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Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe

5 from 81 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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