Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe
Introduction
This homemade apple pie filling is a delightful way to enjoy fresh apple flavor all year round. It’s perfectly spiced and has a rich syrup that makes it great for pies, tarts, or even as a topping for pancakes.
Ingredients
- 5 apples
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup corn starch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup water
- 3/4 cup apple juice or apple cider
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Core, peel, and slice the apples. Place them in boiling water for 1 minute, then set aside and keep them hot.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, combine the sugar, corn starch, cinnamon, nutmeg, water, apple juice (or cider), and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly until it thickens. Be careful to let it barely reach a full boil to avoid thinning.
- Step 3: Fill hot sterilized quart jars by layering the warm apples and syrup until nearly full. Run a knife down the jar sides to release any trapped air bubbles, then add more apples and syrup to fill.
- Step 4: Process the jars in a boiling water bath, ensuring water covers the jars by about 1 inch. Boil for 25 minutes to seal and preserve safely.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith to balance sweetness and maintain a firm texture.
- For a deeper flavor, swap half the water for extra apple cider.
- Make sure to keep the jars hot and sterilized to prevent spoilage during canning.
Storage
Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within two weeks. Reheat gently before using in pies or as a topping.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apple cider instead of apple juice?
Yes, fresh apple cider works well and adds a richer apple flavor to the filling.
How can I tell if the jars are sealed properly?
After cooling, the jar lids should be concave and not flex when pressed. If a lid pops or flexes, refrigerate and use the filling within a few weeks.
PrintHomemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe
This homemade apple pie filling recipe combines tender, lightly cooked apples with a sweet, cinnamon-spiced syrup perfect for canning or using right away in pies, crisps, or desserts. The filling is cooked gently and then preserved through a water bath canning process to maintain freshness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes plus 25 minutes for water bath processing
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 to 4 cups of apple pie filling (about 2 quart jars) 1x
- Category: Preserving
- Method: Water Bath Canning
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Apples
- 5 apples, cored, peeled, and sliced
Syrup and Spices
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup corn starch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup water
- 3/4 cup apple juice or apple cider
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Core, peel, and slice the apples. Place the apple slices in boiling water for 1 minute to soften slightly, then set aside keeping them hot.
- Make Syrup: In a pot, combine sugar, corn starch, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, water, apple juice or cider, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and barely reaches a full boil.
- Fill Jars: In sterilized quart jars, alternate layers of hot apple slices and syrup, filling almost to the top. Use a knife to run down the sides inside the jar to release any trapped air bubbles. Add more apples and syrup as needed to fill the jars properly.
- Process Jars: Place the filled jars in a boiling water bath with water covering at least 1 inch above the jar tops. Boil for 25 minutes to seal and preserve the filling safely.
Notes
- Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn for best flavor and texture.
- Ensure jars and lids are sterilized properly to prevent spoilage.
- The water bath canning process is essential for safe preservation if storing long-term.
- This filling can be used immediately or refrigerated for up to 1 week.
- Adjust sugar level based on apple tartness and personal preference.
Keywords: apple pie filling, homemade apple filling, canning apple pie filling, apple dessert filling, cinnamon apple filling, preserved apple filling
