Fall in love with our homemade apple pie
Are you tired of store-bought apple pie fillings that are too sweet or too watery? Do you crave a homemade taste without the hassle of making an entire pie from scratch? Look no further than this quick and easy apple pie filling recipe.
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and foolproof apple pie filling that brings your desserts to the next level. Whether you’re topping a pie, making apple bars, or whipping up an apple crisp, this filling recipe is bound to be a game-changer in your kitchen.
But don’t just take my word for it. Try it out for yourself and see why homemade apple pie filling is the way to go. Trust me, once you taste the difference between canned and homemade, you’ll never look back.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something about the aroma of freshly made apple pie that brings warmth and comfort to our soul. The warm spices, gooey filling, and flaky crust all come together for one delicious bite. However, making homemade apple pie filling can be time-consuming and daunting for some. That’s where this quick apple pie filling recipe comes in to save the day.
Not everyone has a whole afternoon to dedicate to peeling and slicing apples, boiling a mixture on the stove, and waiting for it to cool before filling the pie crust. This easy stovetop recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes with just a few simple ingredients. Imagine having homemade apple pie filling without putting in all that effort!
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. You can use it as a base for your favorite apple dessert recipes: think mini apple pies, apple crisp, apple pie bars, or even drizzle it over ice cream. The options are endless!
Another thing you’ll love about this recipe – it’s made with fresh and simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Apples peeled and sliced thin, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, fresh lemon juice – all combined together to make the best homemade apple pie filling ever.
Plus, this recipe provides helpful tips on substitutions and variations so you can easily adapt it to your taste preference or dietary restrictions. For example, you can use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice if you don’t have any on hand or swap out tapioca for cornstarch if that’s what you prefer.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an easy recipe that’ll help you whip up a delicious apple pie filling in no time without compromising on flavor, then this is the one for you! It’s versatile, simple, and most importantly tastes amazing. Give this quick apple pie filling recipe a try today – your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
Let’s start with the most crucial part of any recipe – the ingredients! To make this quick apple pie filling, you will need the following:
- Apples: For the best results, use 6 to 7 medium apples or 4 large Granny Smith apples that are peeled, cored and thinly sliced.
- Brown Sugar: You will need 1 cup of brown sugar to add sweetness and enhance the flavor of the apples.
- Granulated Sugar: Along with brown sugar, ¾ cup of granulated sugar is required in this recipe.
- Lemon Juice: Both fresh and bottled lemon juice can be used. However, we recommend using fresh lemon juice to maintain a bright tartness. You will need 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
- Ground Cinnamon: A classic spice that complements apples perfectly! You’ll need 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Minute Tapioca: It acts as a thickener for the pie filling. Use 3 tablespoons of minute tapioca for this recipe.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and depth to the filling. Use 3 tablespoons unsalted butter while cooking the apples.
- Water: You will need up to 4 cups of water depending on how long you cook your apples for.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to give extra thickness to your pie filling. You will need 3 teaspoons of cornstarch.
Make sure you have all these ingredients on hand before starting this recipe, so you do not have to run out last-minute for any grocery store runs.
The Recipe How-To
Once you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to start making homemade apple pie filling. This recipe is very easy and requires only a few simple steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
First, wash, peel and core six to seven medium-sized apples, thinly slice them into bite-size pieces, and add them to a medium saucepan. It is recommended to use Granny Smith apples because their tartness nicely balances out the sweetness of the filling. However, you can also use other types such as Honeycrisp or Braeburn if you prefer.
Step 2: Add the Ingredients
To the sliced apples, add lemon juice from one lemon, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Mix all the ingredients together until the apples are coated with the mixture.
Step 3: Cook the Apples
Place the pot on medium heat and cook for about 12-15 minutes or until the apples become tender but not mushy. Occasional stirring will help distribute heat throughout the pot.
Step 4: Thicken the Filling
In a small bowl mix together 3 tablespoons of minute tapioca and 3 tablespoons of cold water until they form a slurry. Then add this to your cooked apples in your pot while stirring gently.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Continue to cook for another five minutes or until you get your desired consistency. The mixture should be thick enough to coat a spoon nicely but not too much that it hardens unto itself when set aside.
