Delicious Apple Pie Filling
This exquisite Apple Pie Filling, made with the magic of Clear Jel, is designed to bring your dessert to life. Unlike traditional thickeners, Clear Jel maintains its integrity under high heat, resulting in a thick, smooth, and luscious filling that supports a delightful flavor profile. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, with a hint of spice from cinnamon and optional allspice and nutmeg, enhancing the apple goodness. Don’t skip on this ingredient; it makes all the difference for a perfectly textured, aromatic apple pie that’s simply irresistible. Serve this scrumptious filling in your favorite pie crust for a show-stopping dessert that’s destined to impress family and friends alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
1/2 cup (granulated)
Water
1 cup (divided, treat as needed)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Lemon Juice
1/2 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
Clear Jel
1/4 cup (powdered)
Karo Syrup
1/2 cup (light or dark)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
Butter
1 teaspoon (unsalted, melted)
Allspice
to taste (optional, ground)
Nutmeg
to taste (optional, grated)
Apples
2-3 cups (peeled and sliced)
Pie Crusts
2 (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
2
Once boiling, add the salt, lemon juice, and Clear Jel that has been dissolved in 1/2 cup of water. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens.
3
Once thickened, remove from heat and gently fold in the Karo syrup, cinnamon, butter, and if desired, the optional allspice and nutmeg.
4
Carefully add the sliced apples to the thickened mixture, stirring to coat all the slices evenly.
5
Prepare your pie crust by placing one crust in a 9-inch pie pan. Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
6
Cover the filling with the second pie crust, sealing the edges securely. Cut slits in the top crust for steam to escape.
7
Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for approximately 1 hour or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8
Allow to cool slightly before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main thickener used in this apple pie filling?
The main thickener used in this recipe is Clear Jel, which is preferred for its ability to maintain integrity under high heat.
Why is Clear Jel used instead of traditional thickeners?
Clear Jel is used because it results in a thick, smooth, and luscious filling that does not break down during the baking process.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 325 F (165 C).
How long does the apple pie need to bake?
The pie should bake for approximately 1 hour or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
How many apples are required for this recipe?
You will need 2 to 3 cups of peeled and sliced apples.
What kind of pie crust is recommended?
You can use two 9-inch pie crusts, either store-bought or homemade.
Should the Clear Jel be dissolved before adding it to the saucepan?
Yes, the Clear Jel should be dissolved in 1/2 cup of water before being added to the boiling sugar mixture.
What spices are included in this apple pie filling?
The recipe includes ground cinnamon, with optional additions of ground allspice and grated nutmeg.
Is lemon juice necessary for this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice is used to balance the sweet and tart flavors.
What role does Karo syrup play in the filling?
Karo syrup is folded into the thickened mixture to add sweetness and enhance the texture of the filling.
How much sugar is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, the instructions specify using peeled and sliced apples.
What size pie pan should I use?
A 9-inch pie pan is recommended for this recipe.
Why are slits cut into the top crust?
Slits are cut into the top crust to allow steam to escape during the baking process.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of unsalted, melted butter, but you can adjust based on preference.
How much water is used in total?
A total of 1.5 cups of water is used: 1 cup for the initial boil and 1/2 cup to dissolve the Clear Jel.
When should I add the apples to the mixture?
Add the sliced apples after the mixture has thickened and the syrup, butter, and spices have been folded in.
Should I let the pie cool before serving?
Yes, allowing the pie to cool slightly before serving helps enhance the flavor and texture.
How much salt is in the filling?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
What is the first step in making the filling?
The first step is combining the sugar and 1 cup of water in a medium saucepan and bringing it to a gentle boil.
Is this recipe considered American cuisine?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as classic American cuisine.
What is the texture of the finished filling?
The finished filling is thick, smooth, and aromatic.
Can I use dark Karo syrup?
Yes, the recipe allows for either light or dark Karo syrup.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients in this recipe.
How do I ensure the apples are well-coated?
Stir the apples carefully into the thickened mixture to coat all slices evenly.
What should I look for to know the pie is done?
The crust should be golden brown and the filling should be bubbling.
Is nutmeg a required ingredient?
No, nutmeg is an optional ingredient to be added according to your taste.
How do I seal the pie?
Place the second crust over the filling and seal the edges securely to the bottom crust.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh is recommended, bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
What makes the apple pie filling "exquisite"?
The combination of Clear Jel for texture and the balance of cinnamon, syrup, and tart apples makes it exquisite.