What sets my apple pie filling apart is the syrup made from the leftover apple juices. Instead of letting those flavorful juices go to waste, I simmer them down and thicken them into a rich syrup. This extra step intensifies the apple flavor and adds a depth of sweetness that you don’t get with traditional fillings.
Peel and slice 5 pounds of apples into ¼-inch-thick slices.
In a large pot, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt.
5 pounds apples, 1 cup (213g) packed brown sugar, 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground allspice, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, ⅛ tsp salt
Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked apples to a large baking sheet to cool. For faster cooling, place the sheet in the fridge or freezer for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, make a syrup from the apple juices. Transfer the juice to a smaller pot. Simmer over medium-low heat.
Dissolve the cornstarch in water, then stir into the simmering syrup.
1 Tbsp water, 1 Tbsp cornstarch
Cook and stir until the syrup thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Once the syrup has thickened and the apples are cool, mix them together.
Use apple pie filling to make apple pie, turnovers, hand pies, as a topping for pancakes, waffles or ice cream. Or mix it into oatmeal or yogurt.