There’s nothing more comforting than the smell of warm apple pie filling your home. But what if you could enjoy that nostalgic flavor all year round? With this apple pie filling recipe and easy canning instructions, you’ll always have a jar of deliciousness ready for your next baking adventure! Bonus? This one’s inspired by my grandmother’s recipe—a true classic.
Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or just getting started, this guide will walk you through every step. Save time, reduce waste, and savor the taste of homemade pie whenever you please!
What You’ll Need for the Filling
Here’s what you’ll need to create that warm, spiced apple pie filling:
- 4.5 cups sugar
- 1 cup cornstarch (or substitute with ClearJel if you prefer)
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 5-6 lbs apples (peeled, cored, and sliced – Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix work great!)
How to Make the Filling
- Blend dry ingredients: Place sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into a large saucepan.
- Whisk in water: Gradually add 10 cups of water, whisking to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook until thick: Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture becomes thick and bubbly.
- Add apples and lemon juice
-
Pack your jars: Spoon the filling into hot, sterilized quart jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top.
Canning Instructions
- Place filled jars in a water bath canner, ensuring the water is 1–2 inches above the jar lids.
- Once the water reaches a boil, process for 20 minutes.
- Carefully remove the jars and set them on a towel to cool. Check that the lids seal properly before storing.
This recipe yields about 10 quarts of pie filling, perfect for pie-making days or unexpected company!
Crafting the Perfect Apple Pie
Now that your filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the pie! You can use your favorite crust recipe or store bought, but I recommend the one from “For The Love of Sourdough” by The Food Nanny. It's flaky, buttery, and absolutely delightful. (P.S. Check out the cookbook here—it’s a winner for all kinds of recipes!)
- Roll out your crust: Line a pie dish with your favorite dough.
- Load up the filling: Empty one quart of your homemade apple pie filling into the dish.
- Add a lattice top: Cut your top crust into strips for the classic lattice effect. For an extra touch, braid half the strips!
- Bake to perfection:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F.
- Bake an additional 25–30 minutes, or until filling is bubbling and the crust is golden brown.
- If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield.
-
Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool for a few hours so the filling thickens nicely. Slice and serve with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Tips for the Perfect Pie
- Use a mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp or Fuji) apples for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice—it brightens the apples and balances the sweetness. Some people like to add Yellow food die as well to improve the color.
- For even more flavor, try adding a pinch of allspice or ground cloves to the filling.
Share the Joy of Homemade
There’s something so special about making a pie from scratch—especially one with a story behind it. Whether you’re sharing a slice with loved ones or gifting a jar of filling to friends, this recipe is sure to bring smiles to every kitchen it touches.
Happy baking, friends!
