Smell that? That’s the smell of sweet, homemade, american love. If there’s one pie that will feel like a warm hug it will certainly be an apple pie, oozing with a perfectly spiced filling crafted with love. Store-bought products can be convenient but nothing can beat the satisfaction, flavor, and freshness of a homemade filling that can be crafted in a matter of minutes. This guide will show you step by step how to make an apple pie filling from scratch for an immaculate apple pie filling. Let’s get started!
Why make apple pie filling yourself?
TastCost-Effective and Economicales Better
Apple pie filling made in your house will taste 100% better than a store brought filling. Apple pie filling is of your house will taste made to your own sweet level. You can make the apple pie filling as sweet or as spicy as you would like which makes the filling taste more fresh and will make the pie better.
Control Over Ingredients
A quality filling from the store will contain cheap sugary, preservatives, and fillers that will taste better than a homemade filling. Remove all the unwanted ingredients by making the filling yourself. You can customize your apple pie filling recipe to meet your needs. You can add less sugar, syrup, or bring in organic apples.
Cost-Effective and Economical
Making your own apple pie filling is also budget friendly. During the fall, when apple picking is in season, apples are usually very cheap. Adding in other ingredients like sugar, spices, and lemon juice are just extra costs and pantry items. This allows you to create bulk amounts of apple pie filling for much cheaper than buying it in the store.
Choosing the Right Apples
Best Apple Varieties for Pie Filling
When deciding what apples to use for pie filling, you have to take into consideration what kind of flavor and texture you want. Different types of apples have different effects on the mixture. Some break down and create a softer texture in the filling and others stay whole. Some of the best apples for pie filling are:
- Granny Smith- This is a great apple for those that like a more tangy pie filling. This is a more tart apple that stays whole with texture.
- Honeycrisp- This is a more classic apple that is crunchy and sweet. This will have a more balanced flavor.
- Braeburn- This apple adds a bit more of a complex flavor. This has a little more of a spice to it which mellows out.
- Jonagold- This apple has a mix of flavor which creates a softer texture to the mixture.
- Golden Delicious- This apple is very sweet and is best when mixed with a more crisp apple.
Mixing Apple Varieties
Blending different apple types often produces the best results. This method helps create a complex flavor profile with balanced textures. Perfect examples are the tart Granny Smith apples and the sweet Honeycrisp apples. This combo creates a filling that tastes great and has the perfect texture
How Many Apples Do You Need?
On average, you need about 6 to 8 apples that are medium-sized to fill the apple pie. However, the needed amount can differ based on a couple of factors, such as how thick the slices are and the apple sizes.
Essential Ingredients for Apple Pie Filling
Core Ingredients
To create a classic apple pie filling, you will need the following list of ingredients:
- Apples: 6–8 medium apples that are peeled, and sliced.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar, in the amount of 3/4 of a cup (it can be changed on personal preference).
- Brown Sugar: a cup of brown sugar for added depth and sweet notes.
- Starch: All-purpose flour, or cornstarch, in the amount of 2 to 3 tablespoons to thicken.
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon.
- Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon for very slight earthiness.
- Juice: 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to balance out the sweet and to ensure that the apples do not brown.
- d. Sugar: a pinch of it to enhance the pie.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons for added richness (optional).
Optional Additions
Here are some great suggestions to customize your filling:
- Vanilla Extract: Add 1 teaspoon for some extra warmth.
- Ground Ginger: Add 1/4 teaspoon for a little extra kick.
- Ground Allspice: A pinch will add some more complexity.
- Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons will add a nice, unique syrupy sweetness.
- Caramel Sauce: Add 1/4 cup for some more indulgent flavor.
Classic Apple Pie Filling Recipe
Ingredients
- 6-8 medium apples (mix varieties when possible for the best flavor)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Begin by washing, peeling, and coring the apples. After doing this, slice the apples into thin even pieces, about 1/4 inch thick. Add the sliced apples to a large bowl for mixing, and add the lemon juice to prevent browning.
