Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe

I recently prepared a dish with crisp apple slices, granulated and brown sugars, lemon juice, and a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg. Each bite offers a simple blend of ingredients with natural goodness. This version of Easy Apple Pie Filling is my favorite seasonal surprise, where each note shines.

I recently tried making my version of a homemade apple pie filling and it turned out to be a game changer for my classic apple pie recipe. I start by preparing 6 cups of apple slices from about 6 to 8 medium apples, all peeled and cored.

I mix these with 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar. To brighten it up, I add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice along with 1/4 cup water and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to help thicken things up.

Then I throw in 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and even 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger if I feel like kicking up the warm spice flavor a little extra. This filling has that best homemade apple pie vibe and is super easy to whip up even if you’re newer in the kitchen.

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s really simple to make. I get a kick out of how quick and easy it is to throw everything together, even when I’m in a rush. The mix of sweet sugars and tangy lemon juice gives it that perfect balance. I also dig the warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg that add so much flavor without being too overwhelming. Plus, I like that the cornstarch thickens everything just right, making the filling ideal for my pies.

Ingredients

• Apple Slices: They’re high in fibre and natural carbs, giving texture and a subtle natural sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides quick energy with simple carbohydrates, adding pure sweetness though little nutrition.
• Brown Sugar: Offers a deeper, molasses-like flavor with richer sweetness and some trace minerals.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Brings a tangy burst that cuts through the sweetness and delivers Vitamin C.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Ginger: These spices warm up the filling with aromatic, comforting flavors and mild antioxidants.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 cups apple slices (about 6-8 medium apples, peeled and cored)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, but adds a nice warm flavor)
• A pinch of salt

How to Make this

1. Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into about 6 cups of slices and put them in a large bowl.

2. Add 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar right on top of the apple slices.

3. Squeeze in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and pour in 1/4 cup water so everything gets a little wet.

4. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (if you like that extra warmth) and a pinch of salt.

5. Mix everything together really good so that all the apple slices have a nice coating of the sugars, spices, and cornstarch.

6. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

7. While waiting, heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

8. Pour the apple mixture into the pan and stir it regularly so that it heats evenly.

9. Cook the filling for about 10-15 minutes until the apples are tender and the sauce thickens from the cornstarch.

10. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before using it in your pie or storing it for later pie making. Enjoy the process and happy baking!

Equipment Needed

1. A large mixing bowl to toss the apple slices with sugars and spices
2. A peeler, corer, knife, and cutting board for prepping the apples
3. Measuring cups to measure out granulated sugar, brown sugar, water, and lemon juice
4. Measuring spoons to measure out the cornstarch and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger
5. A citrus juicer for squeezing fresh lemon juice (optional but helpful)
6. A large skillet or saucepan to cook the apple filling evenly
7. A spatula or wooden spoon to stir the mixture during cooking

FAQ

Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Granulated sugar: You can use coconut sugar or even a bit of honey (if you do honey, reduce the water a little so it doesn’t get too runny) to sweeten it up.
• Brown sugar: Try mixing white sugar with a spoonful of molasses (about 1 teaspoon per cup of sugar) so you’ll get that rich flavor that brown sugar brings.
• Fresh lemon juice: If you dont have lemon juice handy, a splash of apple cider vinegar or even lime juice can work just fine in equal measure.
• Water: Instead of water, you might use apple juice or a light fruit cider if you want a bit more depth in flavor.
• Cornstarch: In a pinch, you can use all-purpose flour (roughly the same amount) as a thickening agent, though it might be a little less potent.

Pro Tips

1. When mixing the apple slices with all the sugars and spices, make sure you stir it thoroughly so every piece gets covered. If you rush it, some apples might end up tasting bland while others are too sweet.
2. Let the apples sit with the mixture a little bit longer than the 10 minutes if you have time. It really helps the flavors blend and can make a difference in the final taste.
3. Keep a close eye on the apples while they’re cooking. The sauce thickens fast and you dont want it to burn or get all lumpy, so stir pretty often.
4. If you ever feel bold, toss in a splash of vanilla extract or even a pinch more ginger. It can give the filling an extra kick without overpowering the apple flavor.