Homemade apple pie filling with brown sugar recipe
This homemade apple pie filling with brown sugar is made with fresh apples, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness for a classic, cozy flavor. It’s perfect for pies, turnovers, waffles, or as a topping for breakfast and desserts, very easy to make fall recipe!
Equipment
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Vegetable peeler
- Large Skillet
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon apple pie spice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 teaspoon water for thickening
Instructions
- Place a skillet or medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely, swirling the pan gently so the butter coats the bottom.
- Add the diced apples to the skillet, followed by the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, apple pie spice, water, and lemon juice. Stir everything together so the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.
- Let the mixture cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples will start to release their juices and soften, while the sugar melts into a syrupy sauce.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry (this prevents lumps). Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet with the apples. Stir well to combine.
- Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens slightly and becomes glossy. The sauce should coat the apples and have a jammy consistency.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Allow the apple pie filling to cool to room temperature before using it in pies, turnovers, or as a topping.
Notes
- Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness.
- Dice apples evenly so they cook at the same rate and the filling is consistent.
- Let the filling cool before using it in pies or pastries to prevent soggy crusts.
- Adjust sugar and spice to taste, depending on your apple variety and personal preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
