Canning Apple Pie Filling: Delicious Homemade Goodness in a Jar
Apple pie is a classic dessert that everyone loves. But what if you could have that same delicious apple pie filling ready to go whenever you crave it? Canning apple pie filling is a fantastic way to preserve the taste of fall and have a convenient, homemade ingredient for your favorite pies, crumbles, and other baked treats.
Why Can Apple Pie Filling?
- Convenience: Having pre-made filling on hand means you can whip up a pie in minutes, perfect for busy nights or spontaneous baking sessions.
- Freshness: Canned apple pie filling captures the flavor and texture of fresh apples, offering a much tastier alternative to store-bought options.
- Cost-Effective: Using seasonal apples at their peak and canning them yourself is often more economical than purchasing pre-made filling.
- Customizable: You can control the sweetness, spice level, and even the type of apples used in your filling, creating a personalized taste.
Here's What You'll Need:
- Ingredients:
- Apples: Choose a mix of apples that hold their shape well during baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is most common, but you can experiment with brown sugar or a sugar substitute.
- Thickener: Flour, cornstarch, or a combination of both work well.
- Spices: Cinnamon is a must, but you can add nutmeg, cloves, or even a touch of ginger for extra flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps prevent browning.
- Equipment:
- Large pot for cooking the filling
- Jars and lids for canning
- Canning rack
- Water bath canner
- Jar lifter
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Steps for Canning Apple Pie Filling:
- Prepare the Apples: Wash, core, and dice the apples into small pieces.
- Make the Filling: Combine the diced apples, sugar, thickener, spices, and lemon juice in a large pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the apples are soft and the mixture has thickened.
- Prepare Jars: Sterilize jars and lids according to your preferred method (boiling or using a dishwasher).
- Fill the Jars: Carefully pour the hot filling into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Process in a Water Bath Canner: Place the filled jars in a water bath canner, ensuring the water covers the jars by at least 1 inch. Follow the recommended processing time for your altitude.
- Cool and Store: Once processed, remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely. You should hear a distinct "pop" as the lids seal. Store in a cool, dark place.
Tips for Success:
- Choose ripe but firm apples: This ensures the filling holds its shape during baking.
- Adjust the sweetness: Taste the filling before canning and adjust the sugar level to your preference.
- Add a touch of flavor: Experiment with adding a pinch of salt, a splash of vanilla extract, or a dash of orange zest for extra depth.
- Use a reliable recipe: Choose a recipe specifically designed for canning apple pie filling to ensure the correct ratio of ingredients and proper processing time.
Enjoy Your Canned Apple Pie Filling!
With your homemade canned apple pie filling, you'll always be ready to whip up a delicious apple pie, crumble, or even use it as a base for a unique apple-themed dessert.
