Deluxe Caramel Apple Pie Filling
This delightful Deluxe Caramel Apple Pie Filling is a cherished recipe from our family's annual apple picking tradition. After gathering a bountiful selection of apples from our favorite orchard, we transformed the abundance into this rich and flavorful filling that has become a staple in our home. With the perfect blend of Macintosh, Jonagold, and Granny Smith apples, this filling strikes a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, enhanced by a luscious caramel sauce. Whether used in pies, spooned over ice cream, or enjoyed straight from the jar, it’s a versatile treat that’s both comforting and indulgent. We often double or triple this recipe to make sure we have plenty on hand for those cozy days when nothing hits the spot like a slice of warm apple pie.
N/A
Servings
840
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
apples
2 1/2 lbs (peeled, cored, and sliced (about 7 apples))
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (use high-quality)
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
brown sugar
1/4 cup (firmly packed)
butter
1/4 cup (unsalted)
salt
1/4 teaspoon
cornstarch
1 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples. Aim for about 6 cups of sliced apples, then place them in a large mixing bowl.
2
Toss the apple slices with freshly squeezed lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg. This will prevent browning and add wonderful flavor.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the apple mixture into a resealable bag. Allow the apples to sit for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the firmly packed brown sugar and stir frequently until the mixture starts to bubble.
5
Carefully stir in the salt, then add the apple mixture along with any juices that may have been released. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the filling simmer. Stir often and cook until the apples reach your desired tenderness. For a softer texture, allow them to cook until the firmest apples are fork-tender.
7
If the mixture appears too liquidy, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of cornstarch over it, stirring thoroughly. Continue to simmer until the liquid thickens, bringing it back to a gentle boil for the cornstarch to activate.
8
Once done, ladle the filling into a prepared quart jar, ensuring there is at least 1 inch of headspace at the top. Seal the jar for canning or pour it into containers for freezing.
Nutrition Information
38g
Fat
115g
Carbs
2g
Protein
9g
Fiber
68g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Deluxe Caramel Apple Pie Filling?
It is a rich and flavorful apple filling made with a blend of Macintosh, Jonagold, and Granny Smith apples enhanced by a luscious caramel sauce.
What types of apples are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using a mix of Macintosh, Jonagold, and Granny Smith apples for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
How many pounds of apples do I need?
You will need approximately 2 1/2 lbs of apples, which is about 7 apples in total.
How many cups of sliced apples does this recipe yield?
This recipe requires and yields approximately 6 cups of sliced apples.
Why do I need to add lemon juice to the apples?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is used to prevent the apples from browning and to add a bright flavor profile.
How long should the apples sit with the spices?
Allow the apple mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors of the cinnamon and nutmeg meld.
What spices are used in this apple pie filling?
The filling is seasoned with high-quality ground cinnamon and freshly ground nutmeg.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
How is the caramel base prepared?
The caramel base is made by melting butter over medium heat and stirring in firmly packed brown sugar until it begins to bubble.
How long do I cook the apples?
Simmer the apples on low heat, stirring often, until they reach your desired tenderness (typically until fork-tender).
What should I do if the filling is too liquidy?
You can sprinkle 1 teaspoon of cornstarch over the mixture and simmer until the liquid thickens.
Is cornstarch a mandatory ingredient?
No, cornstarch is listed as an optional ingredient to be used only if you prefer a thicker consistency.
How much headspace should I leave in the jar?
When ladling the filling into a quart jar, ensure there is at least 1 inch of headspace at the top.
Can this apple pie filling be frozen?
Yes, you can pour the finished filling into containers and freeze it for later use.
Can I use this recipe for canning?
Yes, the instructions include steps for ladling the mixture into quart jars and sealing them for canning.
What is the calorie count for this recipe?
The total batch contains approximately 840 calories.
How much sugar is in the filling?
The filling contains 68g of sugar and 115g of total carbohydrates.
Is there a lot of fat in this recipe?
The recipe contains 38g of fat, primarily from the 1/4 cup of butter used for the caramel sauce.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, the description mentions that you can easily double or triple the recipe to have extra on hand.
What are some ways to serve this filling?
It can be used in traditional pies, spooned over ice cream, or enjoyed straight from the jar.
How should the apples be prepared before cooking?
The apples should be peeled, cored, and sliced into even pieces.
Does this recipe contain any protein or fiber?
Yes, it contains approximately 2g of protein and 9g of fiber.
What kind of brown sugar should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of firmly packed brown sugar.
What is the primary flavor profile of this filling?
It features a sweet and tart apple base with rich caramel, cinnamon, and nutmeg notes.
What size jar is recommended for storage?
The instructions recommend using a quart-sized jar for this amount of filling.
Is there salt in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to the caramel mixture to enhance the flavors.
How do you activate the cornstarch thickener?
The mixture must be brought back to a gentle boil after adding the cornstarch to allow it to activate and thicken the liquid.
Is this a seasonal recipe?
While it can be made year-round, it is described as a favorite fall recipe inspired by annual apple picking traditions.
How many ingredients are in the Deluxe Caramel Apple Pie Filling?
There are 8 ingredients: apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, butter, salt, and cornstarch.
Does this recipe use fresh or bottled lemon juice?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.