Olivia Carter
Nothing can beat the delicious aroma and taste of homemade apple pie. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple Sunday dinner, serving a warm apple pie can create a comforting and nostalgic atmosphere. However, making apple pie filling from scratch can be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially when you have a busy schedule. That’s where freezer-friendly apple pie filling comes to the rescue!
With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of prep work, you can have a stash of homemade apple pie filling ready to use whenever the craving strikes. Freezing the filling allows you to enjoy freshly baked apple pies all year round, without the hassle of peeling and slicing apples every time.
By making your own apple pie filling, you have full control over the ingredients, ensuring a delicious and wholesome dessert for your family and friends. Plus, you can customize the spices and sweetness level to suit your taste preferences. So, why settle for store-bought pie filling when you can easily make your own and freeze it for later?
In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making apple pie filling for the freezer. From selecting the right apples to achieving the perfect consistency, you’ll learn all the tips and tricks to create a filling that will make your apple pies the best in town. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to fill our freezers with apple pie goodness!
Simple Apple Pie Filling Recipe
If you love apple pie and want to have a delicious filling ready to use in the freezer, this simple recipe is perfect for you. With just a few ingredients, you can make a homemade apple pie filling that can be stored for future use.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 cups of sliced apples
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well so that all the apples are coated evenly.
- Add the lemon juice and melted butter to the apple mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Transfer the apple pie filling into freezer-safe containers or zipper bags. Be sure to leave some room at the top for expansion.
- Label the containers with the date and store them in the freezer.
- To use the apple pie filling, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using it in your favorite apple pie recipe.
This simple apple pie filling recipe is great for saving time during the apple season. It’s also a convenient way to have homemade apple pie filling ready whenever you want to enjoy a delicious apple pie.
Ingredients You Will Need
To make apple pie filling that can be stored in the freezer, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Apples | 8 cups, peeled, cored, and sliced |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup |
| Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons, cut into small pieces |
These ingredients will help you create a delicious and flavorsome apple pie filling that can be easily stored in the freezer for future use. Make sure to gather all the ingredients before starting the recipe.
Gather Fresh Apples
To make apple pie filling for the freezer, the first step is to gather fresh apples. The type of apple you choose will have a big impact on the taste and texture of your pie filling. Some popular apple varieties for pie filling include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious.
When gathering apples, it’s important to choose ones that are firm and free from bruises or blemishes. Look for apples that have a good balance of sweetness and tartness, as this will add depth of flavor to your filling. If possible, try to find locally grown apples, as they tend to be fresher and have a better taste.
Picking Apples at an Orchard
One fun option for gathering fresh apples is to visit a local orchard and pick your own. Many orchards offer this experience, allowing you to choose apples straight from the tree. This can be a great activity to do with family or friends and provides an opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful surroundings.
Before heading to the orchard, check their website or call ahead to make sure they have apples available for picking. Different varieties of apples ripen at different times, so it’s important to know when your preferred type will be ready for picking. Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring containers or bags to hold the apples you pick.
Purchasing Apples at a Farmers Market
If you don’t have access to an orchard or prefer not to pick your own apples, another option is to purchase them at a local farmers market. Farmers markets are a great place to find fresh, locally grown produce, including a variety of apple varieties.
When buying apples at a farmers market, talk to the farmers or vendors about the different types they have available and ask for recommendations for pie filling. They are often knowledgeable about the different apple varieties and can provide helpful advice.
- Look for apples that are firm and have a vibrant color.
- Avoid apples with soft or wrinkled skin.
- Ask about the taste and texture of different apple varieties to find ones that are suitable for pie filling.
By gathering fresh apples, you are setting the foundation for a delicious apple pie filling that will be perfect for freezing and enjoying later. Make sure to choose the right variety, and consider picking your own at an orchard or purchasing from a local farmers market for the freshest apples possible.
Peel, Core, and Slice The Apples
Step 1: Choose fresh and firm apples for your pie filling. It’s best to use a variety of apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Jonagold for a well-balanced flavor.
Step 2: Start by peeling the apples using a vegetable peeler. Make sure to remove the skin completely and discard it.
Step 3: Once the apples are peeled, place them on a cutting board and slice them in half from top to bottom.
Step 4: Use a sharp knife or an apple corer to remove the core of each apple half. Make a circular motion with the corer or knife around the core and discard it.
Step 5: Now, slice each apple half into thin slices. You can make the slices as thin or as thick as you prefer.
Step 6: As you slice the apples, transfer them to a large bowl filled with water and a squeeze of lemon juice. This will prevent browning and help preserve their freshness.