Congratulations! You have successfully made a super easy apple pie filling recipe on your stove top. You can either use this for our homemade apple pie recipe or simply store it in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking for ways to switch up this easy apple pie filling recipe? Look no further! Here are some substitutions and variations that will take your homemade apple pie to the next level:
1. Switch up the apples: While I recommend using Granny Smith apples for their tart flavor and firm texture, feel free to experiment with other types of apples such as Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just make sure to use a combination of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
2. Add some spices: Want to add some extra warmth and depth to your filling? Try mixing in some cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice along with the sugar.
3. Make it gluten-free: Cornstarch is a common thickener in pie fillings, but if you need a gluten-free option, try using tapioca starch instead. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend or arrowroot powder.
4. Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. Alternatively, if you have a sweet tooth, feel free to increase the amount of brown sugar or add some honey.
5. Use fresh vs bottled lemon juice: Both fresh and bottled lemon juice work well in this recipe. If you have fresh lemons on hand, go ahead and use them for that extra zing of freshness. If not, bottled juice works just fine.
6. Add other fruits: While this recipe is meant for an apple-only filling, think about adding other fruits like pears, berries, or peaches for added flavor and complexity.
7. Make it dairy-free: This recipe calls for butter as a means to create richness and add depth to the flavor; however, if you want to make it dairy-free you can substitute coconut oil instead of butter.
By switching up these simple ingredients, you can create a unique variation on this classic filling recipe- perfect for all occasions!
Serving and Pairing
Once the quick apple pie filling is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy! A great way to serve this apple pie filling is by using it as a filling for a homemade apple pie or as a topping for ice cream. The warm filling adds a perfect touch of sweetness to cold, creamy ice cream.
For those who are short on time, this filling can also be used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal. Simply drizzle the apple pie filling over your favorite breakfast dish and enjoy a delicious and nutritious start to your day.
When pairing this quick apple pie filling with other desserts, it’s important to consider the overall flavor profile. Because the filling is sweet and tart, it pairs well with desserts that also have contrasting flavors. This makes it an excellent candidate for pairing with dishes like cheesecake, pound cake, or even apple crisp.
Finally, for those who prefer savory dishes, this filling makes an excellent addition to pork dishes such as pork chops or pork loin. The natural sweetness of the apples pairs perfectly with the mildly sweet flavor of pork, making it a harmonious match.
Overall, this quick apple pie filling recipe is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Whether you choose to use it in sweet or savory applications, there’s no doubt that this recipe will become a staple in your culinary arsenal for years to come.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Apple Pie Filling Recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Once you have prepared this luscious filling, cool it to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers. You can store the apple pie filling in the fridge for up to five days or freeze it for up to three months.
When reheating from refrigerator temperature, scoop out as much apple pie filling as required, reheat gently on low-medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid overcooking or boiling the fruit to prevent it from becoming too soft.
For reheating from frozen condition, allow the filling to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before heating it using your preferred method.
This apple pie filling recipe is perfect for batch cooking and can help you prepare desserts in a snap! With homemade apple pie filling sitting in your fridge or freezer, you’ll be able to whip up a quick apple dessert without any fuss or stress involved in making an entire pie from scratch.
Whether you’re storing it away for future use or reheating leftovers, this apple pie filling recipe is a perfect make-ahead option that offers convenience without compromising on taste or texture. So go ahead and try this recipe today so that you are always ready to surprise your family and guests with a delicious homemade dessert in no time!
Tips for Perfect Results
Making the perfect apple pie filling is all about getting the right consistency and balance of flavors. Here are some tips to help you achieve that delicious fruit filling with ease using this quick recipe:
1. Choose the right apples
For the best homemade apple pie filling, granny smith apples are ideal for their tartness and ability to hold up well during cooking. However, you can also use a combination of sweet and tangy apples like fuji or honeycrisp for a more complex flavor.