Step 2: Mix the Sugars and Other Dry Ingredients
Grab another bowl and add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and flour (or cornstarch), and the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and add a pinch of salt. Mix this with a whisk until completely incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Apples and Sugar Mixture
Evenly distribute the previously combined dry mixtures over the apples and stir thoroughly to coat each slice of apple. Let the mixture settle for around 15 minutes. The apples will release some of their syrup, which will help in developing a filling for the pie.
Step 4: Cook the Filling (Optional)
If you want to make the filling a little thicker and more cohesive, you can cook it a little before preparing the pie. Pour the apple mixture in a saucepan over a stovetop and leave it to settle for 8 to 10 minutes on medium heat, seasoning it with the butter. It will make the apples soften and draw more liquid, which will then thicken. Leave it to cool after taking it off the heat so you can use it later.
Step 5: Use or Store
If you want, you can use the filling on your favorite pie crust. Your apple pie filling can also be stored for later use (storage tips below).
Variations of Apple Pie Filling
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Filling
Decadent lovers will enjoy the mixture of the filling with a quarter cup of salted caramel scattered in. The sweetness of the apple pie enveloped with the salted and buttery richness of the caramel is delicious.
Maple Cinnamon Apple Pie Filling
For a more autumnal taste, replace half the sugar with pure maple syrup and increase the cinnamon to 1 ½ teaspoons.
Sugar-Free Apple Pie Filling
For a healthier treat, use a sugar substitute such as stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol. The texture may be a little off, so make adjustments to the thickener.
Spiced Apple Pie Filling
For a more rounded flavor, you can add a ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger, allspice, and cloves. This makes a wonderful filling for the holidays.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie Filling
Slice the Apples Evenly
If you leave some pieces thicker than the others, the filling may end up with some pieces that are fully mushy and some that are undercooked.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice
It prevents the apples from browning, and also adds the tartness that balances the sweetness of the dish.
Let the Filling Rest
Bite-sized pieces of apple might resist some of the added sugar. This step helps the sugar dissolve and creates a sticky syrup that makes the filling more cohesive.Add and Adjust Ingredients
If your filling is too runny, for example, you might add another tablespoon of flour or cornstarch. On the other hand, if your filling is too thick, you could add a small amount of apple juice or water, and that may help.
Pre-Cook for Best Results
Cooking the filling on the stovetop before assembling the pie takes the most liquid out, and thickens the filling. This way, your pie filling will be less likely to run and the pie slices will be able to keep their shape.
How to Store Apple Pie Filling
Storing in the Refrigerator
Place your homemade apple pie filling in an airtight container, and keep it in your fridge for 5 days. You will have to let it get to room temperature before you can use it.
Storing in the Freezer
If you want to keep it for a longer period of time, place the filling in a container or bags that are safe for the freezer. Your filling will last for 6 months in the freezer. When you want to use the filling, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and be sure to drain any extra liquid before you bake.
Canning Apple Pie Filling
If you like your pie filling to be canned, you can use the water bath canning method. Make sure to do the proper sterilization. Canned apple pie filling can be stored in a cool and dark place for a year.
Creative Uses for Apple Pie Filling
More than Just Pie:
Aside from pies, there are several other ways to use apple pie filling:
- Apple Crumble or Crisp: Combine with butter, oats, and brown sugar, and bake until the top is golden brown.
- Apple Turnovers: Fill a piece of puff pastry with pie filling to make a quick dessert and bake until golden.
- Apple Pancakes or Waffles: Warm up some pie filling and pour it over your pancakes or waffles for breakfast.
- Apple Pie Bars: Layer pie filling over a shortbread crust and top with a brown sugar streusel.
- Apple Pie Ice Cream Topping: Warm some pie filling and pour it over a bowl of vanilla ice cream for a delicious sundae.
- Stuffed French Toast: Stuff some soft French bread with apple pie filling.
For More Updates
Check out our website for more delicious apple recipes, seasonal desserts, and baking tricks.
