Creating your own Apple Pie Filling is a delightful blend of comforting spices perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness. Crafting this filling is a breeze, requiring only a handful of ingredients for a homemade treat!
Don’t you just adore fruit pies? There’s something incredibly special about homemade pies, with apple pie holding a particularly cherished place in my heart. After all, it’s the quintessential American pie, isn’t it?
My apple pie filling recipe yields a generous amount of delectable, sweet sauce, reminiscent of caramel. It differs from the filling in my classic apple pie recipe, which is more reminiscent of sautéed apples rather than the typical canned apple pie filling.
This particular recipe leans towards the canned apple pie filling style, featuring plenty of delightful caramel-like sauce. I must confess, I adore them both! Not only is this recipe perfect for Thanksgiving pies, but it also adds a delightful touch to oatmeal and any dish that calls for canned apple pie filling!
Ingredients you’ll need
Ingredient Notes:
Apples: While many apple pie enthusiasts swear by the tartness of Granny Smith apples, I’ve found Gala apples to be just as delightful, especially for those with a preference for milder flavors like my kids. They work wonderfully well in creating a more subtle apple pie filling.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Rest assured, the addition of apple cider vinegar won’t overwhelm the filling with a vinegary taste. Instead, it provides an extra layer of depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Personally, I find that even a small touch of apple cider vinegar makes a noticeable difference, elevating the pie to an extra level of deliciousness!
Apple Pie Spice: In the absence of apple pie spice, fear not! You can easily create your own blend by combining ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon with pinches of allspice, ginger, cloves, and a hint of nutmeg. Feel free to adjust the proportions based on your preferences, but be cautious not to overpower the filling with too much spice. Alternatively, if you’re partial to cinnamon, simply use a bit more of it for a classic flavor twist.
Creating Apple Pie Filling:
Begin by peeling and slicing the apples (1). Next, combine them with butter (2), ensuring the apples are thoroughly coated.Add the sugars and spices (3), stirring until the apples start to soften (4) and absorb the flavors.
Next, combine the water, apple cider vinegar and cornstarch in a measuring jug until no more lumps remain (5).
Pour the cornstarch slurry into the pan with the apples (6), stir very well, then simmer until the sauce has thickened and the apples are soft (7).
Your apple pie filling is now prepared and ready for use! As it cools, it naturally thickens, so I recommend allowing it to cool completely before adding it to a pie crust. This prevents any risk of ending up with a soggy crust.
However, for recipes like oatmeal topping, it’s best enjoyed warm. Not only does it enhance the flavor, but it also provides a better texture when served warm. So, for these recipes, serve the filling while it’s still warm for the most delightful experience.