This homemade apple pie filling is way tastier than store bought. It’s also super easy to make and ready to fill your house with the sweet spicy scents of autumn!
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Homemade apple pie filling will always be tastier than store bought. But many of us just don’t have the time (or skill) to make our own. Or so we thought. This easy apple pie filling is as delicious as it is simple!
And even though this isn’t the fastest apple pie filling recipe, it is definitely the best…not that I’m biased or anything.
You’ll love how low maintenance it is. Throw everything in a pot and let the fragrant scent of fall permeate your home. And oh my god, will your home smell amazing for days after making these! That alone makes this recipe one of my favorites!
Should you clean your apples first?
Some say no. Some say yes. It depends on if you plan on making something from the peels. (There’s so many great recipes made solely with apple peels).
If you plan on making your own Apple Cider Vinegar from peels or making your own apple tea, I recommend you clean the apples.
If you don’t you’ll be leaving the wax coating on the peels which can ruin your apple cider vinegar and make some weird tasting tea.
There are several ways to clean your apples au naturale. I typically use the vinegar or dawn dish soap method from this post.
What Kind of Apples Should You Use?
I like using Honeycrisp apples for most of my recipes. They are just so, SO good…however, they’re like stupid expensive so unless I’m baking for a fancy occasion, I’ll use Gala or Fuji apples. These are less expensive here and I like that they’re sweeter than a Granny Smith green apple.
And I’ll be honest, I never use Granny Smith apples like they always say to in baking. First of all because Granny is greedy and likes to make me pay extra for her fancy green apples and I don’t feel like doing that especially because they’re rather sour in my opinion.
I also love using the pretty red peels from a Gala or Honeycrisp apples to make other recipes.
For real, nothing is better than enjoying a delicious (and nutritious) cup of apple tea made from the peels. And those red peels? Yeah, they make the tea a pretty pink and I promise that you’re going to feel so fancy and eco-conscious sipping on your zero waste recipe.
Check out the full recipe here!
Storing This Easy Apple Pie Filling
Since this is such an easy apple pie filling recipe, I normally make it when I’m ready to make my pies or whatever. HOWEVER! Sometimes, I’m feeling productive and such, I’ll try and get as much prep work done for the holidays done in advance.
So there are a few ways to store this apple pie filling for future use.
Because we aren’t using preservatives this apple pie filling won’t keep for a month in the fridge like store bought stuff will. It lasts about 10-12 days in the fridge depending on how hot and humid your local climate is.
But because we aren’t using preservatives it’s going to be extra tasty.
If you want to freeze the filling, I normally fill a mason jar about 3/4 of the way full to allow room for it to expand while freezing. Then I just allow it to thaw before using.
*Sometimes freezing and then thawing apple pie filling will cause the apples to be even softer. So if you aren’t a person that like too soft of fruit in a pie, reduce cook time to 20 minutes if you’re planning on freezing*
I have no idea how to can things. It’s on my learning to do list but I haven’t gotten around to it yet. But if you want to learn to do that, here’s what you need to know about canning pie fillings!
Easy Apple Pie Filling
Related Apple Recipes:
Zero Waste Apple Tea
Mini Caramel Apples
Apple Pie Fries
Holiday Apple Cider
Easy Apple Pie Filling
Ingredients
- 7 red apples of your preference
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1½ cups water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cardamom
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Peel, core, and slice your apples. Chop each slice into thirds then toss them in the lemon juice and then place them and the rest of the ingredients into a large pot. Stir everything together well.
- Over medium-high heat, bring to boil. Boil for 10 minutes then reduce to a simmer. Cover and allow to simmer for 40-45 minutes minutes stirring occasionally. When your apples are soft and tender. (If you have too much liquid uncover after 45 minutes and allow some liquid to evaporate for 10 minutes). Remove from the heat.
- Use immediately or store in a glass jar for a week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Notes…
This easy apple pie filling is almost always the first recipe I make for fall every year. Nothing quite gets you into the mood for fall like the sweet, spicy, amazing smells of the cooking filling.
So get out a pot and something to stir with, throw everything in together and allow the recipe to simmer. You won’t regret it as you toss it into your pie crusts, use it for fresh apple crumbles, or grab a spoon and just eat it as is. (Hey, I won’t judge).
And once you’ve made the best easy apple pie filling, bake your pies and all your tasty fall treats, take a pic, tag me on Instagram (@handheld_eats)! I love seeing you creations and really, if you don’t post it on the Gram, did it even happen?
And of course, check out all of our other fall recipes as well to keep that sweet tooth satisfied!
Also, for just for fun let me know what apple recipe you’re most excited to make this fall in the comments below!
Sharing is caring! Do you know someone who would would love the best easy apple pie filling recipe? Share this post with them!
See you soon, friends!
xoxo,
Angel
Just made these. Delicious,! Just added some nuts and raisins. First time trying a recipe by Natasha. Looking forward to trying others.
I’m so glad you enjoyed! 😊 I never thought of adding nuts and raisins, what a tasty idea! Thanks for commenting, Reena!