Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

This Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling is a delightful way to preserve the sweetness of summer peaches. With its rich flavor and silky texture, it’s perfect for baking your favorite pies, crisps, or cobblers throughout the year. Whether you’re planning a family gathering or simply want to enjoy a slice of nostalgia, this recipe ensures you have a delicious treat on hand anytime.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe simplifies the canning process, making it accessible even for beginners.
• Flavorful and Versatile: The blend of fresh peaches with spices creates a filling that’s great for various desserts.
• Year-Round Enjoyment: Enjoy the taste of summer peaches even in winter months with this easy canning method.
• Perfect for Gifting: Homemade canned peach pie filling makes a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
• Long Shelf Life: Properly canned, this filling can last up to a year without losing its deliciousness.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your homemade canned peach pie filling, gather all necessary tools and ingredients. Being organized will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Canning jars (quart-size)
• Large pot
• Ladle
• Measuring cups
• Whisk
• Water bath canner
• Ice bath setup (large bowl with ice water)

Importance of Each Tool

• Canning jars: Essential for safely storing your peach pie filling while maintaining freshness.
• Large pot: Needed for cooking the filling; ensures even heating and thickening.
• Ladle: Helps in transferring the hot filling into jars without spills.
• Water bath canner: Crucial for processing jars safely to prevent spoilage.

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 you are ready to fill them with the peach pie filling.

Step 2: Prepare Peaches

Blanch the 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 the slices in water mixed with lemon juice or ascorbic acid.

Step 3: Blanch Slices

Boil the sliced peaches in batches for about 1 minute. Drain them well and keep warm while preparing the filling base.

Step 4: Make Filling Base

In a large pot, combine the sugar and clear jel using a whisk. Gradually 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 begins to bubble.

Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Spices

Stir in the bottled lemon juice along with cinnamon and nutmeg if desired. Allow it to boil for an additional minute.

Step 6: Add Peaches

Gently fold in the warm peach slices into the mixture. Return this to a boil while stirring lightly.

Step 7: Fill Jars

Using a ladle, pour the hot filling into warm jars while leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top. Be sure to remove any air bubbles by running a spatula around inside each jar rim before wiping clean and sealing tightly with lids and bands.

Step 8: Process Jars

Place jars into your boiling water bath canner. Process them for about 30 minutes; remember to adjust timing based on altitude if necessary.

Step 9: Cool and Store

Allow jars to sit undisturbed for about 12–24 hours after processing. Check that seals are secure before labeling them. Store your homemade canned peach pie filling in a cool, dark place where it will stay fresh for up to one year.

How to Serve Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Homemade canned peach pie filling is versatile and can elevate any dessert. Here are some delightful ways to serve this sweet preserve.

As a Classic Peach Pie

• Use your homemade filling as the main ingredient in a traditional peach pie. A flaky crust complements the sweet, spiced peaches perfectly.

Topped on Vanilla Ice Cream

• Spoon the warm peach filling over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing treat. The contrast between the hot filling and cold ice cream is simply delightful.

For a Peach Crisp

• Layer the canned peach filling in a baking dish and top with a crumbly oat topping. Bake until golden brown for an easy and delicious peach crisp.

Mixed into Yogurt

• Stir some of the peach filling into plain or Greek yogurt for a quick breakfast or snack. This adds natural sweetness and flavor to your yogurt.

Paired with Pancakes

• Use the filling as a topping for pancakes or waffles. Drizzle it over your breakfast stack for a fruity twist that everyone will love.

In Smoothies

• Blend canned peach pie filling into smoothies for added sweetness and texture. Combine with yogurt, milk, and other fruits for a nutritious drink.

How to Perfect Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Perfecting your homemade canned peach pie filling ensures you get the best flavor and texture every time. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfection.

• Choose ripe peaches: Select fresh, ripe peaches that are slightly soft to the touch. This ensures maximum sweetness and flavor in your filling.

• Use clear jel: Opt for cook-type Clear Jel instead of cornstarch, as it provides better consistency and safety during canning.

• Adjust spices carefully: Experiment with cinnamon and nutmeg based on your taste preferences. Start with smaller amounts and adjust as needed.

• Maintain proper acidity: Always use bottled lemon juice to maintain consistent acidity levels, which is crucial for safe canning.

• Check headspace: Ensure you leave adequate headspace in jars when filling them. This prevents overflow during processing.

• Label jars clearly: After cooling, label each jar with the contents and date to keep track of freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Pairing side dishes with your homemade canned peach pie filling can create delightful meals or snacks. Here are some side dish ideas that complement this sweet treat.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice; its creamy texture balances the fruity pie filling perfectly.
2. Savory Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits provide a nice contrast to the sweet peaches—great for brunch!
3. Oatmeal: Add a spoonful of peach filling to oatmeal for a warm breakfast full of flavor.
4. Pork Chops: Serve alongside pork chops; the sweetness of peaches pairs beautifully with savory meats.
5. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese that enhance the flavors of canned peaches.
6. Salad Greens: Tossed greens with feta cheese and nuts make an excellent light side dish to balance sweetness.
7. Grilled Chicken: Pair grilled chicken breasts topped with peach salsa made from your pie filling—delicious!
8. French Toast Sticks: Dip French toast sticks in peach syrup made from heating up your canned filling; perfect for kids!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Canning homemade peach pie filling can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes to steer clear of for success.

• Using the wrong Clear Jel: Always opt for cook-type Clear Jel, as instant varieties are not safe for canning. Check the packaging before purchase.
• Neglecting jar preparation: Failing to properly wash and sterilize jars can lead to spoilage. Ensure jars are clean and warm just before filling.
• Skipping the lemon juice: Not adding bottled lemon juice can compromise safety due to acidity levels. It’s crucial for preserving your filling correctly.
• Overfilling jars: Leaving insufficient headspace can cause pressure issues during processing. Aim for at least 1 inch of headspace in each jar.
• Ignoring altitude adjustments: Processing times vary with altitude; neglecting this could result in under-processed jars. Adjust processing time based on your elevation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store opened jars in the refrigerator.
• Use within 1-2 weeks for best quality.

Freezing Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

• Consider freezing any unused filling in airtight containers.
• It can last up to a year in the freezer.

Reheating Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat filling in an oven-safe dish until warm.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, heat in short intervals, stirring frequently until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Can I use other fruits for pie filling?

Yes! This method works well with various fruits like cherries, apples, or berries. Adjust sugar and spice levels based on the fruit’s sweetness.

How long does homemade canned peach pie filling last?

When properly processed and sealed, it can last up to one year in a cool, dark place.

What should I do if my jars don’t seal?

If jars fail to seal, refrigerate and use within a few days or reprocess them with new lids.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the filling?

Absolutely! You can reduce or increase sugar according to your preferences or dietary needs while maintaining safety guidelines.

Final Thoughts

This homemade canned peach pie filling is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for pies, crisps, or even as a topping for ice cream, it brings the taste of summer into your kitchen year-round. Feel free to customize it with different spices or fruits to suit your tastes!