Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Name: Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 quarts fresh peaches (peeled, pitted, sliced); 7 cups granulated sugar; 2 cups cold water; 1¾ cups clear jel (cook-type); 5¼ cups peach juice or water; ½ cup bottled lemon juice; Optional: 1½ tsp ground cinnamon; Optional: ½ tsp ground nutmeg

Published: August 4, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This recipe simplifies the canning process, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
Versatile Uses: Perfect for pies, cobblers, or as a topping for desserts like ice cream and pancakes.
Long Shelf Life: Store your peach pie filling for up to a year, allowing you to enjoy summer flavors long after the season ends.
Natural Ingredients: Made with fresh peaches and no artificial preservatives, this filling is as wholesome as it gets.
Customizable Flavor: Adjust spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make your homemade canned peach pie filling successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Preparing these items ahead of time will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Canning jars (quart size)
Large pot
Water bath canner
Jar lifter
Kitchen towels

Importance of Each Tool

Canning jars: These are necessary for storing your filling safely while ensuring a proper seal.
Water bath canner: This tool is crucial for processing jars safely at high temperatures to eliminate bacteria.
Jar lifter: A jar lifter helps you handle hot jars without risking burns or dropping them.

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 ready to fill.

Step 2: Prepare Peaches

Blanch 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 with lemon juice or ascorbic acid.

Step 3: Blanch Slices

Boil the sliced peaches in batches for about 1 minute. Drain 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 it thickens and begins to bubble.

Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Spices

Stir in bottled lemon juice along with cinnamon and nutmeg if using. Boil this mixture for about 1 minute.

Step 6: Add Peaches

Fold in the warm peach slices gently into the filling base. Return mixture to a boil while stirring carefully.

Step 7: Fill Jars

Ladle the hot filling into warm jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top. Remove any air bubbles by running a spatula around the edges. Wipe rims clean before sealing with lids and bands.

Step 8: Process Jars

Place filled jars into a boiling water bath canner. Process them for around 30 minutes but adjust based on altitude if necessary.

Step 9: Cool and Store

Let the jars sit undisturbed for about 12–24 hours after processing. Check that seals are tight before labeling them. Store in a cool, dark place where they will last up to one year.

Now you’re all set to enjoy your homemade canned peach pie filling!

How to Serve Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Homemade canned peach pie filling is versatile and can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Whether you want to bake a classic pie or create something unique, here are some serving suggestions that will make the most of this sweet treat.

Classic Peach Pie

A traditional choice where the filling is baked in a flaky crust, creating a warm and comforting dessert.

Peach Crisp

Top the peach filling with a crumbly oat topping for a deliciously crunchy texture, perfect for serving with ice cream.

Peach Cobbler

Pour the filling into a baking dish and top with biscuit dough, then bake until golden brown for a delightful twist on dessert.

Ice Cream Topping

Warm the peach pie filling slightly and pour it over vanilla or peach ice cream for an indulgent dessert that combines creamy and fruity flavors.

Breakfast Parfait

Layer the canned peach pie filling with yogurt and granola for a quick and satisfying breakfast option that feels like dessert.

Pancake Topping

Use the peach filling as a luscious topping for pancakes or waffles, adding sweetness and fruity flavor to your morning meal.

How to Perfect Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

To ensure your homemade canned peach pie filling turns out perfectly every time, consider these essential tips.

Use ripe peaches: Choose peaches that are firm but slightly soft to the touch for optimal sweetness and flavor.
Maintain acidity: Always include bottled lemon juice to ensure proper acidity levels, which is crucial for safe canning.
Stir constantly: When cooking the thickening mixture, stir continuously to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.
Check headspace: Leave adequate headspace in jars when filling them to allow for expansion during processing.
Cool jars properly: After processing, let jars sit undisturbed to cool completely before checking seals for best results.
Label jars clearly: Always label your jars with the date and contents so you can easily track freshness.

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 great options that complement its sweet flavor beautifully.

Vanilla Ice Cream
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a cool contrast to warm peach filling, creating a delightful combination.
Greek Yogurt
Serve plain or honey-sweetened Greek yogurt alongside peach pie filling for added creaminess and protein.
Cinnamon Roll Biscuits
These soft biscuits offer a hint of spice that pairs wonderfully with sweet peaches; drizzle with icing if desired.
Savory Muffins
Opt for cheese or herb muffins as they provide a savory balance against the sweetness of the peach pie filling.
Crumb Cake
A slice of crumb cake adds texture and richness, making it an excellent companion to fruit-based desserts.
Fruit Salad
A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness to your meal and complements the sweetness of peaches nicely.
Pecan Pie Bars
The nutty flavor of pecan bars harmonizes well with peaches while offering contrasting textures; serve chilled or at room temperature.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the quality and safety of your preserves.

Using the wrong type of Clear Jel: Only cook-type Clear Jel should be used for canning. Instant varieties do not set properly and can lead to spoilage.
Neglecting sterilization: Failing to sterilize jars can result in bacteria growth. Always wash and sterilize your jars before filling them.
Ignoring acidity levels: Proper acidity is crucial for safe canning. Always use bottled lemon juice to ensure consistent acidity in your filling.
Overfilling jars: Leaving insufficient headspace can cause jars to break during processing. Make sure to leave a 1-inch headspace to allow for expansion.
Not checking seals: After processing, it’s vital to check if the jar seals are intact. If not sealed properly, the filling may spoil quickly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Freeze in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags.
Use within 6-12 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat filling in a baking dish until warm, stirring occasionally.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe container on medium power, stirring every minute until heated through.
Stovetop: Gently warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

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 lasts up to 1 year when stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within a week.

Can I substitute other fruits in this peach pie filling recipe?

Yes, you can substitute other fruits like pears or cherries using the same method and proportions, adjusting sugar as needed based on the fruit’s sweetness.

What is the best way to use Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling?

You can use it for pies, cobblers, crisps, or even as a topping on pancakes or yogurt for a delicious dessert!

Is it safe to can peach pie filling at home?

Yes! As long as you follow proper canning techniques and use appropriate ingredients like bottled lemon juice and cook-type Clear Jel, it is safe.

Can I double this recipe?

While it’s tempting to double recipes, it’s best to make batches separately. This ensures even cooking and proper sealing of jars during processing.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling is not only delicious but also versatile for various desserts. With its sweet flavor and spiced notes, you can enjoy summer peaches throughout the year. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or even mix in other fruits for unique flavors!

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