Make a thick, flavorful apple pie filling on the stovetop in minutes, perfect for pies, crisps, or toppings.
Author:Alice Carrington
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:10 min
Total Time:25 min
Yield:About 5 cups
Category:Dessert Filling
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
6 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4 inch thick
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
Combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in a medium saucepan. Whisk these dry ingredients together well.
Stir in the water and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth.
Add the sliced apples to the saucepan and toss gently to coat them evenly with the sugar and spice mixture.
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken, about 5 to 8 minutes. The apples should soften slightly but retain some shape.
Once the filling is thick and bubbling, remove it from the heat. Stir in the butter until it melts completely.
Let the filling cool completely before using it in a pie crust or storing it. Cooling helps the filling set to its final thick texture.
Notes
For a thicker result, allow the filling to cool completely before use; it sets up as it cools.
This filling freezes well for up to 6 months. Cool completely, then store in airtight, freezer-safe containers.
Use this filling as a topping for pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or vanilla ice cream.
If you prefer a softer apple texture, simmer for 2-3 minutes longer, but avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.