Apple Pie Filling Recipe for Canning: A Delicious Way to Enjoy Fall Flavors All Year Round
Are you ready to capture the essence of autumn and enjoy its sweet, spiced flavors long after the leaves have fallen? Look no further than homemade canned apple pie filling! This recipe will not only save you time and effort in the future, but it'll also allow you to enjoy fresh, homemade apple pie any time you crave it.
Why Make Your Own Apple Pie Filling?
- Control over the Ingredients: Use your favorite apples, spices, and sweetener to create a filling that suits your taste buds perfectly.
- Fresher Flavor: Skip the artificial ingredients and preservatives found in store-bought pie filling.
- Cost-Effective: Save money by making your own filling.
- Convenient: Have a ready-to-use filling for pies, crisps, and other baked treats, available whenever you need it.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Apples: Choose a variety known for their good baking qualities, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. About 6 pounds of apples should be enough for 7-8 pints of filling.
- Sugar: White granulated sugar is recommended, but you can use brown sugar or a sugar substitute for a different flavor profile. Start with 1 1/2 cups of sugar for 6 pounds of apples, but adjust to your preference.
- Lemon Juice: This helps prevent browning and enhances the flavor. Use about 1/4 cup.
- Spices: The classic combination is cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Start with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of allspice.
- Thickener: You can use cornstarch or tapioca flour to create a luscious, thick filling. Start with 1/4 cup cornstarch or 2 tablespoons of tapioca flour.
Step-by-Step Canning Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Wash and peel the apples. Core them and chop them into small pieces (about 1/2 inch).
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the chopped apples, sugar, lemon juice, spices, and thickener.
- Cook the Filling: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling thickens. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- Sterilize Jars and Lids: Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Boil the jars in a canner for 10 minutes. Place the lids in a saucepan of simmering water.
- Fill Jars: Ladle the hot filling into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Process Jars: Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth. Place the lids on the jars and tighten the bands. Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 20 minutes.
- Cool and Store: Carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them on a rack to cool completely. The lids should seal with a “pop” as they cool.
Enjoy Your Homemade Apple Pie Filling
Once the jars have cooled, you're ready to enjoy your homemade apple pie filling! Here are some ideas:
- Classic Apple Pie: Simply add a top crust and bake!
- Apple Crisp: Combine the filling with a buttery oat topping and bake until golden brown.
- Apple Cobbler: Use the filling as the base for a delightful cobbler.
- Apple Sauce: Serve warm or cold, topped with whipped cream or a dollop of ice cream.
By following these steps, you can easily make your own delicious and convenient apple pie filling. Enjoy the flavors of fall, all year round!
