Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs large apples (approx. 6-7 apples), peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch wedges
  • 1/2 cup (100g) coconut sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened apple cider
  • 2 tbsp (16g) cornstarch
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

  1. Prep the fruit. Peel, core, and slice your 2 lbs of apples into consistent 1/4 inch wedges. Note: Uniformity ensures they all soften at the same rate.
  2. Create the slurry. In a small bowl, whisk the 2 tbsp cornstarch into 1/4 cup of the cold apple cider. Whisk until no white clumps remain.
  3. Combine base liquids. Pour the remaining 3/4 cup apple cider, 1/2 cup coconut sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into your saucepan.
  4. Dissolve the sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar granules fully disappear.
  5. Add the apples. Carefully fold the apple wedges into the spiced liquid.
  6. Simmer the fruit. Cook for 10 minutes until the apples are slightly translucent on the edges but still hold their shape.
  7. Thicken the sauce. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the bubbling pan while stirring constantly.
  8. Activate the starch. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the liquid turns from cloudy to glossy and thick.
  9. Finish the flavors. Remove from heat and stir in the 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar.
  10. Cool completely. Spread the filling on a rimmed baking sheet to cool until it reaches room temperature before using in a pie.