Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

This Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling is a delightful way to preserve the taste of summer peaches, allowing you to create delicious desserts all year round. This easy recipe combines fresh, juicy peaches with a thick, sweet base that’s perfect for pies, crisps, or cobblers. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply indulging yourself, this canned peach pie filling will elevate any dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: Enjoy the sweet and slightly spiced taste of fresh peaches in every bite.
• Versatile Uses: Perfect for baking pies, making cobblers, or adding to yogurt and oatmeal.
• Easy Preservation: The water bath canning method ensures you can keep summer’s flavor long into winter.
• Perfect for Gifting: Homemade jars make thoughtful gifts for friends and family during holidays or special occasions.

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Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your homemade canned peach pie filling, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Canning jars (quart size)
• Large pot
• Ladle
• Water bath canner
• Ice bath bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Canning jars: Essential for safely storing your peach pie filling and ensuring a good seal.
• Water bath canner: Provides an even heat during processing, which is crucial for food safety.
• Ladle: Helps in transferring the hot filling into jars without spills.

Ingredients

This homemade canned peach pie filling is a sweet, spiced preserve made with fresh peaches and a thick, silky base—perfect for baking pies, crisps, or cobblers year-round. With this easy water bath canning method, you can enjoy the flavor of summer peaches even in winter.

Ingredients (for 4–5 quarts)
6 quarts fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (about 24–30 medium peaches)
7 cups granulated sugar
2 cups cold water
1¾ cups clear jel (cook-type, not instant)
5¼ cups peach juice or water (from peaches or bottled)
½ cup bottled lemon juice
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (optional)
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

How to Make Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Step 1: Prepare Jars

Wash and sterilize 4–5 quart-size canning jars. Keep them warm until ready to fill.

Step 2: Prepare Peaches

Blanch peaches in boiling water for 30–60 seconds. Then transfer them to an ice bath. Peel, pit, and slice the peaches. To prevent browning, soak slices in water mixed with lemon juice or ascorbic acid.

Step 3: Blanch Slices

Boil the sliced peaches in batches for 1 minute. Drain them and keep warm.

Step 4: Make Filling Base

In a large pot, whisk together sugar and clear jel. Slowly stir in 2 cups of cold water along with 5¼ cups of peach juice (or water). Cook over medium-high heat while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and starts bubbling.

Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Spices

Stir in bottled lemon juice along with cinnamon and nutmeg if desired. Let it boil for about 1 minute.

Step 6: Add Peaches

Gently fold in the warm peach slices into the mixture and bring it back to a boil while stirring gently.

Step 7: Fill Jars

Ladle the hot filling into warm jars while leaving about 1 inch of headspace. Remove air bubbles by running a knife around the inside edges of the jar. Wipe rims clean before sealing with lids and bands.

Step 8: Process Jars

Place filled jars into a boiling water bath canner. Process them for 30 minutes (adjusting time based on altitude).

Step 9: Cool and Store

Let jars sit undisturbed for 12–24 hours after processing. Check seals to ensure they are secure. Label jars and store them in a cool, dark place where they will last up to one year.

How to Serve Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Homemade canned peach pie filling is versatile and can be enjoyed in various delicious ways. Whether you’re baking or simply looking for a sweet treat, these serving suggestions will enhance your culinary experience.

Classic Peach Pie

• A traditional favorite, use the filling to create a scrumptious peach pie with a flaky crust.

Peach Crisp

• Top the filling with a mix of oats, brown sugar, and butter, then bake for a warm dessert.

Peach Cobbler

• Pour the filling into a baking dish and top with biscuit dough for an easy cobbler that’s perfect with ice cream.

Ice Cream Topping

• Drizzle warm peach pie filling over vanilla ice cream for a delightful sundae.

Pancake Filling

• Use the filling as a topping for pancakes or waffles for a fruity breakfast twist.

Yogurt Parfait

• Layer peach pie filling with yogurt and granola for a refreshing and healthy snack.

How to Perfect Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Achieving the perfect homemade canned peach pie filling requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these guidelines for optimal results.

• Use ripe peaches: Choose fresh, ripe peaches for the best flavor and sweetness in your filling.
• Ensure proper acidity: Always use bottled lemon juice to maintain consistent acidity, which is important for safe canning.
• Avoid browning: Soak sliced peaches in lemon juice water to prevent them from turning brown before canning.
• Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker filling, add more clear jel during preparation.
• Process correctly: Follow the recommended boiling water bath time based on your altitude to ensure safe preservation.
• Check seals: Once cooled, make sure each jar is sealed properly before storing them away.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Pairing side dishes with homemade canned peach pie filling can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its sweet flavors nicely.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A classic companion, this creamy treat balances the sweetness of the peach filling perfectly.

2. Whipped Cream
   Light and airy, whipped cream adds richness to any dessert featuring peach pie filling.

3. Cheese Biscuits
   The savory flavor of cheese biscuits contrasts beautifully with the sweet fruit filling.

4. Savory Crepes
   Fill crepes with peach pie filling for a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors.

5. Grilled Chicken Salad
   Serve alongside grilled chicken salad topped with sliced peaches for refreshing summer vibes.

6. Nutty Granola Bars
   These bars provide crunch and flavor that pairs well with any dessert made using peach pie filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making homemade canned peach pie filling, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the quality and safety of your preserves.

• Ignoring Sterilization: Not properly sterilizing jars can lead to contamination. Always wash and heat jars before filling them.
• Using Instant Clear Jel: Using the wrong type of Clear Jel can ruin your filling. Stick to cook-type Clear Jel for safe canning.
• Skipping Lemon Juice: Omitting bottled lemon juice may compromise acidity. This is vital for food safety, so always include it in your recipe.
• Inadequate Headspace: Filling jars too full can cause overflow during processing. Leave at least 1 inch of headspace in each jar.
• Not Checking Seals: Assuming all seals are good without checking can lead to spoilage. Always check seals after cooling and store only sealed jars.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store opened jars in the refrigerator.
• Use within 1 week for best quality.

Freezing Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• Use within 6 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat filling in an oven-safe dish until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe container, stirring every minute until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about homemade canned peach pie filling, you’re not alone. Here are some common queries.

What is Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling?

Homemade canned peach pie filling is a sweet preserve made from fresh peaches, sugar, and spices, perfect for pies and desserts.

How long does Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling last?

When stored properly, it can last up to 1 year in a cool, dark place.

Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?

Yes, but ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the filling mixture for best results.

Is it safe to use cornstarch instead of Clear Jel?

No, cornstarch is not safe for canning purposes. Always use cook-type Clear Jel when making preserves.

Can I adjust the sweetness in my filling?

Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar according to your taste preference while maintaining the correct proportions of other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This homemade canned peach pie filling not only captures the essence of summer but also provides endless possibilities for desserts year-round. Feel free to customize it with different spices or sweeteners based on your preferences. Enjoy the delightful taste of fresh peaches any time!