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A white bowl filled with homemade apple pie filling, where tender apple slices are coated in a rich brown sugar mixture, creating a glossy, caramelized texture.

Apple Pie Filling Recipe With Brown Sugar Recipe

This homemade apple pie filling with brown sugar is rich, spiced, and perfectly thickened for pies, crisps, or even topping pancakes. Tender apple slices are coated in a buttery cinnamon-brown sugar sauce, creating a warm, comforting filling that enhances any dessert with cozy flavors and a caramel-like sweetness.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course filling
Cuisine American
Servings 10 people
Calories 177 kcal

Equipment

  • Peeler
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • 2-quart saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 6 cups apples I used Granny Smith and Honeycrisp
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • ¼ cup apple juice
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • ¼ cup butter

Instructions
 

  • Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick pieces.
    A bowl filled with freshly peeled and evenly sliced apples, ready to be transformed into a warm and flavorful apple pie filling.
  • In a 2-quart saucepan, combine the apple slices with juice and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally for about 6 minutes.
    Apple slices gently cooking in a pot with fruit juice, releasing their natural sweetness and softening for a rich, homemade pie filling.
  • Add butter and allow it to melt.
    A pat of butter melting into the simmering apple mixture, adding a smooth, rich texture and deepening the flavors of the homemade apple pie filling.
  • Meanwhile, whisk cinnamon, brown sugar, and cornstarch together.
    A bowl filled with a fragrant blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, and cornstarch, being mixed together to create a thick and flavorful apple pie filling base.
  • Once the butter is fully melted, pour the brown sugar mixture over the apples and stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
    A rich brown sugar mixture being poured over warm, tender apple slices, coating them in a sweet, cinnamon-spiced glaze for a perfect homemade pie filling.
  • Remove from heat and let the filling sit for 5 minutes before using.
    A warm bowl of freshly made apple pie filling resting, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken for a perfectly textured pie filling.

Notes

    • Avoid overcooking the apples—this filling comes together in about 10 minutes, depending on slice thickness.
    • Keep apple slices uniform (1/4″ to 1/2″ thick) to ensure even cooking and prevent some from turning mushy while others stay firm.
    • Experiment with warm spices like nutmeg, allspice, clove, or ginger for a unique flavor twist.
    • For a make-ahead option, freeze the filling in an airtight container for up to three months.