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The Best Easy Stovetop Apple Pie Filling (Thick & Gooey)

A spoonful of thick, glossy, spiced apple pie filling being lifted from a small white bowl.

Make a thick, glossy, and perfectly spiced apple pie filling on your stovetop using brown sugar for deep flavor. This recipe is quick and superior to canned versions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4 inch thick
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, water, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in a medium saucepan. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
  2. Add the sliced apples and lemon juice to the saucepan. Stir gently to coat the apples evenly with the sugar mixture.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken, about 8 to 10 minutes. The apples should soften slightly but still hold their shape.
  4. Once the filling is thick and glossy, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the butter until it melts completely.
  5. Allow the filling to cool for at least 30 minutes before using it in your pie crust or as a topping.

Notes

  • For the thickest filling, ensure you dissolve the cornstarch completely before heating.
  • If you prefer softer apples, simmer the mixture for an extra 3 to 5 minutes before removing it from the heat.
  • This filling works well for one 9-inch double-crust pie or as a topping for 4 servings of ice cream.

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