Thank You Pie Filling
A sweet and tangy apple pie filling that is perfect for preserving, featuring cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice for a delicious homemade flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and slice the apples.
- Fill quart jars with the prepared apples.
- Combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and water in a pot and cook until thick and bubbly.
- Add lemon juice to the cooked mixture.
- Pour the hot syrup over the apples in the jars.
- Process the jars in a hot water canner for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
When using different apple varieties, opt for a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor. If you don't have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot or tapioca starch as substitutes. Ensure to peel and slice the apples evenly for consistent cooking. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of vanilla extract to the syrup.
Serving Suggestions
This pie filling is perfect for making traditional apple pies but can also be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for yogurt and oatmeal. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serve alongside pancakes for a delightful breakfast. For a unique twist, use it in the Festive Chicken Bake for a sweet-savory flavor combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store the processed jars in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep the pie filling in the refrigerator and use it within one week. To reheat, simply warm the filling in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. It can also be used as a topping for pancakes or ice cream.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thank You Pie Filling contains roughly 264 calories, with 3g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (161% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 904mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen apples for this pie filling?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but it’s best to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before adding to the jars. This helps maintain the right consistency in your filling.
What other spices can I add to the filling for extra flavor?
You can experiment with additional spices such as ginger, cloves, or allspice to give your pie filling a unique twist. Just be mindful of the quantity to avoid overpowering the apple flavor.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the filling?
To reduce sweetness, decrease the sugar by up to a cup or substitute with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit. Adjust the spices to enhance the flavor balance without the extra sweetness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).