Freezer Friendly Apple Pie Filling Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Prepare Spice Mixture: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt to evenly combine the dry ingredients.
- 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.
- Bring Mixture to Boil: Stir continuously as you bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring the cornstarch activates for thickening without lumps forming.
- 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.
- Cool the Filling: Remove the dutch oven from heat and allow the apple pie filling to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
