The Frugal Girls

Apple Pie Filling for Canning Recipe (The BEST!)

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Once you know how easy it is to make your own old fashioned Apple Pie Filling for Canning Recipe, you’ll never buy those store bought cans again!

Then… use your pie filling to make this classic Apple Pie Recipe or this tempting Caramel Apple Pie Recipe!

Apple Pie Filling for Canning
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Apple Pie Filling for Canning

When it comes to apple pie, nothing beats a homemade pie filling. That’s why I know you’re going to love this EASY, delicious Apple Pie Filling for Canning!

Dawn writes: “Makes such a delicious pie.”

Once you know how to make and can your own all American apple pie filling, you can stock your pantry with delicious grab-and-go pie filling to enjoy all year long!

Just make it now, then enjoy it any time of year. I especially love having this on hand during those busy seasons like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Simply use apples from your yard, or stock up when they’re on sale at the store.

Then put this best apple pie filling recipe to use, and you’ll end up with delicious and frugal homemade pie filling!

These make the sweetest little Gift in a Jar, too!

Now as far as jars go, wide mouth quart sized mason jars work the best.

You can substitute regular mouth jars in a pinch, but wide mouth are just easier to get the apples packed into.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get to it!

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious canned apple pie filling recipe…

Related: Canning and Preserving for Beginners

How Do You Thicken Apples for Pie Filling?

Nobody likes a watery apple pie, and that’s why you’ll want to use my favorite secret ingredient for canning… Clear Jel Thickening Powder!

What is Apple Pie Filling Made Of?

You’ll just need a few simple ingredients to make your own homemade apple pie filling!

  • Green Apples
  • Sugar
  • Lemon Juice
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Allspice
  • Clear Jel Thickening Powder

How to Make Old-Fashioned Apple Pie Filling for Canning

Here’s what you’ll do…

1. Start by preparing your jars for canning.

2. Then slice your apples into thin pieces.

3. Blanch the apples.

4. Whisk your Sugar, Clear Jell & Spices together.

5. Then boil the Water and Sugar mixture with Lemon Juice.

6. Once done, remove from the heat and fold in the apples.

7. Fill your jars, then process the jars in boiling water.

8. Once done, remove & wait for lids to pop.

9. When you’re done, you can store the apple pie filling in the pantry, or give some as gifts!

See… I told you this was going to be easy!!

Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.

Apple Pie Filling Reviews

What Your Frugal Friends Are Saying About This Apple Pie Filling for Canning Recipe…

Rebecca writes: “Yummy!”

Dawn writes: “Makes such a delicious pie.”

Jenna writes: “It maks a gorgeous gift.”

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Did You Enjoy This Recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment & review below!

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Apple Pie Filling for Canning

Once you know how easy it is to make your own delicious Apple Pie Filling for Canning, you'll never buy those store bought cans again!
Prep Time35 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 3 Quarts

Ingredients

  • 13 cups peeled & thin-sliced Granny Smith Apples (approx. 8 – 11 medium apples)
  • 3 cups Granulated (White) Sugar
  • 3/4 cup Clear Jel (thickening powder)
  • 2 1/2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. Ground Nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp. Allspice
  • 3 3/4 cups Water
  • 1/2 cup Lemon Juice

