Easy Homemade Canned Apple Pie Filling

There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting scent of apple pie baking in the oven. But what if you could have that homemade goodness ready at your fingertips, whenever you want? With this easy homemade canned apple pie filling recipe, you can! Perfect for home bakers and dessert lovers, this recipe ensures that you can whip up a pie or other sweet treats in no time.

This guide will not only walk you through the canning process step-by-step but also provide tips for keeping the flavors fresh and the ingredients simple. Whether you’re stocking up for the holidays or simply love the convenience of having pre-made filling on hand, this recipe is your go-to.

Why Make Canned Apple Pie Filling?

Making your own canned apple pie filling comes with plenty of perks. Below are a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:

• Convenience: Homemade canned filling saves time when you’re prepping desserts.
• Control Over Ingredients: Avoid preservatives and control your sugar levels.
• Versatility: Besides pie, use it for crisps, cobblers, turnovers, or even as a topping for pancakes or ice cream.
• A Personal Touch: Handcrafted items are always more special, whether you're treating yourself or gifting jars to loved ones.

Now that you're convinced, let's jump into the recipe!

Ingredients for Canned Apple Pie Filling

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare approximately four quart-sized jars of apple pie filling:

• 6 pounds of firm apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix work great)
• 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar (optional, for deeper flavor)
• 1 cup Clear Jel (a thickener ideal for canning)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 5 cups water
• ¾ cup bottled lemon juice (to preserve freshness)

Choosing the Right Apples

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for pie filling as they hold their shape during cooking. If you'd like a sweeter flavor, mix them with sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Gala.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Canned Apple Pie Filling

Step 1: Prep the Apples

• Wash, peel, and core the apples.
• Slice them into even wedges about ¼ inch thick. To prevent browning, place the slices in a bowl of water mixed with a splash of lemon juice.

Step 2: Make the Syrup

• Combine water, granulated sugar, Clear Jel, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt in a large pot.
• Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and begins to bubble. This step ensures the spices evenly blend into the syrup.
• Stir in the bottled lemon juice to ensure the mixture is safe for canning.

Step 3: Pack the Jars

• Drain and gently blanch the apple slices in boiling water for 1 minute. This helps them soften slightly for canning.
• Divide the blanched apple slices evenly among sterilized quart-sized canning jars. Pack them tightly but without crushing.
• Pour the hot syrup over the apple slices, leaving about 1-inch of headspace at the top of each jar. Remove any air bubbles with a plastic spatula or wooden skewer, and adjust the syrup level as needed.

Step 4: Process the Jars

• Wipe the rims of the jars clean, place the lids on top, and screw the bands on firmly (but not too tight).
• Process the jars in a water bath canner. Make sure the jars are fully submerged and boil them for 25 minutes (adjust for altitude if necessary).

Step 5: Cool and Store

• Remove the jars from the water bath and place them on a towel or cooling rack. Allow them to sit undisturbed for 12–24 hours.
• Check the seals by pressing on the lid; if it doesn’t pop, the jar is sealed. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months.

Quick Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher the apples, the longer your filling will stay flavorful.
• Don’t Skip Clear Jel: Unlike cornstarch, Clear Jel is safe for canning and doesn’t break down over time.
• Label Your Jars: Include the date so you’ll know when to use them up.

Delicious Ways to Use Canned Apple Pie Filling

While pie might be the obvious choice, here are a few creative ways to use your apple pie filling:

• Apple Crisp: Pour the filling into a baking dish, top with a buttery oat crumble, and bake.
• Dessert Pancakes: Use the filling as a topping for pancakes or waffles. Just warm it slightly for breakfast heaven.
• Turnovers: Wrap the filling in puff pastry, bake until golden, and drizzle with icing.
• Apple Sundaes: Spoon the filling over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Preserve the Season, Any Time of Year

By making canned apple pie filling, you’re preserving the comforting, orchard-fresh taste of apples to enjoy long after they're in season. From cozy winter pies to quick weekday breakfasts, this recipe ensures you always have a touch of homemade sweetness on hand.

Looking for more kitchen inspiration? Check out our other canning recipes and discover how to make every season special. Happy baking!