Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Name: Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 quarts fresh peaches (peeled, pitted, sliced); 7 cups granulated sugar; 2 cups cold water; 1¾ cups cook-type Clear Jel; 5¼ cups peach juice or water; ½ cup bottled lemon juice; Optional: 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Recipe By:

Natalia

Posted:

August 8, 2025

Updated:

August 8, 2025

0 Shares

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling is a delightful treat that allows you to savor the taste of summer peaches throughout the year. Perfect for pies, crisps, or cobblers, this recipe captures the essence of fresh peaches and transforms them into a versatile filling. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or a casual family dessert, this filling stands out with its rich flavor and easy preparation method.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, allowing even beginners to achieve delicious results.
Versatile Uses: Perfect for various desserts, from peach pies to cobblers and crisps.
Long-lasting Flavor: With proper canning techniques, you can enjoy this homemade goodness for up to a year.
Fresh Ingredients: Uses ripe peaches that deliver an authentic taste that canned products can’t match.
Customize Your Spices: Adjust the spices to your preference for a unique flavor profile.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the making of your homemade canned peach pie filling, gather all necessary tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline your canning process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Canning jars (quart-size)
Large pot
Mixing spoon
Ladle
Boiling water bath canner
Ice bath setup

Importance of Each Tool

Canning jars: Essential for storing your peach pie filling safely while maintaining its freshness.
Large pot: Needed for cooking the filling base properly and ensuring even heat distribution.
Boiling water bath canner: Crucial for processing jars to ensure safety and longevity of your canned goods.

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)

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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 you’re ready to fill them.

Step 2: Prepare Peaches

Blanch peaches in boiling water for 30–60 seconds. Transfer them to an ice bath. Peel, pit, and slice the peaches. To prevent browning, soak slices in water with lemon juice or ascorbic acid.

Step 3: Blanch Slices

Boil sliced peaches in batches for about 1 minute. Drain them well and keep warm.

Step 4: Make Filling Base

In a large pot, whisk together sugar and clear jel. Slowly stir in 2 cups of cold water along with 5¼ cups of peach juice (or water). Cook over medium-high heat while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.

Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Spices

Stir in bottled lemon juice along with cinnamon and nutmeg if you’re using it. Boil the mixture for approximately 1 minute.

Step 6: Add Peaches

Gently fold in the warm peach slices into the thickened base. Return the mixture to a boil while stirring gently.

Step 7: Fill Jars

Ladle the hot filling into warm jars while leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top. Remove any air bubbles by running a spatula around inside each jar’s edge. Wipe rims clean before sealing with lids and bands.

Step 8: Process Jars

Place jars in your boiling water bath canner. Process them for about 30 minutes; adjust time if you’re at high altitude.

Step 9: Cool and Store

Allow jars to sit undisturbed for about 12–24 hours after processing. Check seals before labeling each jar. Store them in a cool dark place where they can last up to one year.

How to Serve Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Homemade canned peach pie filling is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re preparing a dessert or looking for a delicious topping, this filling adds a delightful sweetness to any dish.

As a Pie Filling

Classic Peach Pie: Use the filling to make a traditional peach pie, baked with a flaky crust for a comforting dessert.
Cobbler Delight: Pour the filling over biscuit dough for an easy cobbler that brings out the flavors of summer peaches.
Peach Tart: Spread the filling on a pre-baked tart shell, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an elegant treat.

As a Topping

Pancakes: Drizzle over pancakes or waffles for a fruity breakfast twist.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer with yogurt and granola for a healthy snack or breakfast option.
Ice Cream Sundae: Spoon warm filling over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

In Other Desserts

Peach Crisp: Combine with oats and brown sugar for a crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with the soft filling.
Fruit Pizza: Use as a base on cookie dough crust, topped with cream cheese frosting and fresh fruits.

How to Perfect Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

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

Bold Type of Clear Jel: Always use cook-type Clear Jel for safe canning; it thickens without compromising the filling’s quality.
Bold Acidity Levels: Use bottled lemon juice to maintain consistent acidity, which is crucial for safe preservation.
Bold Headspace Management: Leave proper headspace in jars to allow for expansion during processing; this helps avoid messy spills.
Bold Sterilization Process: Make sure jars are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage and ensure shelf stability.
Bold Fresh Ingredients: Select ripe, fresh peaches for the best flavor; overripe or damaged fruit can affect the final product.
Bold Cool Storage: Store filled jars in a cool, dark place to maximize shelf life and maintain flavor integrity.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Pairing your homemade canned peach pie filling with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with warm peach pie filling.
Shortbread Cookies: Serve alongside buttery shortbread cookies that balance the sweetness of the filling.
Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream makes an excellent topping for any peach dessert.
Oatmeal Crumble Bars: These bars add texture and flavor that enhance the peachy goodness.
Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecakes provide a rich contrast to the fruity filling, making each bite special.
Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful complement to the sweetness of peach pie filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making homemade canned peach pie filling, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the quality and safety of your preserves. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

Using the wrong type of Clear Jel: Only use cook-type Clear Jel for canning, as cornstarch is not safe for this method. Using the wrong thickener can lead to unsafe preserves.
Not adjusting for altitude: If you live at a higher altitude, be sure to adjust processing times accordingly. Failure to do so may result in under-processed jars.
Skipping sterilization of jars: Always sterilize your jars before filling them with peach pie filling. This step prevents bacteria growth and ensures a safe product.
Ignoring headspace requirements: Leaving too little or too much headspace can lead to seal failures or overflow during processing. Aim for the recommended 1 inch of headspace.
Not checking seals after processing: After cooling, always check if the jars have sealed properly. If they haven’t, you should reprocess them immediately or refrigerate and use within a few days.
Using unripe or overripe peaches: Choose only fresh, ripe peaches for your filling. Unripe peaches won’t have the right flavor, while overripe ones can alter texture and taste negatively.

Refrigerator Storage

Store homemade canned peach pie filling in the refrigerator if opened.
Use an airtight container.
Consume within 1–2 weeks for the best quality.

Freezing Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

You can freeze peach pie filling for longer storage.
Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
It will last up to 6 months in the freezer without losing flavor.

Reheating Homemade Canned Peach Pie Filling

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the filling in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
Microwave: Place the filling in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
Stovetop: Heat the filling in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade canned peach pie filling last?

Homemade canned peach pie filling can last up to 1 year when stored properly in a cool, dark place.

Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?

Yes! For homemade canned peach pie filling, you can use frozen peaches, but make sure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the mixture.

What is Clear Jel and why is it important?

Clear Jel is a thickening agent used specifically for canning. It provides a stable texture that holds up well during processing, ensuring safety and quality in your homemade canned peach pie filling.

Can I customize my peach pie filling?

Absolutely! You can add spices like nutmeg or adjust sweetness levels according to your taste preferences when making your homemade canned peach pie filling.

Final Thoughts

This homemade canned peach pie filling is not only delicious but also versatile. You can use it in various desserts like pies, crisps, or cobblers throughout the year. Feel free to customize the recipe with different spices or sweetness levels to suit your taste. Try it out today and enjoy that fresh summer flavor anytime!