Apple Pie Filling: A Delicious & Easy Canning Recipe
Craving the sweet and comforting flavors of homemade apple pie all year round? Look no further than canning your own apple pie filling! This simple recipe allows you to enjoy the taste of autumn in the heart of summer, or any time you wish!
Why Make Your Own Apple Pie Filling?
- Fresh and Flavorful: Unlike store-bought fillings, homemade fillings offer you control over the sweetness and ingredients.
- Convenient: Have a ready-made pie filling on hand for quick desserts and spontaneous baking urges.
- Long-Lasting: Properly canned apple pie filling can last for up to a year, ensuring you have a delicious treat when you need it.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- Apples: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady for the best flavor.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness, but you can adjust the amount to your preference.
- Lemon Juice: A touch of lemon juice helps preserve the apples' bright color and adds a hint of tanginess.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are classic pie spices. Feel free to experiment with other flavors like ginger, cardamom, or cloves!
Equipment for Canning:
- Canning Jars: Use pint or half-pint jars with lids and rings.
- Canning Pot: A large pot with a rack to hold the jars during processing.
- Jar Lifter: A tool to safely move hot jars in and out of the canning pot.
- Funnel: For filling the jars with the hot filling.
- Ladle: To transfer the filling into the jars.
- Magnetic Lid Lifter: For safely handling hot lids.
- Water Bath Canner: A specialized pot for water bath canning.
Step-by-Step Canning Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples: Wash, peel, core, and slice the apples. You can cut them into small pieces, wedges, or thick slices.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, mix sliced apples, sugar, lemon juice, and spices. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Simmer and Reduce: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and release some of their juices.
- Sterilize Jars and Lids: Wash canning jars and lids with hot, soapy water. Sterilize the jars in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Fill Jars with Filling: Carefully ladle the hot apple pie filling into sterilized jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace.
- Wipe Rims and Seal Jars: Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue. Place the lids on the jars and screw the rings on tightly, but do not overtighten.
- Process Jars in Water Bath: Place jars in a water bath canner, ensuring the water level covers the jars by at least 1 inch. Bring the water to a boil and process jars for 15 minutes for pint jars and 20 minutes for half-pint jars.
- Remove Jars and Cool: Carefully remove jars from the water bath and let cool completely on a rack or towel. As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound as the lids seal, indicating a proper vacuum.
- Label and Store: Once the jars have completely cooled, label them with the date and contents. Store your canned apple pie filling in a cool, dark, and dry place.
Tips for Success:
- Use a good quality apple peeler/corer. This tool can save time and effort.
- Adjust the sweetness to your taste. Some prefer a sweeter filling, while others prefer a more tart flavor.
- Experiment with spices. There are countless combinations of spices that can enhance the flavor of your apple pie filling.
- Don't overfill the jars. Leaving adequate headspace allows for proper sealing and prevents spoilage.
- Follow the processing times carefully. Proper processing is crucial for safe and shelf-stable canned goods.
- Test the seal. To ensure the jar is properly sealed, press down on the lid after cooling. If it doesn't budge, it's sealed.
Enjoy Your Homemade Apple Pie Filling!
Now that you've mastered the art of canning apple pie filling, you can enjoy the taste of homemade goodness whenever you crave it. Use it to make delicious pies, crisps, cobblers, or even as a topping for ice cream. Happy canning!
