I love making my Easy Apple Pie Filling because it brings a delightful blend of flavors to life using crisp Granny Smith apples, sugar and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. With each bite, the subtle kick of lemon juice and vanilla extract surprises me, making simple ingredients a sensational treat.

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I’ve been working on perfecting my homemade apple pie filling and i think it might just be the best homemade apple pie you ever taste. I first played around with 6 cups of sliced Granny Smith apples, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.

And trust me, when you add in 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice, something magical happens. I know it sounds simple, but this easy apple pie filling recipe has that classic apple pie vibe without being over complicated.

Sometimes i even tweak it with a little 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to really amp up the flavor. It reminds me of that apple pie with homemade crust i had at a friend’s place, and every bite takes me back to summer days.

Give this recipe a try and prepare to be delighted by its rich, yet uncomplicated flavors.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for so many reasons. First, it’s quick and easy enough that i can throw it together on a weekday without too much fuss. Second, i really dig the way tart Granny Smith apples mix with warm spices – it’s got that perfect balance between sweet and tangy that just hits the spot. Third, i like how versatile it is; i can use it as a pie filling or even as a topping for ice cream or pancakes, which means i don’t get bored of it. And finally, i appreciate that i can tweak the seasoning after tasting it so i can make it just the way i like it, which makes the whole process feel super personal.

Ingredients

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Apples: They give a good dose of fiber and vitamins while addin a tart kick that enlivens the filling.
Sugar: This simple carb is what makes the pie sweet, but use it in moderation for a balanced bite.
Flour: It’s not just a binder; it adds a bit of protein and helps thicken our lovely, juicy mix.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices deliver a warm, comfy aroma that makes every bite feel homey and rich.
Lemon Juice: It adds a sour sparkle and stops the apples from browning, keepin the flavor fresh.

Ingredient Quantities

6 cups sliced apples (preferably Granny Smith for tart flavor)

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

A pinch of salt

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make this

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1. Start by getting all your ingredients ready including those sliced Granny Smith apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

2. In a big bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.

3. Toss the sliced apples with the lemon juice and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.

4. Pour the apple mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until every apple slice is evenly coated.

5. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes so the spices and flavors can really soak in.

6. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you think it needs a bit more spice or sweetness.

7. If you’re using this filling straight for a pie, spoon it into your prepared pie crust ensuring the apples are spread out evenly.

8. Follow your pie recipe instructions from here if you plan to bake it, or enjoy the filling as a warm topping over ice cream or pancakes.

Equipment Needed

1. Knife and cutting board for slicing apples
2. Two bowls – one large mixing bowl for dry ingredients and another for tossing the apple slices
3. Measuring cups and spoons for sugar, flour, spices, lemon juice, and vanilla extract
4. A spatula or large spoon to mix the ingredients
5. Pie dish if you plan on baking the filling into a pie
6. Timer to keep track of the 10-minute resting period

FAQ

Can I use other types of apples for this filling?

Yeah, you can try using Honeycrisp or Fuji instead of Granny Smith, but they might not be as tart so adjust the lemon juice and sugar if needed.

Do I have to cook the filling or can I just mix it together and use it raw?

You can mix everything up and let it sit a bit to meld the flavors, but you'll normally cook it with your pie so it thickens and tastes better.

Can I prepare this apple pie filling ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a stir before using it in your pie.

What do I do if I dont have all the spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?

If you're missing one, you can try substituting with a spice blend or just stick to the one you have. It wont be exactly the same but it'll still be tasty.

How long does the apple filling last in the fridge?

It should keep well for about 3 to 4 days if you store it in an airtight container.

Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of granulated sugar, you can try using coconut sugar or even maple syrup – just be aware it might change the sweetness a little bit.
If you don’t have all-purpose flour for thickening, you can substitute it with cornstarch or tapioca starch, which work well in pie fillings.
You may swap the ground cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice if you’re lookin for a slightly different warm flavor.
For the ground nutmeg, a good option is to use a pinch of allspice or even a mix of a bit more cinnamon and a tiny amount of clove to mimic that nutmeg kick.

Pro Tips

1. If you got time let the apple mixture sit longer than 10 minutes so the spices really get to work and the flavor deepens a bit more.
2. Try messing around with a little extra cinnamon or even a hint of ginger powder if you’re feeling experimental, but dont go overboard or the spices might overpower the apple flavor.
3. When it comes to tossing the apples, make sure every piece gets a good coating of the lemon juice and vanilla extract so you dont end up with some bland bites.
4. If youre planning on baking a pie with this mixture, consider preheating the crust a little bit before filling it to help avoid a soggy bottom.

Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe

Recipe by Tina Bueller

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

185

kcal

Equipment: 1. Knife and cutting board for slicing apples
2. Two bowls – one large mixing bowl for dry ingredients and another for tossing the apple slices
3. Measuring cups and spoons for sugar, flour, spices, lemon juice, and vanilla extract
4. A spatula or large spoon to mix the ingredients
5. Pie dish if you plan on baking the filling into a pie
6. Timer to keep track of the 10-minute resting period

Ingredients

6 cups sliced apples (preferably Granny Smith for tart flavor)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
A pinch of salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Start by getting all your ingredients ready including those sliced Granny Smith apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
In a big bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
Toss the sliced apples with the lemon juice and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
Pour the apple mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until every apple slice is evenly coated.
Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes so the spices and flavors can really soak in.
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you think it needs a bit more spice or sweetness.
If you're using this filling straight for a pie, spoon it into your prepared pie crust ensuring the apples are spread out evenly.
Follow your pie recipe instructions from here if you plan to bake it, or enjoy the filling as a warm topping over ice cream or pancakes.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.