Description
This easy Apple Pie Filling recipe offers a quick and delicious way to create a homemade fruit filling perfect for pies, tarts, or as a topping for desserts. Made with fresh apples cooked gently with cinnamon, sugar, and butter, then thickened with cornstarch, it delivers warm, comforting flavors in just minutes.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 4 medium apples
Sweeteners & Spices
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Liquids & Fats
- 3 tablespoons water (for cooking apples)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
Thickener
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and chop or slice the apples into small pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Melt Butter and Add Cinnamon: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the cinnamon to infuse the butter with spice.
- Cook Apples and Sugar Mixture: Add the chopped apples, sugar, and 3 tablespoons of water to the pan. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 6 minutes until the apples start to soften but are still slightly firm.
- Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add this to the cooking apples while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking the mixture until the apples are soft but not mushy and the filling has thickened.
- Finish and Cool: Let the filling bubble for about 1 minute to fully activate the cornstarch thickener. Remove from heat and allow to cool before using in pies, tarts, or as desired.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
- Adjust sugar to taste, depending on the sweetness of your apples.
- This filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Stir the filling occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking or burning.
- If you prefer a smoother filling, mash some of the apples after cooking.
