Rustic Apple Pie Filling with Warm Spices (Print Version)

Homemade Apple Pie Filling: My simple recipe for sweet, spiced apples. Perfect for your pies, crisps, or a comforting treat by the spoonful.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 6-8 medium apples (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp preferred), peeled, cored, and sliced
02 - 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, lightly packed
04 - 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - Pinch of salt

→ Thickeners

10 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
11 - 1/4 cup water

→ Optional Extras

12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice or cloves (for a spicier profile)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, peel, core, and slice those beautiful apples. I usually aim for slices about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick; too thin and they'll get mushy, too thick and they won't cook evenly. This is where I usually get apple peels everywhere, a testament to my enthusiasm, I guess! Don't worry about perfection, just get them sliced and into a big bowl.
02 - In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures all those lovely spices are evenly distributed. I've definitely just dumped them in before and ended up with pockets of intense spice, which wasn't <em>terrible</em>, but not what we're going for with a truly <strong>Homemade Apple Pie Filling</strong>.
03 - Pour the sugar and spice mixture over your sliced apples. Add the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Now, get in there with your hands (clean ones, obviously!) or a big spoon and gently toss everything until the apples are really well coated. You want every slice to get some love. The kitchen should already be smelling amazing, like autumn just walked in!
04 - Cover the bowl and let the apples sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This step, my dear, is crucial! The sugars will start to draw out the natural juices from the apples, creating a beautiful syrup. Don't skip this, I've tried to rush it, and the filling wasn't nearly as flavorful. Patience is a virtue here, honestly.
05 - Transfer the apple mixture, including all those glorious juices, to a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add the butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the apples start to soften but still hold their shape, about 8-10 minutes. You'll see the liquid bubbling and thickening slightly. This is where the magic really starts to happen for this <strong>Homemade Apple Pie Filling</strong>.
06 - In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the water until it forms a smooth slurry. Pour this into the simmering apple mixture, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the filling thickens to your desired consistency. It should be glossy and spoonable, not watery. Remember, it will thicken more as it cools, so don't overdo it!

# Notes:

01 - Always taste your apples before adding sugar – some are sweeter than others, and you might need to adjust!
02 - Don't overcook the apples in the pan; they'll cook more in the pie, you want them slightly firm.
03 - A mix of apple varieties gives the best texture and flavor for this Homemade Apple Pie Filling.
04 - If you want a richer, deeper flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of brandy or bourbon to the apples while they macerate.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large bowl
02 - small bowl
03 - whisk
04 - large saucepan or Dutch oven
05 - peeler
06 - knife
07 - cutting board

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 5g
Total Carbohydrate: 55g
Protein: 1g

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