Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

This Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling is a delightful way to preserve the sweet taste of summer. With its thick, silky texture and warm spices, it’s perfect for filling pies, crisps, or cobblers throughout the year. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or simply treating yourself, this recipe brings the essence of fresh peaches right into your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can create a delicious filling that will impress everyone.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for pies, cobblers, and more! This filling can be used in various dessert recipes.
• Long-Lasting: Canning allows you to enjoy the taste of peaches long after the summer has passed.
• Customizable Flavor: You can adjust spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your homemade canned peach pie filling, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wide-mouth quart-size canning jars
• Large pot for boiling
• Mixing bowls
• Ladle
• Water bath canner

Importance of Each Tool

• Wide-mouth quart-size canning jars: These jars allow for easy filling and cleaning, ensuring your preserves are made without hassle.
• Large pot for boiling: A sturdy pot is essential for cooking your filling evenly without burning it.
• Ladle: A ladle helps transfer hot liquid into jars safely without spills.

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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’re ready to fill them.

Step 2: Prepare Peaches

Blanch peaches in boiling water for 30–60 seconds. 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 sliced peaches in batches for about 1 minute. Drain them and keep warm while you prepare the filling base.

Step 4: Make Filling Base

In a large pot, whisk together sugar and clear jel. Gradually stir in cold water and peach juice (or water). Cook over medium-high heat while stirring constantly until it thickens and bubbles form.

Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Spices

Stir in bottled lemon juice along with cinnamon and nutmeg (if desired). Allow it to boil for another minute.

Step 6: Add Peaches

Fold in the warm peach slices carefully. Return the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring gently.

Step 7: Fill Jars

Ladle the hot filling into warm jars while leaving about an inch of headspace at the top. Remove any air bubbles by running a spatula around the inside edge of each jar. Wipe down rims before sealing with lids and bands.

Step 8: Process Jars

Place filled jars into a boiling water bath canner. Process them for about 30 minutes (adjusting time if you’re at higher altitudes).

Step 9: Cool and Store

After processing, let jars sit undisturbed for about 12–24 hours. Check each seal by pressing down in the center of each lid; if it pops back up, it’s not sealed correctly. Label and store sealed jars in a cool dark place for up to one year.

How to Serve Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Homemade canned peach pie filling is versatile and can elevate various desserts. Whether you’re whipping up a classic pie or trying something new, there are many delicious ways to enjoy this sweet preserve.

Classic Peach Pie

• Layer the filling in a prepared pie crust, top with another crust, and bake until golden brown for a traditional dessert.

Peach Cobbler

• Spoon the filling into a baking dish and top with a simple biscuit or cake batter before baking for a warm and comforting treat.

Peach Crisp

• Combine the filling with oats, flour, and butter for a crunchy topping that adds texture and flavor.

Ice Cream Topping

• Drizzle the warm filling over vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert that balances creaminess with fruity sweetness.

Pancake Filling

• Use the peach pie filling as a topping for pancakes or waffles to add a burst of flavor to your breakfast.

Yogurt Parfait

• Layer the filling with yogurt and granola for a quick and healthy snack or breakfast option.

How to Perfect Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Making the perfect homemade canned peach pie filling requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your filling turns out great every time.

• Choose ripe peaches: Select fresh, ripe peaches for the best flavor and sweetness in your filling.
• Use Clear Jel: Stick with cook-type Clear Jel, as it provides the best thickening agent for canning.
• Adjust acidity: Always use bottled lemon juice to maintain proper acidity levels for safe preservation.
• Prevent browning: Soak sliced peaches in water mixed with lemon juice to keep them vibrant and fresh-looking.
• Leave headspace: Ensure you leave adequate headspace in jars during canning to allow for expansion while processing.
• Cool jars properly: Let jars cool undisturbed after processing to ensure seals form correctly.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Serving sides that complement your homemade canned peach pie filling can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent side dishes to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with warm peach dessert fillings.
2. Whipped Cream
   Light and fluffy whipped cream adds richness when served alongside peach dishes.
3. Oatmeal Muffins
   These hearty muffins provide a wholesome balance to sweet peach pies or crisps.
4. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses can contrast nicely with sweet flavors, making it an excellent side option.
5. Savory Biscuits
   Flaky, buttery biscuits work well as a savory counterpoint to sweet peach desserts.
6. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of sweet peach desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Canning can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the process. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when making your Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling.

• Bold preparation mistakes: Not properly preparing your peaches can lead to spoilage. Always blanch, peel, and pit your peaches before starting the filling.
• Bold incorrect ingredient usage: Using instant Clear Jel instead of cook-type can compromise the texture of your filling. Make sure to use only cook-type Clear Jel for safe canning.
• Bold neglecting proper sterilization: Failing to sterilize jars can introduce bacteria, leading to spoilage. Sterilize your jars in boiling water prior to filling them.
• Bold ignoring headspace requirements: Not leaving enough headspace can cause jar breakage during processing. Always leave 1 inch of headspace when filling jars.
• Bold skipping acidity checks: Using insufficiently acidic ingredients can lead to unsafe storage conditions. Always include bottled lemon juice for proper acidity.
• Bold overfilling jars: Overfilling can prevent a proper seal and lead to spoilage. Follow the guidelines for headspace carefully.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

• For long-term storage, freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• Use within 6–12 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

• Bold Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer filling to an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warmed through.
• Bold Microwave: Place the desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 30-second intervals until warm, stirring in between.
• Bold Stovetop: In a saucepan over medium heat, stir the filling gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling that may help you get the best results.

How long does homemade canned peach pie filling last?

Homemade canned peach pie filling lasts up to one year when stored in a cool, dark place.

Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen peaches; just thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before using in your filling.

What is Clear Jel and why is it important?

Clear Jel is a modified food starch used as a thickener specifically designed for home canning. It ensures a safe and stable product.

Can I substitute other fruits in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute other fruits like apples or berries following similar methods for preparation and processing.

Is it necessary to use bottled lemon juice?

Yes, using bottled lemon juice ensures consistent acidity levels which are crucial for safe canning.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling is not only rewarding but also allows you to enjoy summer flavors year-round. This versatile recipe can be customized by adding different spices or even mixing in other fruits. Give it a try and savor the taste of summer whenever you bake!