Honeycrisp apples offer a nice, sweet balance. This blend ensures a pie filling that’s not too sweet, not too tart, but just right.
Preparing Your Apples
Peeling, coring, and slicing the apples are the most labor-intensive parts of making apple pie filling. But with a little practice, you’ll breeze through this task. Use a sharp peeler for the skin and a corer to remove the core and seeds.
When slicing your apples, aim for uniform thin slices. This helps the apples cook evenly and at the same rate. Thick slices risk being undercooked and crunchy, while thin slices may become mushy.
Ingredients
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir in water and lemon juice.
- Add apples to the pot and stir until they’re coated with the sugar mixture.
- Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool before using in your pie, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later use.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Tips for Apple Pie Filling Recipe
If your apples are very sweet, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. Conversely, if your apples are very tart, you may need to add more sugar. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your preference. Adding a splash of vanilla extract can also enhance the flavor of your filling.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This homemade apple pie filling recipe is a game-changer. It’s fresh, flavorful, and free from the preservatives found in canned pie fillings. With the perfect blend of sweet and tart apples and warm spices, it’s seriously irresistible. Once you’ve tried this, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Fat: 0.3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.05g
- Sodium: 59mg
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2.1g
- Sugar: 44g
- Protein: 0.4g