Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

This Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling is a delightful way to savor the taste of fresh peaches throughout the year. Perfect for baking, this filling can elevate pies, cobblers, or crisps on any occasion. The sweet and spiced flavor combined with a silky texture makes it an irresistible addition to your dessert recipes. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or just want to indulge yourself, this recipe ensures that summer’s freshest peaches are always within reach.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Canning Process: The water bath method simplifies the canning process, making it accessible even for beginners.
• Versatile Uses: Use this peach pie filling in various desserts, from classic peach pies to fun twists like peach cobblers and crisps.
• Long-lasting Flavor: Enjoy the taste of summer peaches even in winter with homemade canned filling that lasts up to a year.
• Customizable Spices: Adjust the spices according to your preference for a more personalized flavor profile.
• Perfect for Gifting: Share your homemade creations with friends and family as thoughtful gifts during holidays or special occasions.

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Tools and Preparation

To make your homemade canned peach pie filling, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Canning jars (quart-size)
• Large pot
• Ladle
• Water bath canner
• Ice bath setup (bowl filled with ice water)
• Sterilizing equipment

Importance of Each Tool

• Canning jars: These are crucial for safely storing your peach pie filling and ensuring it remains sealed and fresh.
• Water bath canner: This tool allows you to process jars efficiently, keeping the filling safe for long-term storage.
• Ladle: A ladle helps pour the hot filling into jars without making a mess and ensures accurate portioning.

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 with the peach mixture.

Step 2: Prepare Peaches

Blanch your peaches in boiling water for 30–60 seconds. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath. Once cooled, 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. Afterward, drain them well while keeping them warm.

Step 4: Make Filling Base

In a large pot, whisk together the sugar and clear jel. 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 it thickens and begins to bubble.

Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Spices

Once thickened, stir in the bottled lemon juice along with cinnamon and nutmeg if you choose to use them. Allow this mixture to boil for one additional minute.

Step 6: Add Peaches

Gently fold in the warm peach slices into the thickened mixture. Return everything to a boil while stirring gently.

Step 7: Fill Jars

Using a ladle, fill your warm jars with the hot peach filling, leaving about one inch of headspace at the top. Remove any air bubbles by running a knife along the inside edges of each jar. Wipe down rims with a clean cloth before sealing them with lids and bands.

Step 8: Process Jars

Place filled jars in your boiling water bath canner. Process them for about 30 minutes but adjust processing time according to your altitude if necessary.

Step 9: Cool and Store

After processing is complete, let jars sit undisturbed for anywhere from 12–24 hours. Check each seal once cooled; label them accordingly and store in a cool dark place where they will stay fresh for up to one year.

How to Serve Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Homemade canned peach pie filling is incredibly versatile and can enhance various dishes. Whether you’re baking a pie or looking for creative ways to use it, here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your meals.

On Top of Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with warm peach pie filling creates a delightful dessert.

In Yogurt Parfaits

• Layer homemade peach filling with yogurt and granola for a refreshing breakfast or snack.

As a Pancake Topping

• Drizzle warm peach pie filling over pancakes or waffles for a sweet morning treat.

Mixed into Oatmeal

• Stir in peach filling into hot oatmeal for a fruity twist on your breakfast routine.

In Smoothies

• Blend homemade peach pie filling with yogurt and ice for a creamy, fruity smoothie.

For Cheese Plates

• Serve alongside cheese and crackers as part of an elegant appetizer spread.

How to Perfect Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Creating the best homemade canned peach pie filling requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your filling turns out perfectly every time.

• Use ripe peaches: Choose fresh, ripe peaches for the best flavor. Overripe or underripe fruit can affect the taste and texture.

• Adjust sweetness: Taste the mixture before sealing jars. You can adjust sugar levels based on your preference and the sweetness of the peaches.

• Maintain acidity: Always use bottled lemon juice to ensure safety during canning. This keeps your filling tart and prevents spoilage.

• Follow headspace guidelines: Leave proper headspace in jars. This allows for expansion during processing and ensures a good seal.

• Check seals after cooling: After cooling, press down on jar lids to check if they are sealed. A properly sealed jar should not pop back.

• Store properly: Keep your filled jars in a cool, dark place to extend their shelf life and maintain quality.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Pairing sides with your homemade canned peach pie filling can enhance any meal. Here are some delicious options that complement the sweet, fruity flavors of peaches beautifully.

1. Savory Roasted Chicken
   A herb-marinated roasted chicken provides a savory contrast to sweet peach flavors.

2. Vanilla Bean Rice Pudding
   Creamy rice pudding topped with peach filling creates a delightful textural experience.

3. Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
   The salty crunch of bacon-wrapped asparagus pairs well with the sweetness of peaches.

4. Classic Biscuits
   Flaky biscuits served alongside peach filling make for an easy dessert or breakfast option.

5. Grilled Pork Chops
   Juicy grilled pork chops work wonderfully when drizzled with warm peach pie filling.

6. Quinoa Salad with Feta
   A light quinoa salad mixed with feta cheese offers a refreshing counterpoint to rich desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your homemade canned peach pie filling, avoiding common mistakes can ensure a perfect result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using the wrong type of Clear Jel: Always choose cook-type Clear Jel for safety in canning. Instant Clear Jel does not thicken properly during processing.
• Not sterilizing jars correctly: Ensure that your jars are properly sterilized and kept warm. This prevents bacteria from spoiling your filling.
• Skipping the lemon juice: Bottled lemon juice is essential for maintaining the right acidity level. Skipping this can lead to unsafe preserves.
• Overfilling jars: Leave at least 1 inch of headspace in each jar. This allows for proper expansion during processing.
• Ignoring altitude adjustments: If you live at a higher altitude, adjust processing times accordingly to ensure safety and quality.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

• Freeze filling in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• Use within 6-12 months for the best quality.

Reheating Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

• Oven: Place filling in an oven-safe dish; heat at 350°F until warm throughout, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer filling to a microwave-safe bowl; heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about homemade canned peach pie filling:

How long does homemade canned peach pie filling last?

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

Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen peaches. Just ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the filling mixture.

What is the best way to make homemade canned peach pie filling?

The best way involves using fresh peaches, proper sterilization of jars, and following safe canning practices with clear jel as a thickener.

How do I know if my jars sealed properly?

You can check the seal by pressing down in the center of each lid. If it pops back up, the jar did not seal correctly.

Final Thoughts

This homemade canned peach pie filling is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can use it in pies, cobblers, or even as a topping for ice cream. Feel free to customize with spices or add more sugar based on your taste preferences. Enjoy capturing the essence of summer all year round!