basic apple pie filling recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
basic apple pie filling recipe
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The Best basic apple pie filling recipe

I’ve been making this basic apple pie filling recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s a classic comfort food that never fails to satisfy.

My family loves it, and it’s perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a holiday dinner or a quick weeknight dessert. I remember first learning how to make this filling from my grandmother, who passed down the recipe from her mother.

It’s a tradition that I’m proud to continue with my own children and grandchildren. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients: apples, sugar, flour, and spices.

You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste, but I find that this recipe strikes the perfect balance of sweet and tart. The key to making a great apple pie filling is using the right type of apples – I prefer Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their firm texture and sweetness.

Simply peel, core, and chop the apples before adding them to the mixture of sugar, flour, and spices. Cook the mixture over medium heat until the apples are tender and the liquid has evaporated.

This filling is versatile enough to be used in a variety of desserts – pies, tarts, crumbles, and even as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal. It’s also healthy in moderation due to the high fiber content of apples and the low calorie count of this recipe compared to many commercial fillings.

Basic Apple Pie Filling

Basic Apple Pie Filling

4.9 from 819 votes

A simple and delicious apple pie filling made with fresh apples, sugar, and spices. Perfect for your favorite pie crust or tart shell.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 250 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Filling

6 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 6 medium apples)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp lemon juice

👨‍🍳Directions

1Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin pieces.
2Place them in a large mixing bowl.
3In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt over medium heat.
4Stir constantly until the mixture is well combined and the sugar begins to melt, about 2-3 minutes.
5Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually add the lemon juice, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
6Pour this mixture over the sliced apples in the mixing bowl and toss to coat evenly.
7Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
9If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Saucepan
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 250 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0.5g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 150mg🌾Total Carbs: 65g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 55g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use a variety of apples for different flavors. For a sweeter filling, use apples like Fuji or Gala. For a tangier filling, use apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

This basic apple pie filling recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a holiday dinner or a quick weeknight dessert.

My family loves it, and it’s perfect for using up those leftover apples from your grocery store run.

Plus, with its high fiber content and low calorie count compared to many commercial fillings, this recipe is actually quite healthy in moderation.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Apple Pie Filling

What type of apples should I use for this recipe?

For this basic apple pie filling recipe, you can use any variety of apple that you like best. However, I find that Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work particularly well due to their firm texture and sweetness.

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen apples if they’re what you have on hand. Just thaw them first by leaving them at room temperature overnight or by microwaving them for a few minutes until they’re soft.

How long does this filling keep in the fridge?

This filling will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to store it longer than that, consider freezing it – simply thaw it when you’re ready to use it again.

Can I make this filling without sugar?

While you can reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe if you prefer less sweet fillings, keep in mind that sugar helps balance out the acidity of the apples.

What if I don’t have any cinnamon on hand?

You can omit the cinnamon from this recipe if you don’t have any on hand – just substitute another spice like nutmeg or allspice instead.

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