Easy Apple Pie Filling

This easy homemade apple pie filling is buttery, sweet, and lightly spiced. It’s perfect for pies, turnovers, pastries, pancakes, or spooning over ice cream.

Ingredients

• 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped or sliced
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice or chop the apples into evenly sized pieces.
2. Cook the apples: Add the apples, sugar, 3 tablespoons of water, butter, and cinnamon to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften.
3. Thicken the filling: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the apples.
4. Simmer: Continue cooking for 2–4 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens and coats the apples.
5. Add vanilla: Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Cool: Let the apple pie filling cool before using it in a pie or pastry.

Tips

• Use firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady for the best texture.
• For a sweeter filling, add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth and flavor.
• The filling can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for several days.