Print

The Best Stovetop Apple Pie Filling

Close-up of chunky, spiced apple pie filling coated in a thick, glossy brown sauce in a white bowl.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this easy homemade apple pie filling from scratch. It is thick, perfectly spiced with cinnamon, and uses brown sugar for deep flavor. Use this versatile filling for pies, crisps, or as a topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large apples (about 3 pounds, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick)
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare your apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into uniform 1/4-inch pieces. Place them in a large bowl and toss immediately with the lemon juice to prevent browning.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt until no lumps remain. This is your thickening base.
  3. Cook the apples: Transfer the apple slices and water to a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften slightly but still hold their shape.
  4. Thicken the filling: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Gradually sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the apples while stirring constantly. Continue to cook, stirring often, for another 5 to 8 minutes. The mixture will bubble and thicken significantly. You are looking for a glossy, thick sauce coating the apples.
  5. Finish the filling: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the butter until it melts completely into the filling.
  6. Cool: Transfer the homemade apple pie filling to a heatproof bowl. Let it cool to room temperature before using it in your pie crust or dessert. For best results when baking a pie, chill the filling completely first.

Notes

  • Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix for the best texture.
  • This recipe makes enough filling for one standard 9-inch pie. Double the recipe for a deep-dish pie.
  • Store leftover thick apple pie filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • For a crisp topping, simply mix this filling with oats, flour, butter, and extra brown sugar, then bake.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/best-apple-pie-filling-stovetop-recipe/