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Close-up of stovetop apple pie filling with fresh apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and thick syrup in a cast iron skillet.
Linda

Easy Homemade Apple Pie Filling

This homemade apple pie filling is thick, glossy, and far superior to canned versions. Made with fresh apples and warm spices, it’s the perfect 10-minute stovetop recipe for pies, cobblers, or topping your morning pancakes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Dessert, Topping
Cuisine: American
Calories: 185
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Filling Ingredients
  • 6 cups Apples Peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice To prevent browning
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar Packed
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch Used as the thickener
  • 1 cup Water Can substitute with apple cider
  • 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Add after cooking

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • Vegetable Peeler
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice in a large bowl to prevent oxidation.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the water (or cider), sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add the apples to the skillet. Cover and cook for about 5-8 minutes until the apples are fork-tender but still hold their shape.
  4. Whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the bubbling apple mixture.
  5. Cook for 1-2 more minutes until the sauce becomes thick and glossy. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. Allow the filling to cool completely before using in a pie or storing in the refrigerator.

Notes

Pro Tip: Never pour hot filling into a raw pie crust! Let it cool to room temperature first to ensure your apple pie has a crisp bottom crust.