Are you craving the warm, comforting taste of apple pie but short on time? This no-cook apple pie filling recipe is your answer! Perfect for pies, crisps, crumbles, or even just spooned over yogurt, this recipe delivers all the deliciousness of a classic apple pie without the fuss of baking. It's a quick, easy, and healthy option for satisfying your sweet tooth. Get ready to experience homemade goodness in minutes!
Ingredients:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are recommended), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
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Prep the Apples: Begin by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples. The size of the dice is up to you; smaller pieces will cook faster if you choose to gently heat the filling.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
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Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This mixture will help thicken your filling beautifully.
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Mix and Chill: Pour the cornstarch mixture into the apple mixture and stir well to combine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the apples to release their juices, creating a richer filling.
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Serve or Use: Your no-cook apple pie filling is now ready! You can enjoy it immediately, or use it in your favorite pie, crisp, or crumble recipe. It's also fantastic served over ice cream, pancakes, or Greek yogurt.
Tips for the Best No-Cook Apple Pie Filling:
- Apple Selection: Choosing a mix of tart and sweet apples creates the best flavor balance. Granny Smith apples provide a good tartness, while Honeycrisp offers sweetness and juiciness.
- Lemon Juice is Key: Don't skip the lemon juice! It helps prevent the apples from browning and adds a bright, fresh flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: The amount of sugar can be adjusted to your taste preference. Start with the recipe's amount and add more if needed.
- Make it Ahead: This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. Make the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Spiced it Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for an extra warm and inviting flavor.
- Cranberry Apple Fusion: Stir in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a delicious twist.
- A Touch of Vanilla: Enhance the flavor with a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-45g
- Protein: Approximately 1-2g
- Fat: Approximately 1-2g
This no-cook apple pie filling is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the flavors of fall any time of year. It’s a perfect example of how simple and healthy homemade cooking can be. Enjoy!