Yes, it is common to pre-bake apple pie filling before assembling and baking the pie. Pre-baking the filling helps to ensure that the apples are cooked through and tender by the time the crust is fully baked. This step also helps to prevent the pie from becoming overly soggy or watery.
To pre-bake apple pie filling, you typically peel, core, and slice the apples, then combine them with sugar, spices, and sometimes a thickener like flour or cornstarch. The mixture is then cooked on the stovetop until the apples have softened and the filling has thickened slightly. Afterward, you can let the filling cool before placing it in the pie crust and proceeding with the final baking step.
Pre-baking the filling can help reduce the overall baking time for the pie and ensure that the apples are fully cooked and flavorful. However, some recipes may call for adding the raw apple filling directly to the pie crust and allowing it to bake entirely in the oven. The choice of pre-baking or not largely depends on the recipe and personal preference.