Step 7: Continue peeling, coring, and slicing the rest of the apples until you have enough for your desired pie filling.
Step 8: Once all the apples are sliced, drain the water and lemon juice from the bowl and your apple slices are now ready to be used for your homemade pie filling!
Note: If you’re not ready to use the apple slices immediately, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day before making the pie filling.
Cook The Apple Slices
After you have peeled and sliced the apples, it’s time to cook them. Cooking the apples will soften them and release some of their juices, creating a delicious filling for your apple pie.
Here’s how to cook the apple slices:
- In a large saucepan, melt some butter over medium heat.
- Add the apple slices to the saucepan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle the apple slices with sugar and cinnamon, to taste.
- Continue cooking the apples for another 5-10 minutes, or until they are tender.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the apple slices cool completely.
Once the cooked apple slices have cooled, they are ready to be used as filling for your freezer apple pie. You can proceed to the next step of the recipe to assemble and freeze your apple pie.
Add Sugar and Spices
Once you have peeled and sliced your apples, it’s time to add the sugar and spices to create the delicious filling for your apple pie. The amount of sugar you add will depend on how sweet or tart you want your pie to be. As a general rule, you’ll need about 1/2 cup to 1 cup of sugar for every 4-5 cups of apple slices.
In addition to sugar, you’ll also need to add some spices to enhance the flavor of your apple pie filling. Traditional apple pie spices include cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. You can use these spices individually or create your own blend to suit your taste. Start with about 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon each of nutmeg and cloves. Adjust the amounts according to your preference.
To ensure that the sugar and spices are evenly distributed, toss the sliced apples with the sugar and spices in a large bowl. Make sure all the apple slices are coated, and let them sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Adding sugar and spices to your apple pie filling is an essential step in creating a flavorful and sweet filling that will complement your pie crust perfectly. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spice combinations to create a filling that suits your taste buds!
Let The Apple Pie Filling Cool
After cooking the apple pie filling, it is important to let it cool before proceeding with the next steps. Allowing the filling to cool will help it thicken and set properly, ensuring that your apple pie turns out delicious and not runny.
The best way to cool the apple pie filling is to transfer it to a heatproof bowl or container. Make sure to scrape all of the filling from the saucepan to get every last bit of goodness. Then, place the bowl or container on a wire rack to promote even cooling.
While the filling is cooling, it is a good time to prepare your pie crust or get the freezer bags ready if you are planning on freezing the filling. Remember to cover the filling with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to prevent any unwanted debris or odors from getting in.
How long should you let the apple pie filling cool?
The cooling time for the apple pie filling can vary depending on the amount and thickness of the mixture. As a general guideline, let the filling cool at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.
If you are in a hurry or want to speed up the cooling process, you can place the bowl or container in the refrigerator. The filling should be completely cooled within 1-2 hours in the fridge.
Freeze The Apple Pie Filling
Once you have prepared the apple pie filling, you can freeze it to enjoy later. Freezing the filling is a convenient way to have it on hand for future baking.
To freeze the apple pie filling, follow these steps:
- Cool the filling: Allow the apple pie filling to cool completely before freezing. This will help prevent any condensation from forming and affecting the texture of the filling.
- Package the filling: Transfer the cooled apple pie filling into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label and date: Label each container or bag with the contents and the date of freezing. This will help you keep track of how long the filling has been in the freezer.
- Freeze: Place the containers or bags of apple pie filling in the freezer. Make sure they are placed in an upright position to prevent any leakage.
Note: It’s a good idea to portion the apple pie filling into smaller containers or bags, so you can defrost only the amount you need for a particular recipe.
When you’re ready to use the frozen apple pie filling, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. The filling will be ready to use in your apple pie recipe or any other dessert that calls for apple pie filling.
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make apple pie filling for the freezer?
To make apple pie filling for the freezer, you will need apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and water.
Can I freeze apple pie filling?
Yes, you can freeze apple pie filling. It is a great way to have homemade apple pie filling on hand whenever you want to make a pie.
How long can I store apple pie filling in the freezer?
You can store apple pie filling in the freezer for up to 3 months. It is important to label the container with the date so you know when it was frozen.
Do I need to cook the apples before freezing the pie filling?
Yes, you need to cook the apples before freezing the pie filling. This helps to soften the apples and allows the flavors to meld together.
Can I use frozen apple pie filling?
No, it is best to thaw the apple pie filling before using it in a pie. This allows the apples to soften and the flavors to distribute evenly.
