Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Name: Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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)

Published: August 6, 2025

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This recipe simplifies the canning process, making it accessible even for beginners.
Rich Flavor: Fresh peaches combined with spices create a sweet and aromatic filling that elevates any dessert.
Versatile Use: Perfect for pies, cobblers, or even as a topping for pancakes and yogurt.
Long-Lasting: Properly canned, this filling can be stored for up to a year, allowing you to enjoy summer flavors in winter.
Healthy Choice: Made from fresh ingredients without preservatives, this filling is a wholesome addition to your pantry.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, ensure you have the right tools for successful canning.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Canning jars (quart-size)
Large pot
Mixing bowl
Ladle
Water bath canner
Ice bath setup

Importance of Each Tool

Canning jars: Ensure safe storage of your peach pie filling while maintaining its freshness.
Water bath canner: Provides an even heat source for proper processing, essential for food safety.
Ladle: Helps in transferring the hot filling into jars without spills.

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 the sliced peaches in batches for about 1 minute. Drain them well and keep warm.

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 using. Boil the mixture for about a minute.

Step 6: Add Peaches

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

Step 7: Fill Jars

Ladle the hot filling into your warm jars while leaving about an inch of headspace at the top. Remove air bubbles by gently tapping; wipe rims clean before sealing with lids and bands.

Step 8: Process Jars

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

Step 9: Cool and Store

Allow jars to sit undisturbed for about 12–24 hours after processing. Check seals before labeling and storing them in a cool dark place where they will keep well 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 baking a pie or creating an easy dessert, here are some fantastic serving suggestions to enjoy this delightful filling.

Serve It in Pies

Use the filling as the base for a classic peach pie. Top with a flaky crust or crumble topping for added texture.

Make Peach Cobbler

Pour the filling into a baking dish and top with biscuit dough or cake mix for a simple and delicious peach cobbler.

Top Pancakes or Waffles

Warm the peach filling and drizzle it over pancakes or waffles. Add whipped cream for an extra treat.

Create a Peach Crisp

Combine the filling with oats, brown sugar, and butter on top, then bake until golden for a warm and comforting dessert.

Spoon Over Ice Cream

Serve the peach pie filling warm over vanilla ice cream for a delightful sundae that showcases summer flavors year-round.

How to Perfect Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Perfecting your homemade canned peach pie filling ensures great taste and safety. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

Use ripe peaches: Choose fresh, ripe peaches for the best flavor. They should be fragrant and slightly soft to the touch.
Adjust acidity: Always use bottled lemon juice to ensure consistent acidity, which is crucial for safe canning.
Avoid browning: Soak sliced peaches in water mixed with lemon juice to prevent them from browning before you can them.
Correct headspace: Leave 1 inch of headspace when filling jars. This prevents overflow during processing and ensures proper sealing.
Use Clear Jel: Opt for cook-type Clear Jel instead of cornstarch, as it holds up better in canned goods and ensures safety.
Label jars: Don’t forget to label your jars with the date. This helps you keep track of freshness when storing your peach pie filling.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

When enjoying homemade canned peach pie filling, pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delicious options.

Vanilla Ice Cream
A classic companion that balances the sweetness of peach filling with creamy richness.
Sweet Cornbread
The slightly sweet cornbread pairs beautifully with fruity desserts like peach cobbler or crisp.
Whipped Cream
Light and airy, whipped cream adds texture and richness when served alongside warm peach desserts.
Greek Yogurt
A tangy alternative that offers a creamy contrast to sweet peach fillings; add a drizzle of honey if you like.
Crêpes
Delicate French-style crêpes filled with peach pie filling make an elegant dessert option perfect for brunch or special occasions.
Pecan Pie Bars
Rich and nutty bars that pair well with fruit-based desserts; serve them together for varied textures and flavors.
Gingerbread Cookies
The spiced flavors of gingerbread complement the sweetness of peaches, making them a festive pairing during holidays.
Cheese Platter
Include mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone for a savory contrast alongside sweet peach dishes; add nuts and dried fruits for variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your own homemade canned peach pie filling, it’s easy to overlook a few crucial steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Skipping jar sterilization: Failing to properly sterilize jars can lead to spoilage. Always wash and sterilize jars before filling them with your peach pie filling.
Not using clear jel: Using instant clear jel or cornstarch is unsafe for canning. Make sure to use cook-type clear jel for safe and effective thickening.
Ignoring headspace requirements: Leaving insufficient headspace in jars can cause overflow during processing. Ensure you leave at least 1 inch of headspace when filling your jars.
Under-processing jars: Not processing the jars long enough can lead to unsafe food preservation. Always follow the recommended processing times based on your altitude.
Neglecting acidity levels: Skipping lemon juice or using fresh lemon juice instead of bottled can affect acidity and safety. Stick with bottled lemon juice for consistent acidity in your filling.
Not checking seals properly: Failing to check if lids have sealed correctly can result in spoilage. After cooling, ensure that all lids are sealed tightly before storage.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
Use within 6 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place filling in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling?

Homemade canned peach pie filling is a delicious preserve made with fresh peaches, sugar, and thickening agents that you can use for pies and desserts throughout the year.

How long does homemade canned peach pie filling last?

When stored in a cool, dark place, properly canned peach pie filling can last up to 1 year. However, once opened, it should be consumed within a week if refrigerated.

Can I use other fruits for pie filling?

Yes! This recipe is versatile and can be adapted using other fruits like cherries, blueberries, or pears. Just adjust the sugar and spice levels accordingly.

How do I know if my jars sealed properly?

A proper seal will create a concave lid that doesn’t flex when pressed down. If any lid pops back up after cooling, the jar didn’t seal correctly and should be refrigerated immediately.

Final Thoughts

This homemade canned peach pie filling is not only delightful but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for baking various desserts such as pies, crisps, or even topping ice cream. Feel free to customize it by adding different spices or using other fruits—there’s no limit to what you can create!

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