Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

This Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling is a delightful way to preserve the taste of summer. With its sweet and spiced flavor, this filling can elevate your pies, crisps, or cobblers all year round. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just treating yourself, this recipe ensures you have a taste of summer peaches whenever you crave it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: The simple steps make this recipe accessible for both beginners and experienced canners.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for pies, cobblers, or as a topping for desserts, making it a must-have in your pantry.
• Delicious Flavor: Fresh peaches combined with sugar and spices create a rich, flavorful filling that enhances any dessert.
• Long Shelf Life: Enjoy the taste of summer even in winter with canned peach pie filling that lasts up to a year.
• Healthier Option: Homemade preserves allow you to control the ingredients without artificial additives.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and ensure you’re ready for the canning process. Proper equipment makes all the difference in achieving great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Canning jars (quart-size)
• Water bath canner
• Large pot
• Ladle
• Measuring cups
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Canning jars: Essential for storing your peach pie filling safely while preserving its flavor.
• Water bath canner: Ensures proper processing temperatures for safe canning.
• Ladle: Helps transfer hot filling into jars without spills or burns.
• Whisk: Useful for ensuring smooth mixing of ingredients when preparing the filling base.

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 your delicious peach pie filling.

Step 2: Prepare Peaches

Blanch peaches in boiling water for 30–60 seconds, then immediately 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 1 minute. Drain them and keep warm.

Step 4: Make Filling Base

In a large pot, whisk together 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 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. Boil for an additional minute to combine flavors.

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 warm jars while leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top. Remove any air bubbles by running a spatula around the inside edges of the jar. Wipe rims clean before sealing with lids and bands.

Step 8: Process Jars

Place jars in a boiling water bath canner. Process them for 30 minutes; adjust processing time based on your altitude if necessary.

Step 9: Cool and Store

Let jars sit undisturbed for about 12–24 hours after processing. Check seals afterward; 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 a versatile treat that can elevate your dessert game. Whether you’re baking a pie or creating a delicious topping, there are endless ways to enjoy this sweet preserve.

As a Classic Peach Pie

• Use the filling directly in a pie crust for a traditional peach pie. Top with a buttery lattice crust for a beautiful finish.

Over Ice Cream

• Spoon warm peach filling over vanilla ice cream for an easy and delightful dessert. The warm peaches contrast perfectly with the cold ice cream.

In Pancakes or Waffles

• Add the peach filling on top of pancakes or waffles for a fruity twist at breakfast. It adds sweetness and moisture to your morning stack.

Mixed into Yogurt

• Stir the canned peach filling into plain yogurt for a quick and tasty snack. This combination is healthy and satisfying.

As a Topping for Cheesecake

• Use the peach filling as an elegant topping on cheesecake. It adds color, flavor, and freshness to your dessert presentation.

In Fruit Crisps or Cobblers

• Combine with oats and butter for an easy fruit crisp, or layer it in cobblers. Both options allow you to enjoy the flavors of summer peaches year-round.

How to Perfect Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

To make your homemade canned peach pie filling even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose ripe peaches: Select peaches that are firm but slightly soft to the touch. Ripe peaches will yield the best flavor and texture in your filling.

• Use clear jel: Always opt for cook-type Clear Jel instead of cornstarch. This ensures your filling thickens properly and is safe for canning.

• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to tweak the cinnamon and nutmeg based on your taste preferences. A little more spice can enhance the flavor profile significantly.

• Test seals properly: After cooling, check that all jars have sealed correctly by pressing down in the center of each lid. If it pops back, reprocess or refrigerate immediately.

• Label jars clearly: Don’t forget to label your jars with dates and contents. This makes it easier to keep track of freshness in your pantry.

• Store wisely: Keep your jars in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to prolong shelf life.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Pairing side dishes with homemade canned peach pie filling can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the sweetness of peaches beautifully.

2. Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes serve as an excellent base for adding rich fruit flavors.

3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses balances out the sweetness of the peach filling perfectly.

4. Oatmeal: Stirring in peach filling adds flavor and sweetness to hearty oatmeal bowls.

5. Savory Biscuits: Buttery biscuits create a delightful contrast when served alongside sweet peach preserves.

6. Grilled Chicken: The sweetness of the peaches pairs well with savory grilled chicken dishes, enhancing their flavor profile.

7. Greek Yogurt: Serve peach filling with Greek yogurt for a healthy option that’s rich in protein.

8. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad rounds out any meal, offering complementary flavors alongside sweet peaches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Homemade canned peach pie filling can be a delightful treat when done correctly. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Using instant Clear Jel: Instant Clear Jel is not suitable for canning. Always opt for cook-type Clear Jel for safe preservation.
• Skipping sterilization: Failing to sterilize jars can lead to spoilage. Always wash and sterilize your jars before filling them.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Inaccurate measurements can affect the consistency and safety of the filling. Use precise measurements for success.
• Ignoring headspace: Not leaving enough headspace in jars can lead to overflow during processing. Ensure to leave at least 1 inch of headspace.
• Processing time errors: Under-processing jars can result in unsafe food. Follow the recommended processing times based on your altitude.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store opened jars in the refrigerator.
• Use within 1 week for best quality.

Freezing Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

• Transfer to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags.
• Freeze for up to 1 year.

Reheating Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Pour filling into a baking dish and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in short intervals, stirring between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over low heat while stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about homemade canned peach pie filling.

How long does homemade canned peach pie filling last?

Homemade canned peach pie filling lasts 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 well-drained before adding them to the filling.

What if I don’t have Clear Jel?

You must use cook-type Clear Jel for safety in canning; do not substitute with cornstarch or other thickeners.

Can I add other spices to my homemade canned peach pie filling?

Absolutely! You can customize your spices by adding nutmeg, ginger, or even vanilla extract according to your taste preference.

Is it safe to adjust the sugar level in the recipe?

While you may reduce sugar slightly, significant changes could affect flavor and preservation. It’s best to follow the original recipe closely.

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 desserts. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or fruits for a personal touch!