Prepare apples. To begin making homemade apple pie filling, start by preparing the apples. First, core and peel the apples to remove any unwanted parts. Next, cut the apples into bite-sized pieces for easier incorporation into the filling.
Make a slurry. To create a slurry for your homemade apple pie filling, simply whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. This mixture will help thicken the filling as it cooks on the stovetop.
Melt butter. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This step is crucial in creating a rich and buttery flavor in the apple pie filling. The melted butter serves as the base for the filling, adding depth and richness to the flavors.
Cook apples. Add the apple pieces and 5 tablespoons of water then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the apples. Stir together and let cook them for 5-6 minutes over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
Bring to boil. Increase the heat until the liquid reaches a boiling point. Keep cooking for an additional 3 minutes, or until the apples become soft and tender. This ensures that the homemade apple pie filling has perfectly cooked apples with a delightful texture.
Thicken sauce. Pour the cornstarch mixture (slurry) over the apples and stir together. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens, 2-3 minutes.
Cool and store. After simmering the homemade apple pie filling, it’s important to let it cool before storing. This step allows the filling to set and thicken, ensuring a perfect consistency when it’s time to use it in your favorite apple pie recipe.