Classic Apple Pie Filling

Ingredients

Apple Pie Filling

  • 4 lb apples (about 8-9 large apples, see note below about recommended types of apples)
  • 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/2 c brown sugar
  • 1/4 c granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon, plus more if desired
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg, plus more if desired
  • 1/8 tsp ground allspice, plus more if desired
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

Other

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp heavy cream or whole milk
  • Coarse sugar or turbinado sugar (for sprinkling)

Recipe from Cooking for my soul

This Apple Pie with Precooked Apple Filling is so delicious! Precooking the apple pie filling ensures the perfect consistency and sweetness. No more watery apple pie filling! With this method, you can be sure to have a perfectly baked apple pie!

Preheat:400
Prep Time:3 hr
Cook Time:1 hr
Ready In:4 hr
Servings:1 pie

Directions

Make the apple pie filling

  1. Peel apples and cut out the core. Then cut into 1/4 inch slices. They should all be cut to the same size for even cooking.
  2. In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and add the sliced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, lemon juice and lemon zest. Cook, stirring for about 10-15 minutes until apples have slightly softened but not lost their shape.
  3. Sift and sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch and mix (start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed. The amount of cornstarch depends on the amount of juices released by the apples). Bring to a simmer and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until juices thicken. If not thick enough, add more cornstarch little by little, stirring. Note: sifting the cornstarch beforehand prevents clumps from forming.
  4. Set aside and let cool at room temperature. Tip: to speed up the cooling process, transfer the apple filling to a large shallow bowl or a large pan.

Assemble the pie and bake

  1. After the filling has cooled down, preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Cut remaining 1 tablespoon of cold butter into small cubes. Set aside.
  3. Get a 9-inch round pie pan ready. Roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle using a rolling pin on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Repeat for the second disk.
  4. Transfer dough to a 9-inch pie pan. Fill with the cooled apple pie filling and dot with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter cut into small cubes. Cover the pie with the second rolled out dough. Trim any overhang or excess dough. Seal edges with a fork or with your fingers. Make a few slits at the top to let the steam escape. Alternatively, you can make a lattice pattern. For instructions, see the “How to Make a Lattice Pie Crust” above.
  5. If you made a lattice top, refrigerate the pie for about 15-20 minutes. If you did not, skip this step.
  6. Make the egg wash by whisking the egg with heavy cream or milk. Brush the pie dough with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
  7. Place pie on a large baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes at 400 degrees F. Remove pie from oven and put a pie crust shield or cover edges with foil. Lower oven temperature to 375 F and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
  8. Let it cool on a wire rack for 3 hours before serving. Trust me, if you cut into it before it has cooled down, it will fall apart (been there, done that). Enjoy!

Notes