Canning Apple Pie Filling
Learning how to can apples is easy with this tried-and-true recipe for canning apple pie filling! This apple pie filling recipe can be used right away for a classic American dessert, or it can be canned for use later on! Either way, this is a must-try recipe for canned apples!
Servings 5 Quarts
Equipment
Instructions
- Prepare jars according to canning directions.
- Wash, core, and peel apples.
- Cut apples lengthwise into 1/4 inch (ish) slices.
- Combine sugar and water in a large pan and bring to a boil.
- Add apples to the syrup, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Pack apples into hot jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Ladle syrup over apples, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
- Use a plastic canning knife to remove all air bubbles.
- Process quarts in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes.
To Make Apple Pie with Canned Apples
- Drain the juice from a quart of canned apples in a small saucepan. Set the apples aside.
- Add 1 TBSP all-purpose flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla extract.
- Stir over low heat until well combined.
- Raise the heat to medium and stir until thickened.
- Pour the thickened liquid back over the apple slices and use as you would any can of apple pie filling!
Notes
Best Apples for Canning
While any type of apple can be processed in a water bath canner, here are a few of my best tips for creating the perfect home-canned apple pie filling experience!- Apple Variety – Firm apples are best for canning, as they hold their texture and don’t turn all mushy. Some varieties that I like to use include Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Fuji, Gala, Jazz, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith apples. Any firm, crisp apple will do, but these tend to hold up better than others.
- Mix and Match – You can just use one variety of apples, and I frequently do – especially if you are growing your own apples, or find a good sale on a particular variety. However, if you can mix a sweet apple with a tart apple, then your finished jar will have a wonderful depth of flavor over a jar with just one variety.
- All Others – For any apples that you have that are either bruised or mealy, don’t toss them! Instead, you can turn those into homemade apple sauce or apple butter!