1-First: First, start by peeling, coring, and chopping your 4 medium apples into 1/2-inch cubes or 1/4-inch slices. This sets the stage for even cooking and lets the flavors shine take about 5 minutes to get this done for the best texture.

2-Second: Second, grab a pan and melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon over medium heat. Stir them together until the butter is fully melted and aromatic, which should take around 1-2 minutes this step infuses everything with that warm, spicy goodness you love.

3-Third: Third, add the chopped apples, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, and 3 tablespoons of water to the pan. Give it all a good stir, then cover and cook for 4-6 minutes until the apples soften just a bit but still have a nice crunch keep an eye on it to avoid mushy results, as this builds the base flavor.

4-Fourth: Fourth, in a small bowl, mix 4 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until it’s smooth and lump-free. This slurry is key for thickening, so take your time about 30 seconds to get it right before adding it gradually to the pan while stirring constantly.

5-Fifth: Fifth, continue cooking the mixture over medium heat until the apples turn tender-crisp and the filling thickens up nicely. Let it bubble for about 1 minute to ensure everything blends perfectly, then remove from heat and let it cool this final step, taking 5-10 minutes, makes it safe and easy to use in your favorite recipes.

6-Final step: Final step: Once cooled, your apple pie filling is ready to star in pies, tarts, or even as a topping for breakfast treats like the ones in my maple apple breakfast crisp recipe. Remember, tasting as you go helps adjust sweetness, and this whole process should wrap up in 15-20 minutes total pure kitchen joy!