Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

This Canned Peach Pie Filling offers a delightful way to savor the essence of summer peaches all year long. Its sweet, spiced flavor makes it perfect for pies, crisps, or cobblers on any occasion. With a simple water bath canning process, you can easily preserve the deliciousness of fresh peaches and enjoy them in your favorite desserts even in the coldest months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies the canning process, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Uses: Use this filling not only for peach pies but also for cobblers, crisps, and other desserts.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of fresh peaches and spices creates a sweet filling that enhances any dessert.
• Long Shelf Life: Properly canned, this peach pie filling can last up to a year, offering deliciousness whenever you crave it.
• Customize Your Spices: Add cinnamon or nutmeg according to your taste preferences for a personalized touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Proper equipment ensures a smooth canning process and helps achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Canning jars (quart-size)
• Large pot
• Water bath canner
• Ladle
• Jar lifter
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Canning jars: Essential for storing your peach pie filling safely while preventing spoilage.
• Water bath canner: Provides an even temperature for processing jars, ensuring proper sealing.
• Ladle: Makes transferring hot filling into jars quick and easy without spills.

Ingredients

This 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 Canned Peach Pie Filling

Step 1: Prepare Jars

Wash and sterilize 4–5 quart-size canning jars. Keep them warm until you’re ready to fill them with the peach mixture.

Step 2: Prepare Peaches

Blanch the peaches in boiling water for 30–60 seconds. Transfer them immediately to an ice bath to stop cooking. Peel, pit, and slice the peaches. To prevent browning during preparation, soak the slices in cold water mixed with lemon juice or ascorbic acid.

Step 3: Blanch Slices

Boil the sliced peaches in batches for about 1 minute. Afterward, drain them well and keep warm as you prepare the filling base.

Step 4: Make Filling Base

In a large pot, combine granulated sugar and clear jel by whisking them together. Gradually stir in 2 cups of cold water along with 5¼ cups of peach juice (or water). Cook this mixture over medium-high heat while stirring constantly until it thickens and begins to bubble.

Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Spices

Once thickened, stir in bottled lemon juice along with optional spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Boil this mixture for an additional minute to blend flavors.

Step 6: Add Peaches

Carefully fold in your warm peach slices into the thickened filling base. Return this mixture to a gentle boil while stirring gently to combine everything well.

Step 7: Fill Jars

Using a ladle, fill each jar with hot peach pie filling while leaving about an inch of headspace at the top. Remove any air bubbles by sliding a spatula around the inside edges of each jar then wipe rims clean before sealing with lids and bands.

Step 8: Process Jars

Place filled jars into your boiling water bath canner. Process them for about 30 minutes—make sure to adjust processing time based on your altitude if necessary.

Step 9: Cool and Store

After processing is complete, let your jars sit undisturbed for about 12-24 hours. Check that all seals are tight before labeling each jar. Store them in a cool dark place where they will keep fresh for up to one year!

How to Serve Canned Peach Pie Filling

Homemade canned peach pie filling is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Whether you’re looking for a classic dessert or a creative twist, these serving suggestions will enhance the sweet flavor of your peach filling.

Classic Peach Pie

• Use your homemade filling as the star ingredient in a traditional peach pie. Simply pour it into a prepared pie crust, top with another crust, and bake until golden brown.

Peach Crisp

• For a quick dessert, layer your peach filling in a baking dish and top with a mixture of oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter. Bake until bubbly and golden for a delightful peach crisp.

Peach Cobbler

• Spoon the peach filling into a baking dish and cover it with biscuit dough or cake batter. Bake until the topping is cooked through for an easy cobbler that pairs well with ice cream.

Pancake Topping

• Drizzle warm peach pie filling over pancakes or waffles for a fruity breakfast treat. Add whipped cream on top for an indulgent touch.

Yogurt Parfait

• Layer the peach filling with yogurt and granola in a glass for a delicious parfait. This makes a great snack or light dessert option.

