Make a delicious apple pie with this easy stovetop apple pie filling! This recipe will ensure the apples are full of flavor, cooked until perfection, and hold their shape and flavor. Or simply enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, either way, this apple pie filling tastes incredible.
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Why it's Yummy
- Makes the best apple pie - You can definitely make an apple pie with just fresh apples, however to ensure that your pie has the best flavor, and there is no gap between filling and crust, we precook the apples in spices, sugar and butter first.
- Easy and quick - it takes about 15 minutes for this recipe of cooked apples on the stove plus prep time which is almost nothing - just cut the apples and you are ready to go!
- Homemade - simply the best and healthiest than any store bought options!
If you like cozy recipes with apples you should definitely try these next Gluten Free Apple Cobbler, Fried Apples With Cinnamon or simply type word ''apple'' into the search bar.
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Ingredients
- What kind of apples make the best pie filling? - in case you need to make stovetop apple pie filling really fast with whatever you have in hand I’d say, go for it. Been there, done that! But it is even better if you have a combination or just one type of the following you should end up with guaranteed the best possible result: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Gala or Pink Lady. These apples are crisp and hold up exceptionally well during cooking. I have been also recommended to use Jonagolds, Winesap, Braeburn for cooking/baking (especially apple piec and crumbles) but have never tried it yet myself. Let me know if you do use these and how it will turn out!
- Cinnamon - the classic and hands down, the best option so far out there. And I do recommend a particular cinnamon that has a strong cinnamon taste, this one. These fried apples with cinnamon wouldn/t be called this way afterall! If you’re not a fan or don’t have it, then possible a mix of pre-made apple pie spice mix, allspice, pumpkin pie spice or similar should work as well. A little bit of nutmeg instead of cinnamon wouldn't hurt either.
- Butter - for more ‘’cleaner’’ flavor (if you can say that) use unsalted butter. For more intense experience, use salted butter, both will work here.
- Spices - all spice, apple pie spice or pumpkin spice are easy choices here and will work great!
Instructions
Place the sliced apples into a large mixing bowl, drizzle with lemon juice.
In a large heavy bottom, pot combine water, sugar, cinnamon, all spice, nutmeg, salt. Simmer over medium to low heat, constantly stirring.
Meanwhile, in a smaller bowl mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and pour into the pot.
Stir to combine until the mixture thickens.
Once thickened, lower the heat and add the apples, stir to coat, and simmer until apples are softened. Add vanilla and melt the butter in the pot.
Remove from heat and let cool.
Use this easy apple pie filling in your favorite apple pie, cookies, dumplings, and so on. Enjoy!
Make ahead instructions
You can make ahead this easy apple pie filling by simmering the mixture a day or two before. Same with apples, slice them ready a couple of days (2 days max), drizzle with lemon juice and place in a ziplock bag or cover tightly with plastic wrap. (Frozen apple slices work great for this apple pie filling as well. )Lemon juice prevents major browning but not all of it. It is totally fine because after mixing and cooking the apples with the spices and sugar there shouldn't be any notice of browned apples. the cooking process helps to eliminate this and they are as light and soft as they should be. Also, browned apples won't affect the taste anyway!
Tips
- Don't overcook the apples - Apples cook rather quick and you'll know once they are fork tender, they are ready. Cutting them in equal uniform sizes helps all the apples to cook evenly.
- Sugar - you can cut down the sugar amount and only use brown sugar without the white sugar, especially if using other apples that are sweeter than Granny Smith's.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet - this stovetop apple filling makes 4 cups of the filling and if you need extra, avoid overcrowding the skillet and cook in batches if needed.
- Wash the apples - you may already know this, but most of the apples sold in stores and markets are sprayed with a layer of wax to prevent moisture loss and make the apples more appealing. This should be properly washed off by scrubbing each apple with some soap and sponge.
FAQ
I hope you'll enjoy this stovetop apple pie filling recipe and if you make it, please let me know down below in the comments or by tagging @theyummy_bowl under your picture on Instagram.
Thank you for reading,
Love,
Julia
Easy Dessert Recipes
- Fried Apples With Cinnamon
- Pumpkin Caramel Sauce
- Coconut Caramel Sauce Recipe
- Red Currant Crumble Bars
- Gluten Free Apple Cobbler
- Gluten Free Berry Crisp
Stovetop Apple Pie Filling
INGREDIENTS
For Apple Pie Filling
- 4 medium cups apples cored and thinly sliced, peeled
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 ½ cup water
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- ½ cup white sugar
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon all spice
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or ½ vanilla paste
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon or more if you love the flavor
Cornstarch slurry
- 3 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoon water
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place the cut apple sliced into a large bowl and drizzle with lemon juice.
- In a large heavy bottom, pot combine water, sugar, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, salt. Simmer over medium to low heat, constantly stirring.
- Meanwhile, in a smaller bowl mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and pour into the pot.
- Stir to combine until the mixture thickens.
- Once thickened, lower the heat and add the apples, stir to coat, and simmer until apples are softened. Add vanilla and melt the butter in the pot.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Use in your favorite apple pie, cookies, dumplings, and so on. Enjoy!
NOTES
- What kind of apples make the best pie filling?
It would be great if you had a combination or just one type of the following you should end up with guaranteed the best possible result: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Gala, or Pink Lady. These apples are crisp and hold up exceptionally well during cooking. I have been also recommended to use Jonagolds, Winesap, Braeburn for cooking/baking (especially apple pies and crumbles) but have never tried it yet myself. Let me know if you do use these and how it will turn out! - Storing and Freezing instructions. You can keep the ready-made stovetop apple pie filling sealed and in an airtight container, jar in the fridge for 3-5 days. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
PRIVATE NOTES
Need a different visual? This recipe is also available as a story!
You will love making apple pie with this easy stovetop apple pie filling!