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4.8 from 51 votes

Stovetop Fruit Pie Filling

This stovetop fruit pie filling is easy as can be to make with whatever fruit you happen to have on hand or is in season along with sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, nutmeg, and lemon juice.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 20 mins
Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 132 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 4 cups sliced or chopped fresh or frozen defrosted fruit (see suggestions below)
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup granulated sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit
  • pinch of salt
  • squeeze of lemon
  • grating of nutmeg
  • Grated zest of 1 orange preferably organic, or a splash of orange liqueur
Some Fruit Filling Suggestions
  • Strawberries (as in the cobblers above)
  • Strawberries and rhubarb cut in 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) pieces
  • Blackberries and sliced or chopped peaches
  • Gooseberries and red currants
  • strawberries and blueberries
  • Cherries and berries
  • Raspberries and sliced or chopped nectarines
  • Blueberries and sliced or chopped apricots

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a small bowl, briskly whisk the cornstarch into the water.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the fruit, sugar, salt, lemon, nutmeg, and orange zest.
  3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is broken down, 6 to 10 minutes.
  4. Add the cornstarch mixture, bring to a boil, and cook, stirring vigorously in a figure-eight pattern, for 2 minutes more. The mixture will thicken to a jelly-like consistency.
  5. Remove from the heat. Pour the filling into a bowl and let cool at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  6. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it against the surface of the filling, transfer to the fridge, and let cool completely, about 40 minutes more. (You can stash this in the fridge for up to 3 days.)

Notes

  • in the fridge overnight. If watery, simmer it over low heat, adding a bit of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) until it thickens again.
  • To freeze the filling—cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 months. Leave some headspace for the filling to expand.
  • To thaw—stash the container in the fridge overnight. If watery, simmer it over low heat, adding a bit of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) until it thickens again.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1portion Calories 132kcal (7%) Carbohydrates 34g (11%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Monounsaturated Fat 1g Sodium 7mg (0%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 26g (52%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 132

% Daily Value*

Serving 1portion
Calories 132kcal 7%
Carbohydrates 34g 11%
Protein 1g 2%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 7mg 0%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 26g 52%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.