How To Make Apple Pie Filling

An overhead image of apple pie filling in a raw pie crust with apples and cinnamon sticks around it.

How To Make Apple Pie Filling

I'm going to show you how to make apple pie filling that is warm, cozy, and packed with cinnamon-spiced flavor. It comes together in under 25 minutes and brings that homemade, nostalgic touch to every bite. Simple, sweet, and perfect for fall.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Diet Low Salt

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 12

Cooling time 10

Total Time 22

Servings servings

Calories 118kcal

Author Jessy Freimann

Equipment

Ingredients

8 cups apples peeled, cored and sliced- about 5 pounds- I prefer RubyFrost.
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup water
1 Tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

Place apples, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon water and cornstarch into a skillet over medium high heat. Stir well to combine.
Once the mixture starts bubbling, reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes or until the apples have softened a bit (be aware, they will soften a bit more during baking).
Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool a bit before assembling your pie and bake per pie crust package directions. Cool fully and serve.

Video

Notes

Use firm apples. Softer apples can break down too much, so stick with baking varieties that hold their shape.
Cut apples evenly. Slices that are roughly the same thickness will cook at the same rate and give you a perfect texture.
Don’t skip the lemon juice. It keeps the apples bright and balances the sweetness.
Go big on cinnamon. If you love that warm spice, don’t be shy… a little extra never hurts. That cozy flavor makes this the best apple pie filling recipe in my book.
Add a buttery touch. Top the filling with small pieces of salted butter before adding the top crust and baking for extra richness.
Slightly cooled filling prevents soggy crust, whether you’re using homemade dough, frozen pie crust, or puff pastry.
Ingredients to prep ahead- Peel and slice the apples, and measure your sugar and spices in advance for quick assembly.
Leftovers and storage- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition