Make Ahead Fruit Pie Filling
Get a head start on your favorite pies with this versatile Make Ahead Fruit Pie Filling, perfect for streamlining your dessert prep. Made with a medley of fresh or frozen fruit, a touch of brown and granulated sugar, and a hint of lemon juice for brightness, this filling combines irresistible flavor with convenience. Optional warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add a cozy depth, while a dash of butter elevates the richness. Ready in just 25 minutes, this silky, fruit-packed filling can be refrigerated for up to five days or frozen for up to three months, making it a time-saving secret weapon for homemade pies, cobblers, and crisps. Whether you’re baking a classic apple pie or a vibrant mixed berry tart, this make-ahead recipe promises freshness and flavor every time.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 5 cups fresh or frozen fruit (e.g., apples, berries, peaches, cherries)
- 0.75 cups granulated sugar
- 0.25 cups brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 0.5 cups water
- 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon (optional, for warm spices)
- 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg (optional, for warm spices)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
Instructions
Wash, peel (if needed), and chop the fruit into small pieces. If using frozen fruit, allow it to thaw slightly.
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Stir well to ensure no lumps remain.
Gradually whisk in the water and lemon juice until a smooth mixture forms.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble. This will take about 4-5 minutes.
Add the prepared fruit into the saucepan, stirring to coat evenly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the fruit to soften slightly and the flavors to meld.
If desired, stir in ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, or butter for added depth of flavor.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the filling to cool completely before storing.
For storage, transfer the filling into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
To use the filling, simply thaw (if frozen) and pour into a prepared pie crust, bake as the pie recipe directs, or use as desired for other desserts.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1534 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.2 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.6 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 31 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 30 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 377.5 g | 137% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.7 g | 106% | |
| Total Sugars | 305.0 g | ||
| Protein | 6.3 g | 13% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 128 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 1364 mg | 29% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
