Can I Use Unpeeled Apples for Apple Pie Filling?

Yes, you can leave the peels on if you prefer a more rustic texture. Apple skins add color, flavor, and a little extra texture to Apple Pie Filling. However, peeling the apples creates the smoother, softer consistency most people associate with traditional pie filling. If you leave the skins on, choose apples with thin, tender peels and wash them thoroughly before slicing.

What Is the Best Way to Keep Apples From Getting Mushy?

Choose firm baking apples and avoid overcooking them. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn apples tend to maintain their shape better than very soft varieties. Cook the apples only until they are fork-tender. Remember that Apple Pie Filling continues to soften slightly while it is hot, so removing it from the stove at the right time helps maintain a pleasant texture.

Can Apple Pie Filling Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes. Apple Pie Filling is an excellent make-ahead recipe. Allow the cooked mixture to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating it. Preparing it in advance can save time when making pies, crisps, turnovers, or other apple desserts. Stir the chilled filling before using it, especially if the sauce has thickened significantly in the refrigerator.

Easy Apple Pie Filling in 15 Minutes

Name: Apple Pie Filling
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped or sliced; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 4 teaspoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water, for the cornstarch slurry

Description

Easy homemade Apple Pie Filling made on the stovetop with tender apples, cinnamon, butter, and a sweet glossy sauce. Perfect for pies, turnovers, crisps, pancakes, waffles, cheesecake, ice cream, and other desserts.

Ingredients

Scale

4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped or sliced
1/3 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water, for the cornstarch slurry

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Instructions

Peel, core, and cut the apples into 1/2-inch cubes or 1/4-inch slices.
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat and stir in the cinnamon.
Add the apples, granulated sugar, and 3 tablespoons water. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
Cover and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly softened but still hold their shape.
In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water until completely smooth.
Pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan while stirring.
Continue cooking until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened. Let the filling bubble for about 1 minute.
Remove from the heat and allow the Apple Pie Filling to cool before using in pies, pastries, or other desserts.

Notes

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Golden Delicious apples are good choices because they hold their shape during cooking.
Different apple varieties soften at different speeds, so check them with a fork and avoid overcooking.
For a thicker filling, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and add a little at a time while the mixture is bubbling.
Brown sugar can replace granulated sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
Add a teaspoon of lemon juice for a brighter, more tart flavor.
Apple pie spice, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice can be used for additional warm spice flavor.
Cool completely before storing or freezing.
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the apples and ingredient brands used.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 109
Sugar: 17g
Sodium: 26mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 7mg