Making apple pie filling is a delicious and relatively simple process. Here's a basic recipe for homemade apple pie filling:
Ingredients:
- 6-8 medium-sized apples (use a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
Peel, core, and slice the apples: Start by peeling the apples and then cut them into thin slices. Remove the cores and seeds, and try to make the slices evenly sized for consistent cooking.
Toss apples with lemon juice: In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning. The lemon juice also adds a nice tangy flavor to the filling.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
Coat apples with the dry mixture: Sprinkle the dry ingredient mixture over the apple slices and gently toss until all the apples are coated. The flour will help thicken the filling as it cooks.
Optional: Add vanilla extract. If you want to enhance the flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the apple mixture.
Your apple pie filling is now ready to be used in your favorite apple pie recipe! If you're not planning to bake a pie immediately, you can store the apple pie filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day or two.
Remember to use the filling as directed in your pie recipe, as cooking times and other ingredients may vary depending on the specific recipe you follow. Enjoy your homemade apple pie!