This Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling is a delightful way to preserve the taste of summer peaches, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking a pie for a family gathering or preparing a sweet treat for a cozy night in, this filling will shine through. It’s easy to make and offers a rich flavor that enhances your favorite desserts year-round.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile Use: This filling is perfect for pies, cobblers, crisps, and even as a topping for ice cream or pancakes.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh peaches, spices, and lemon juice creates a sweet yet tangy profile that elevates any dessert.
- Long Shelf Life: With proper canning techniques, you can enjoy this filling for up to one year, bringing summer into your winter meals.
- Easy Canning Process: The water bath canning method is user-friendly, making it accessible even for beginners.
- Healthy and Homemade: Using fresh ingredients means no preservatives or artificial flavors—just pure peach goodness!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth canning process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Canning jars (quart-size)
- Canning lids and bands
- Water bath canner
- Ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the filling base evenly while allowing ample space for stirring.
- Canning jars: Keeps your homemade peach pie filling safe and sealed until you’re ready to use it.
- Water bath canner: Provides the necessary heat to process the jars properly and ensure food safety.
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)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
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.
Step 2: Prepare Peaches
Blanch the peaches in boiling water for 30–60 seconds. Quickly transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking. 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 sliced peaches in batches for 1 minute. Drain well and keep warm while you prepare the filling.
Step 4: Make Filling Base
In a large pot, whisk together sugar and clear jel. Slowly stir in cold water and peach juice (or water). Cook over medium-high heat while stirring constantly until thickened and bubbling.
Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Spices
Stir in 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 to a boil while stirring carefully.
Step 7: Fill Jars
Ladle the hot peach filling into warm jars—be sure to leave about 1 inch of headspace. Remove any air bubbles by running a knife around the inside edges 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 (adjust time according to altitude).
Step 9: Cool and Store
Once processed, let jars sit undisturbed for about 12–24 hours. Check seals afterward; label your jars accordingly. Store in a cool dark place where they’ll stay good for up to one year!
How to Serve Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling
Homemade canned peach pie filling is a versatile treat that can elevate many desserts and dishes. Whether you’re baking a classic peach pie or looking for creative ways to incorporate this sweet filling, there are plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.
Classic Peach Pie
- A traditional favorite, use the filling to create a delicious homemade peach pie with a flaky crust.
Peach Cobbler
- Layer the filling with biscuit dough for a comforting peach cobbler, perfect for family gatherings.
Ice Cream Topping
- Spoon warm peach filling over vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert that combines hot and cold flavors.
Pancake or Waffle Filling
- Use the canned peach pie filling as a topping for pancakes or waffles for a fruity breakfast treat.
Yogurt Parfait
- Mix the filling into Greek yogurt and layer it with granola for a quick and healthy snack.
Peach Crisp
- Combine the filling with oats and brown sugar to make an easy peach crisp, baked until golden brown and bubbly.
How to Perfect Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling
Creating the ideal homemade canned peach pie filling involves some key techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your filling is perfectly delicious every time.
- Choose ripe peaches: Use fresh, ripe peaches for the best flavor. Look for peaches that yield slightly when squeezed.
- Avoid browning: Soak sliced peaches in lemon juice or ascorbic acid immediately after slicing to prevent them from browning.
- Use clear jel: Always opt for cook-type clear jel, as it thickens properly during canning and ensures safety.
- Maintain acidity: Add bottled lemon juice to ensure the right acidity level; this is crucial for safe canning.
- Leave headspace: When filling jars, leave at least 1 inch of headspace to allow for expansion.
- Check seals: After processing, check jar seals before storing. Properly sealed jars will preserve freshness longer.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling
Pairing side dishes with your homemade canned peach pie filling can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful sides that complement its sweetness beautifully.
