Apple Pie Filling for Canning: A Delicious Way to Enjoy Summer's Bounty All Year Long
Fall may be synonymous with apple pie, but the truth is, you can enjoy this classic treat year-round with a little bit of canning know-how. Here's how to make your own delicious apple pie filling for canning, ensuring you have the taste of autumn any time you crave it.
What you'll need:
Ingredients:
- 8 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 6-8 medium apples) - use a mix of sweet and tart varieties for the best flavor
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
Equipment:
- 8 pint canning jars with lids and rings
- Large pot for boiling water
- Canning rack
- Large pot for making the filling
- Ladle
- Jar lifter
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Instructions:
1. Prepare the apples:
- Wash, peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick slices.
- Important: Avoid using apples that are bruised or damaged, as they can spoil easily.
- To prevent browning, you can toss the sliced apples in a bowl with a little lemon juice.
2. Make the filling:
- In a large pot, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using).
- Stir well to coat the apples.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened slightly.
3. Prepare the jars:
- Wash the jars, lids, and rings in hot, soapy water.
- Sterilize the jars by boiling them in a pot of water for 10 minutes.
- You can also use a dishwasher on the sanitize cycle.
- Place the lids in a small saucepan of boiling water for a few minutes to soften the seals.
- Remove the jars and lids from the boiling water and place them on a clean, dry kitchen towel to drain.
4. Fill the jars:
- Using a ladle, carefully fill the hot sterilized jars with the hot apple pie filling, leaving 1/2 inch headspace at the top.
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any spills.
5. Process the jars:
- Place the sterilized lids on the filled jars, and screw on the rings until they are finger-tight.
- Do not overtighten.
- Place the jars in a large pot of boiling water, ensuring the water covers the jars by at least 1 inch.
- Bring the water back to a rolling boil, and process the jars for 10 minutes.
- Be sure to check your local altitude for adjusted processing times.
6. Cool and store:
- After the processing time is complete, carefully remove the jars from the boiling water using a jar lifter.
- Place the jars on a clean, dry towel and allow them to cool completely.
- As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound as the lids seal. This indicates a successful canning process.
- Once the jars are completely cool, check the lids to make sure they are properly sealed. If the lids do not pop down and seal properly, you will need to refrigerate the filling and use it within a few days.
Tips:
- Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor.
- Add a pinch of salt to the filling for a more balanced flavor.
- For a thicker filling, use a tablespoon of cornstarch in place of the flour.
- You can experiment with different spices for your filling, like allspice, ginger, or cardamom.
- Store the canned apple pie filling in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Enjoy!
This homemade apple pie filling is perfect for making pies, crisps, cobblers, and even as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. It's also a great gift for friends and family who love the taste of homemade baked goods.
