Freezer Friendly Apple Pie Filling Recipe

Introduction

This freezer-friendly apple pie filling is a convenient way to enjoy fresh apple pie all year round. Made with warm spices and tender apples, it’s perfect for quick desserts or adding to your favorite recipes. Prepare it ahead and keep it ready for delicious homemade pies anytime.

Ingredients

• 5 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1.5 cups water

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
3. Step 3: Pour water into a dutch oven and whisk in the sugar and spice mixture. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Step 4: Once boiling, stir in the apples. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely before freezing.
6. Step 6: To freeze, spoon the cooled filling into a quart-sized freezer bag, squeeze out excess air, and seal tightly. Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
7. Step 7: Thaw completely in the refrigerator before using in your favorite pies or desserts.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for a more traditional pie flavor.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cloves for extra warmth.
• For a thicker filling, increase cornstarch to 3 tablespoons, but mix with a little cold water before adding to avoid lumps.
• Do not can this filling as it contains cornstarch and is not safe for water bath or pressure canning.

Storage

Store the prepared pie filling in freezer bags up to 3 months. Keep it sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before use. Once thawed, use promptly for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use this filling without freezing it?

Yes, you can use the filling immediately after it cools for pies or desserts. Just refrigerate it until needed and use within a few days.

Why shouldn’t I can this apple pie filling?

This recipe contains cornstarch as a thickener, which is not suitable for safe home canning. The filling should be frozen or refrigerated instead to prevent spoilage.

Freezer Friendly Apple Pie Filling Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 106 reviews

This freezer-friendly apple pie filling recipe offers a convenient way to enjoy homemade apple pie anytime. Made with tender, lightly spiced apple slices cooked in a sweetened, cinnamon and nutmeg infused sauce, this filling is perfectly balanced and can be frozen for up to three months without losing its delicious flavor or texture. It’s ideal for preparing in advance and using in pies or other desserts as needed.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Enough filling for one 9-inch apple pie
• Category: Pie Filling
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apple Preparation

• 5 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Spice and Thickening Mixture

• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Liquid

• 1.5 cups water

Instructions

1. Toss Apples with Lemon Juice: In a medium-sized bowl, gently toss the thinly sliced apples with the lemon juice to prevent browning and add a hint of brightness.
2. Prepare Spice Mixture: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt to evenly combine the dry ingredients.
3. Combine Sugar Mixture with Water: Pour the water into a dutch oven over medium heat and whisk in the prepared sugar and spice mixture until fully dissolved.
4. Bring Mixture to Boil: Stir continuously as you bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring the cornstarch activates for thickening without lumps forming.
5. Add Apples and Simmer: Once boiling, stir in the lemon-coated apple slices, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for about 10 minutes until the apples are soft but retain their shape and texture.
6. Cool the Filling: Remove the dutch oven from heat and allow the apple pie filling to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
7. Package for Freezing: Spoon the cooled filling into a quart-sized freezer-safe bag, carefully squeezing out excess air before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
8. Store and Thaw: Freeze the sealed bag for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw completely in the refrigerator before using in your favorite pie or dessert recipe.
9. Note on Canning: This apple pie filling is not recommended for canning due to the cornstarch stabilizer which can cause safety issues in low-acid home canning.

Notes

• Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for best texture and flavor.
• Make sure the filling cools completely before freezing to avoid ice crystals.
• Do not can this recipe because cornstarch is not safe for home canning processes.
• Thaw the filling overnight in the refrigerator before baking in a pie.
• You can add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for extra spice variations.

Keywords: apple pie filling, freezer friendly, make ahead pie filling, homemade apple filling, easy apple pie filling, spiced apple filling