Harvest Apple Pie Filling for Freezing
Capture the essence of fall with this delightful Harvest Apple Pie Filling recipe. Perfect for preserving the bounty of apple season, this filling makes it easy to whip up a homemade apple pie during the chillier months. Simply prepare this mixture when apples are at their peak, and freeze in convenient portions. When a craving strikes, pull out a batch, defrost, and pour it into your favorite pie crust for a warm, comforting dessert that tastes like it just came out of the oven. This recipe yields enough filling for four delicious apple pies, making it a staple for any home baker looking to save time without sacrificing flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Apples
16 cups (peeled and thinly sliced)
Lemon Juice
4 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
White Sugar
4 cups (granulated)
Cornstarch
1 cup (for thickening)
Ground Cinnamon
4 teaspoons (for flavor)
Ground Nutmeg
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
Salt
1 teaspoon (for balance)
Water
8 cups (for cooking)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your apples: peel and thinly slice 16 cups of fresh apples. Place them in a large mixing bowl, drizzle with 4 tablespoons of lemon juice, and toss gently to ensure even coating. Set the bowl aside.
2
In a Dutch oven, add 8 cups of water and bring it to medium heat. While the water heats up, combine 4 cups of white sugar, 1 cup of cornstarch, 4 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a separate bowl.
3
Once the water reaches a gentle boil, gradually stir in the sugar mixture, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue stirring frequently and boil the mixture for 2 minutes until it thickens.
4
Carefully add the tossed apples to the pot and bring the mixture back to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until the apples are tender but not mushy.
5
Remove the pot from heat and let the filling cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial for attaining the right consistency.
6
Once cooled, ladle the apple pie filling into airtight freezer containers or gallon-sized freezer bags, making sure to leave about 1/2 inch of headspace for expansion as it freezes.
7
Seal the containers or bags tightly and place them in the freezer. The filling can be stored for up to 12 months. If you're in the mood for a pie right away, you can pour the filling into a prepared pie crust and bake as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recipe for Harvest Apple Pie Filling?
This recipe is a freezer-friendly apple pie filling made with fresh apples, lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, yielding enough for four pies.
How many cups of apples are needed for this recipe?
You will need 16 cups of fresh apples for this harvest filling recipe.
How should the apples be prepared?
The apples should be peeled and thinly sliced before being tossed with lemon juice.
Why is lemon juice used in this apple pie filling?
Lemon juice is used to coat the sliced apples to prevent browning and add a touch of acidity.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the syrup that coats the apples.
How much water is required for the filling base?
The recipe requires 8 cups of water to be heated in a Dutch oven.
What spices are used to flavor the filling?
The filling is flavored with 4 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
How long should the sugar and cornstarch mixture boil?
The mixture should boil for 2 minutes until it thickens before adding the apples.
How long should the apples simmer in the pot?
The apples should simmer for 6 to 8 minutes until they are tender but not mushy.
Should the pot be covered while the apples simmer?
Yes, you should cover the pot while the apples simmer for about 6 to 8 minutes.
How long must the filling cool before freezing?
The filling should cool at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes to reach the right consistency.
How many pies does one batch of this recipe yield?
This recipe yields enough filling for four delicious apple pies.
What is the recommended storage method for the freezer?
You can use airtight freezer containers or gallon-sized freezer bags to store the filling.
How much headspace is needed in the freezer bags?
Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace to allow for expansion as the filling freezes.
How long can Harvest Apple Pie Filling be stored in the freezer?
The filling can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Can I use this filling immediately without freezing?
Yes, you can pour the freshly made filling into a prepared pie crust and bake it immediately.
What type of sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of granulated white sugar.
Is salt necessary in this sweet filling?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of salt is included to balance the sweetness of the sugar and apples.
What kind of pot is recommended for cooking the filling?
A Dutch oven is recommended for heating the water and simmering the apple mixture.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients: apples, lemon juice, white sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and water.
Is this recipe suitable for OAMC (Once a Month Cooking)?
Yes, it is tagged as OAMC because it is designed for batch preparation and long-term freezing.
What is the texture of the apples after simmering?
The apples should be tender but still hold their shape, avoiding a mushy texture.
Does the recipe include instructions for the pie crust?
No, this recipe is specifically for the apple pie filling; you should use your favorite prepared pie crust.
Can this filling be used for other desserts?
While intended for pies, this versatile filling could be used for apple crisps or cobblers as well.
How should the filling be defrosted?
When ready to use, pull out a batch, defrost it, and pour it into your pie crust.
Is this a good recipe for apple season?
Absolutely, it is designed to capture the essence of fall and preserve the bounty of apple season.
How much lemon juice is needed per pie?
Since the total recipe uses 4 tablespoons for 4 pies, it averages out to 1 tablespoon per pie.
How much cinnamon is used per pie?
The recipe uses 4 teaspoons for 4 pies, which is 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon per pie.
What happens if I don't leave headspace in the freezer bag?
The bag or container may burst as the liquid expands during the freezing process.
What is the main benefit of this recipe for home bakers?
It allows bakers to save time during the holidays by having ready-to-use homemade filling in the freezer.