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The Best Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe

The Best Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe

A buttery stovetop apple pie filling made with tender apple slices, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a rich brown sugar sauce. It makes enough for one 9-inch double-crust pie.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 9 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Apple Filling
  • 6 medium-to-large Baking apples, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4 inch thick
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup Packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice, optional

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Peel, core, and slice the apples into even 1/4-inch pieces. Toss them with the lemon juice if using.
  2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a smooth paste.
  3. Add the water, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir frequently and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  4. Add the sliced apples and stir carefully until every piece is coated in the buttery sauce.
  5. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften and the sauce thickens. Keep the slices slightly firm because they will continue cooking inside the pie.
  6. Remove the pan from the heat and cool the filling for 20 to 30 minutes, or until warm or room temperature, before spooning it into an unbaked crust.

Notes

Use a combination of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. Do not pour very hot filling into pastry because it can soften the butter in the crust and contribute to a soggy bottom. For a complete pie, bake at 425°F for about 15 minutes, then reduce the oven to 375°F and bake for another 35 to 45 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.