- Vanilla Ice Cream
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances the sweetness of the peach filling perfectly. - Buttermilk Biscuits
Fluffy biscuits serve as an excellent base when served warm with the peach filling drizzled on top. - Savory Roasted Chicken
The sweetness of the peaches contrasts nicely with savory roasted chicken, creating a well-rounded meal. - Pecan Crumble Muffins
These muffins add texture and nutty flavors that pair well with sweet peaches in desserts. - Greek Salad
A fresh Greek salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of dessert fillings. - Grilled Pork Chops
The sweetness of grilled pork chops complements the spiced notes in your peach pie filling, making it a delightful combination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making homemade canned peach pie filling, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the quality and safety of your preserves. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using Instant Clear Jel: This type of Clear Jel does not work for canning since it won’t thicken properly when heated. Always use cook-type Clear Jel for safe and effective results.
- Not Sterilizing Jars: Failing to properly sterilize your jars can lead to spoilage. Always wash and sterilize your jars before filling them with the peach pie filling.
- Ignoring Headspace: Leaving too little headspace in the jars can cause the filling to overflow during processing. Ensure you leave at least 1 inch of headspace for expansion.
- Skipping the Water Bath: Not processing the jars in a boiling water bath can lead to unsafe bacteria growth. Always process your filled jars for the recommended time.
- Using Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice can vary in acidity, which is crucial for safe canning. Always use bottled lemon juice for consistent acidity levels.
- Not Checking Seals: If you neglect to check the jar seals after cooling, it could lead to spoilage. After 12–24 hours, ensure each jar has a proper seal by pressing down in the center of the lid; if it pops back, it’s not sealed.
Refrigerator Storage
- Homemade canned peach pie filling can be stored in the refrigerator once opened.
- Use an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Consume within 1 week for optimal taste and quality.
Freezing Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling
- You can freeze any unused filling if you don’t plan to use it soon.
- Store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Use within 6 months for best flavor and texture.
Reheating Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the filling in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer the filling into a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through, approximately 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen peaches for homemade canned peach pie filling?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches. Just thaw them completely before starting the recipe to achieve a proper texture in your filling.
What is the best way to peel peaches easily?
Blanching peaches in boiling water for about 30-60 seconds makes peeling easier. The skins will slip off effortlessly afterward.
How long does homemade canned peach pie filling last?
When stored properly, homemade canned peach pie filling lasts up to one year on a cool, dark shelf.
Can I double this recipe?
You may double this recipe; however, it’s best to do it in batches as larger amounts may not cook evenly or thicken properly.
Final Thoughts
This homemade canned peach pie filling is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile! Perfect for baking pies, crisps, or even enjoying on its own, you can customize it with spices or adjust sweetness as needed. Give this easy recipe a try and savor summer flavors all year round!
Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings (4–5 quarts) 1x
Description
Homemade canned peach pie filling captures the essence of summer, allowing you to enjoy the sweet, succulent taste of fresh peaches year-round. This simple recipe combines ripe peaches with just the right blend of spices and lemon juice to create a deliciously thick filling that’s perfect for pies, cobblers, or even as a decadent topping for ice cream or pancakes. With an easy water bath canning technique, you can preserve this delightful mixture for up to a year, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. Get ready to indulge in the flavors of summer, no matter the season!
Ingredients
- 6 quarts fresh peaches (peeled, pitted, and sliced)
- 7 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups cold water
- 1¾ cups cook-type clear jel
- 5¼ cups peach juice or water
- ½ cup bottled lemon juice
- Optional: 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Sterilize 4–5 quart-size canning jars and keep them warm.
- Blanch peaches in boiling water for 30–60 seconds; transfer to an ice bath. Peel, pit, and slice peaches.
- Boil sliced peaches in batches for 1 minute; drain and keep warm.
- In a large pot, whisk together sugar and clear jel. Add cold water and peach juice; cook over medium-high heat until thickened.
- Stir in lemon juice and spices; boil for one more minute.
- Fold in warm peach slices and return to a boil.
- Ladle hot filling into jars, leaving 1 inch of headspace. Remove air bubbles and seal jars.
- Process jars in a boiling water bath for about 30 minutes.
- Cool jars undisturbed for 12–24 hours before checking seals.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (125g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Use ripe peaches for optimal flavor. Soak sliced peaches in lemon juice to prevent browning. Always use bottled lemon juice to maintain acidity levels necessary for safe canning.