Ice Cream Sundae

• Create a summery sundae by layering vanilla ice cream with warm peach pie filling and topping with nuts or whipped cream.

How to Perfect Canned Peach Pie Filling

To achieve the best results with your canned peach pie filling, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose ripe peaches: Use fresh, ripe peaches for the sweetest flavor and best texture in your filling.
• Use clear jel: Always opt for cook-type Clear Jel as it thickens without compromising safety during canning.
• Maintain acidity: Adding bottled lemon juice ensures your filling has the right acidity level for safe preservation.
• Adjust for altitude: If you’re at high elevation, remember to adjust processing times to ensure proper sealing.
• Leave headspace: Make sure to leave enough headspace in jars (1 inch) while filling to allow expansion during processing.
• Check seals: After cooling, always check that your jars are sealed properly before storing them away.

Best Side Dishes for Canned Peach Pie Filling

Pairing side dishes with your delicious canned peach pie filling can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great suggestions to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   The creamy texture complements the sweetness of the peaches perfectly.
2. Whipped Cream
   A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and enhances the flavors of the peach filling.
3. Oatmeal Cookies
   Soft oatmeal cookies provide a hearty contrast to the sweet fruitiness of peach pie filling.
4. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses can balance the sweetness; try sharp cheddar or creamy brie alongside fresh fruits.
5. Grilled Chicken Salad
   A light salad topped with sliced grilled chicken and drizzled with vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with sweet flavors.
6. Cornbread Muffins
   Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful side that complements both savory and sweet dishes alike.
7. Pecan Pie Bars
   Rich pecan bars create an excellent contrast to fruit desserts like peach pie fillings.
8. Fruit Salad
   A fresh fruit salad can serve as a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors of baked desserts featuring peaches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making canned peach pie filling can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes ensures your filling turns out perfectly every time.

• Bold preparation: Not preparing your jars properly can lead to spoilage. Always wash and sterilize jars before use, keeping them warm until they are filled.
• Bold peach handling: Failing to blanch peaches correctly might result in an undesirable texture. Blanching helps remove the skin easily and keeps slices firm.
• Bold ingredient accuracy: Skipping the clear jel can compromise your filling’s consistency. Ensure you use cook-type Clear Jel for safe canning and a thick texture.
• Bold headspace neglect: Ignoring headspace guidelines can cause jar breakage. Always leave 1 inch of headspace when filling jars to allow for expansion during processing.
• Bold processing time: Under-processing jars may lead to unsafe preserves. Make sure to process your jars for the full recommended time based on your altitude.
• Bold seal checks: Forgetting to check seals after cooling can waste your hard work. Always inspect seals before storing jars, ensuring they are airtight.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store opened jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Use airtight containers for any leftover filling.

Freezing Canned Peach Pie Filling

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 1 year.
• Leave space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Canned Peach Pie Filling

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm, stirring between each interval for even heating.
• Stovetop: Gently heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about canned peach pie filling that may help you:

What is Canned Peach Pie Filling?

Canned peach pie filling is a sweet preserve made from fresh peaches, sugar, and thickening agents like clear jel, perfect for pies and desserts.

How long does canned peach pie filling last?

When sealed properly and stored in a cool, dark place, canned peach pie filling can last up to 1 year.

Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Yes! If using frozen peaches, ensure they are thawed and drained well before incorporating them into your filling recipe.

Is it safe to use cornstarch instead of clear jel?

No, cornstarch is not safe for canning as it does not hold up well during processing. Always use cook-type clear jel.

How do I customize the flavor of my peach pie filling?

You can add spices like ginger or cloves for a different flavor profile or mix in other fruits like blueberries for added variety.

Final Thoughts

This homemade canned peach pie filling is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for pies, crisps, or cobblers, you can enjoy the flavors of summer all year long. Feel free to customize it with spices or other fruits based on your preferences!