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The Best Homemade Apple Pie Filling (Thick & Spiced with Brown Sugar)

Thick, glossy, cinnamon-spiced apple pie filling slices served warm in a white bowl.
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Make a thick, sweet, and perfectly spiced apple pie filling on the stovetop. This recipe uses brown sugar for deep flavor and results in tender apple slices perfect for pies or as a dessert topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large apples (Granny Smith or a mix), 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 tablespoon apple pie spice mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon 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 with the lemon juice to prevent browning.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, apple pie spice mix, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
  3. Cook the apples: Place the sliced apples in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the water. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften slightly.
  4. Thicken the filling: Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture evenly over the apples. Stir gently to coat. Continue cooking, stirring often, for another 5 to 8 minutes. The mixture will bubble and thicken significantly as the cornstarch activates.
  5. Finish the filling: Once the filling is thick and glossy, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the butter until it melts completely.
  6. Cool: Transfer the apple pie filling to a heatproof bowl. Let it cool completely to room temperature before using it in a pie crust or storing it. Cooling allows the filling to set to the correct thickness.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use a mix of apples, such as Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness.
  • If you prefer a less spiced flavor, reduce the apple pie spice mix to 2 teaspoons.
  • This filling can be used immediately in an unbaked pie shell or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • For a glossy apple pie filling, ensure you cook the mixture until it reaches a full boil and holds its shape on a spoon.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyjade.com/apple-pie-filling-recipe-thick-and-spiced/