Classic Homemade Apple Pie Filling Recipe

Ingredients

• 6-8 medium apples (about 3 pounds) — peeled, cored, and sliced
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional, for richness)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch or all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt