Apple pie is made easy with this simple Homemade Apple Pie Filling recipe that can easily be canned and used later. Cinnamon and nutmeg season this fall favorite with a gooey thick apple juice filling. Give this as a gift or bake it into a pie instantly.
(Skip if not canning). Prewash all pint jars and lids with warm soapy water. Heat the jars in a simmering water bath for at least 10 minutes or until ready for use. Do not boil. Set washed lids and rings aside.
Prep Apples
Working with 6 cups of apples at a time, blanch the apples in a large pot of boiling water for 1 minute. Remove using a slotted spoon and place in a large bowl.
Mix 1/4 cup lemon juice and 4 cups of water together and pour it over the blanched apples.
Make the Filling
Combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large heavy-bottomed pot such as a Dutch oven.
Pour the cold water and apple juice into a medium-sized bowl and stir to combine. Slowly add the clear gel, whisking continuously until it's fully dissolved into the mixture.
Add the apple juice mixture to the large pot and bring to a soft boil over medium-high heat. Stir continuously until the filling begins to bubble and thicken, about 10 minutes.
Add the remaining 1/2 cup of lemon juice, return to a boil and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Drain the apple slices and gently fold into the filling. Remove from the heat.
Fill Jars
Ladle the filling into the pint jars using a canning funnel and leave a 1-inch headspace.
Remove the air bubbles by running a knife or spatula around the inside wall of the glass jar.
Wipe the rim of the jar and center the lid on top. Apply band and tighten until fingertip tight. Repeat until all jars are filled.
Process (Optional)
Place jars in the water canning bath with 2 inches of water above the jars. Bring water to a boil and process in the boiling water for 25 minutes.
Remove the jars from the water bath and let cool for 12 hours on a towel.
Check lids for seal. The lid should not move up and down.
Notes
To prevent browning of the apples submerge them in 1/4 cup lemon juice and 4 cups of water.