Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

This Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling combines the sweetness of fresh peaches with delightful spices, resulting in a luscious preserve that elevates your desserts. Perfect for pies, cobblers, or even as a topping for ice cream, this filling locks in the taste of summer peaches, allowing you to savor their flavor throughout the year. Using a simple water bath canning method ensures that you can enjoy this treat during any season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, anyone can create this delicious peach filling at home.
• Versatile Uses: Ideal for pies and crisps or to add a fruity touch to various desserts.
• Long-Lasting: Properly canned, this filling lasts up to a year, letting you enjoy summer’s bounty long into winter.
• Flavorful and Fresh: Made from fresh ingredients, ensuring every jar captures the essence of ripe peaches.
• Perfect for Gifting: Share jars with friends and family; it’s a thoughtful homemade gift.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your homemade canned peach pie filling, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure safety.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Canning jars: These are essential for preserving your peach pie filling safely.
• Water bath canner: Ensures even heating during processing, which is key for food safety.
• Large pot: Needed for cooking the filling base; it accommodates all ingredients comfortably.

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 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 them warm while you prepare the filling base.

Step 4: Make Filling Base

In a large pot, whisk together sugar and clear jel until well combined. Gradually stir in 2 cups of cold water along with 5¼ cups of peach juice or bottled 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 bottled lemon juice along with cinnamon and nutmeg if desired. Allow the mixture to boil for an additional minute while continuing to stir.

Step 6: Add Peaches

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

Step 7: Fill Jars

Ladle the hot peach filling into your prepared warm jars. Leave about 1 inch of headspace at the top. Remove any air bubbles by running a spatula around the inside of each jar’s edge. 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 based on altitude if necessary.

Step 9: Cool and Store

Once processed, let jars sit undisturbed for between 12–24 hours. Afterward, check seals by pressing down on the center of each lid; it should not pop back up if sealed properly. Label jars and store them in a cool dark place where they will last up to one year!

How to Serve Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Homemade canned peach pie filling is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether you’re planning a dessert for a special occasion or just a cozy weeknight treat, these serving suggestions will inspire your creativity.

As a Classic Peach Pie

• A traditional favorite, bake this filling in a flaky pie crust for an all-time classic dessert that everyone loves.

Over Vanilla Ice Cream

• Warm the filling slightly and pour it over scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures and textures.

In Peach Cobbler

• Use the filling as the base for a comforting peach cobbler topped with a buttery biscuit or crumble topping for an easy yet impressive dessert.

Mixed into Yogurt Parfaits

• Layer the peach pie filling with yogurt and granola for a fruity breakfast or snack that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

In Pancakes or Waffles

• Spoon the sweet filling over pancakes or waffles instead of syrup for an added burst of flavor at breakfast.

How to Perfect Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

To ensure your homemade canned peach pie filling is the best it can be, follow these essential tips. They’ll help you achieve delicious results every time.

• Choose ripe peaches: Opt for fresh, ripe peaches to enhance flavor; under-ripe fruit may result in less sweetness.
• Proper sterilization: Make sure your jars are thoroughly sterilized to prevent contamination and spoilage.
• Adjust spices to taste: Feel free to tweak the cinnamon and nutmeg according to your preference for a more personalized flavor profile.
• Use Clear Jel correctly: Always use cook-type Clear Jel, which is safe for canning; avoid using cornstarch as it isn’t suitable.
• Monitor processing time: Adjust processing times based on your altitude to maintain proper safety standards during canning.
• Store properly: Keep sealed jars in a cool, dark place, ensuring they are stored away from direct sunlight for optimal preservation.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Pairing side dishes with your homemade canned peach pie filling can create memorable meals. Here are some excellent options that complement its sweetness beautifully.

1. Savory Pork Chops: Grilled or pan-seared pork chops seasoned with herbs provide a savory contrast to the sweet peach flavors.
2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The richness of buttery mashed potatoes balances well with the fruity pie filling served as dessert.
3. Green Salad with Goat Cheese: A fresh salad topped with tangy goat cheese offers brightness that cuts through the sweetness of desserts.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The earthy flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts pairs nicely with the sweet notes in your peach dish.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Lightly sweet cornbread muffins serve as a great accompaniment, perfect for soaking up any extra filling.
6. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad mixed with vegetables adds texture and nutrition alongside your sweet treat.
7. Grilled Chicken Sandwiches: Tender grilled chicken sandwiches complement the dessert’s flavors well when served together.
8. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Savory stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and beans form a hearty main course alongside sweet desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade canned peach pie filling can be simple, but certain mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Using Instant Clear Jel: Instant Clear Jel is not suitable for canning as it does not provide the same stability and texture. Always opt for cook-type Clear Jel for best results.
• Skipping the Lemon Juice: Failing to add bottled lemon juice can lead to unsafe acidity levels in your filling. Always include lemon juice to ensure safety and enhance flavor.
• Not Prepping Jars Properly: Using unsterilized jars can lead to spoilage. Ensure you wash and sterilize jars before filling them with your peach mixture.
• Incorrect Headspace: Leaving too little or too much headspace can cause jars to seal improperly. Aim for 1 inch of headspace to allow for expansion and proper sealing.
• Ignoring Altitude Adjustments: Processing times vary with altitude, and not adjusting can affect the safety of your canned goods. Check altitude guidelines and modify processing times accordingly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store opened jars in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 1 week for best flavor.

Freezing Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

• Allow filling to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion.
• Best used within 6 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

• Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about homemade canned peach pie filling that may help clarify common concerns.

How long does homemade canned peach pie filling last?

Homemade canned peach pie filling can last up to 1 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 before using them in your filling.

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

Homemade canned peach pie filling is perfect for pies, cobblers, crisps, or even as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.

Is homemade canned peach pie filling safe?

Yes, as long as you follow proper canning techniques and use ingredients like bottled lemon juice to ensure acidity levels are safe.

Final Thoughts

This homemade canned peach pie filling is a delicious way to capture summer’s sweetness year-round. It’s perfect for various desserts and easy to customize with spices or additional fruit. Try it out and enjoy the delightful flavors of fresh peaches whenever you crave them!