2. Use fresh lemon juice
Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright acidity to the filling and helps prevent browning of the apples. Bottled lemon juice might work in a pinch but fresh is always preferable.
3. Thicken with minute tapioca or cornstarch
For quick and easy thickening, use minute tapioca instead of cornstarch. If you prefer to use cornstarch, mix it with some water before adding it to the mixture to prevent clumping.
4. Adjust sugar and spice levels to your liking
This recipe calls for a blend of granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a classic apple pie flavor. However, feel free to adjust these levels based on your preference for sweetness and spice.
5. Keep an eye on cooking time
To avoid overcooking the apples into mushy pieces, cook them until they’re just tender enough to poke through with a fork but still hold their shape.
Follow these tips and rest assured that you will achieve the best apple pie filling with this easy recipe!
FAQ
(9) FAQ:
Once you have made this delicious homemade apple pie filling, you might have some questions about the recipe. To help you out, I have put together a list of frequently asked questions and their responses. Whether you are wondering about substitutions or how to store the filling, I’ve got you covered. Check out these FAQs below to help ensure perfect results every time you make this recipe.
What is the apple pie filling made of?
Get ready to take your dessert game to the next level with this scrumptious homemade apple pie filling! Made with tart Granny Smith apples, rich brown sugar, warm spices, and delicious butter, this filling is simmered to perfection until thickened. Not only is it perfect for delectable apple pies, but it also goes great with a variety of other sweet treats and baked goodies. It’s a must-try for every dessert connoisseur out there!
Is it better to cook apple pie filling first?
When preparing an apple pie, it is essential to pre-cook the filling before baking. This technique guarantees that the filling is thoroughly cooked and neither runny nor undercooked when the pie is finished. Furthermore, pre-cooking the filling ensures that the pie’s top crust bonds seamlessly with the filling, avoiding any unattractive gaps.
What ingredient can be used to thicken your apple pie filling?
When it comes to making a fruit pie filling thicker, there are a variety of thickening agents that can be utilized. While flour and cornstarch are common choices, alternative options like tapioca, arrowroot and potato starch can also be effective in achieving the desired texture.
Is flour or cornstarch better for apple pie filling?
When it comes to thickening agents for fillings, both cornstarch and flour are widely used in cooking. Cornstarch, though, is preferred when one needs a shinier and glossier texture in the filling. This is because of its double gelling power as compared to flour. In contrast, flour can also thicken well, but it tends to give a more matte finish to the filling. Therefore, more flour is required to achieve the desired thickness as compared to cornstarch.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this quick apple pie filling recipe is perfect for when you need to whip up a homemade dessert in a hurry. Not only is it easy to make with readily available ingredients, but it also tastes incredibly delicious. It’s the perfect addition to any apple pie and pairs well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
The key to making the best homemade apple pie filling is using fresh and quality ingredients. Be sure to use apples with firm flesh like Granny Smith apples, and always choose fresh lemon juice over bottled lemon juice. In addition, using minute tapioca ensures the right consistency of the filling.
Moreover, this recipe allows for variations and substitutions that suit your taste preferences. You can add nutmeg, allspice or cardamom if you like warm spice flavors in your pie. You can also adjust the amount of sugar and lemon juice according to your preferred sweetness and tartness level.
Whether you are an experienced baker or just starting out, this quick apple pie filling recipe is definitely worth trying. With its easy-to-follow steps, helpful tips, and delicious results, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Quick Apple Pie Filling Recipe Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 cups apples, peeled cored and cut up
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons minute tapioca
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice or 1 teaspoon bottled lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine apples and sugar in large saucepan.
- Stir.
- Let stand until juice begins to release.
- Stir as you bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Boil hard for 1 minute.
- Mix in tapioca, cinnamon and lemon juice.
- Boil hard for 1 minute more.
- Pack into hot sterilized quart jar to within 1/2 inch from top.
- Place sterilized metal lid on the jar and screw metal band on securely.
- Process in boiling water bath for 20 minutes.
- Repeat for as many jars as you like.
- Makes 1 quart; enough for 1-9 inch pie.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.