Instructions

  • Wash jars, lids, and bands in hot soapy water, dry completely, and set bands aside.
  • Simmer lids in warm water in saucepan until ready to place them on jars.
  • Keep jars warm by simmering in hot water until ready to use. Do not boil.
  • Fill 20 quart stock pot or water bath canner with hot water, and place on stove over medium-high heat. (you’ll need enough water to later cover your jars with at least 1 inch of water)
  • Peel and thin slice your apples. =(apple slices can be placed in a bowl of lemon water to keep from browning as you work – use 1 tbsp lemon juice to 1 cup of water)
  • Then blanch 6 1/2 cups at a time by adding to a large pot of boiling water for 1 minute.
  • Carefully remove blanched apple slices from boiling water with a large slotted spoon, transfer to a large mixing bowl, and cover bowl with foil. Then blanch your next 6 1/2 cups of apple slices.
  • Remove apples from water, transfer to the bowl with your other apples, and keep covered.
  • In large stainless pot, whisk together Sugar, ClearJel, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Allspice. Then add water and bring to a boil over med-high heat, stirring constantly until mixture bubbles and thickens up.
  • Once mixture is bubbling, add lemon juice and boil for 1 more minute, constantly stirring.
  • After 1 minute, remove mixture from heat, drain any excess water off of apples in bowl, and gently fold in apples to the sugar/spice mixture until well combined.
  • Then… one by one, remove a jar from hot water, transfer to a cookie sheet (this will catch any spills), place canning funnel on jar, and ladle in apple pie filling mixture leaving 1 inch empty head space at top of the jar.
  • Use a small spatula to remove any air bubbles inside the jar, then wipe off rim of lid and threads of jar with damp cloth.
  • Continue until all jars have been filled.
  • Remove warm lids from saucepan (a magnetic lid lifter works like a charm), and place one lid on each jar.
  • Then screw one band on each jar just until snug (not overly tight).
  • Place filled jars on rack in 20 quart stock pot or water bath canner, then lower down into hot water. Make sure there is enough water in pot that there is at least 1 inch of water above the jars. If necessary, add more HOT water.
  • Place lid on your pot, and bring to a gentle boil.
  • Once water is boiling, set your timer for processing. Boiling time will vary depending on where you live… for altitude 0 – 1,000 feet boil 25 minutes, for 1,001 – 3,000 boil 30 minutes, for 3,001 – 6,000 boil 35 minutes, for 6,001 – 8,000 boil 40 minutes.
  • Once jars have finished boiling, turn off heat, remove the lid from the pot and let jars sit for 5 minutes before removing. After 5 minutes, lift up rack to elevated resting position, then carefully remove jars one by one using a jar lifter, and transfer to a folded towel to cool.
  • The lids on the jars will begin to ‘pop’ into the sealed position, signifying the pie filling has been preserved. If any lids do not pop within the first 12 – 24 hours, transfer those to the refrigerator and use those up first.
  • Baking Tip: When ready to make your apple pie, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place pie crust in pie dish and crimp edges, empty contents of pie filling jar into dish, add a top crust in a simple lattice pattern, brush the top and edges with an egg wash, sprinkle with turbinado sugar, and bake on a cookie sheet for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 375, add a pie crust shield to prevent edges from burning, and bake for 40 – 45 more minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and the crust is golden brown. Wait several hours before serving, and ENJOY!
  • Homemade Apple Pie Filling Shelf Life: Jars can be stored in your pantry, or a cool, dry cupboard for up to 1 year. Label the top of each lid with the type of pie filling and the date it was made. Remove bands when storing, and be sure to never stack jars on top of each other. And remember… always inspect lids to ensure the seals are good before using.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Recipe adated from FreshPreserving

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So have you tried making this easy Apple Pie Filling for Canning yet?

Share with us in the comments below!

Comments

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  2. PAM TAYLOR says

    Have you ever tried to make the pie filling recipe for canning in a sugar-free version? Wondering if I could use sugar substitue of some kind. (I can not eat sugars!) This would be wonderful!!

    Reply

  7. CoCo says

    These look amazing, Heidi! We’ll be heading up to the cabin and I’m hoping the apples will be ready to pick while we’re there. I can’t wait to spread these over ice cream and pancakes! Big hugs and thanks so much for the recipe, CoCo

    Reply

    • Heidi says

      You will love canning, Val… it’s so nice to have pie fillings on hand, and they really do save time when the holidays roll around. 🙂

      Reply

    • Heidi says

      Thank you… it really does have all of those cozy Fall flavors! And you will love clear jel thickening powder – it’s definitely a game changer!

      Reply

  12. Her Digital Coffee says

    The clear gel thickening powder is such a great tip! What an easy and great recipe to follow. I can’t wait to start making apple pies and trying this out. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe and tips Heidi!

    Reply

  13. Michelle says

    I’ve never used Clear Jel before — but I’ve learned something new! The apple pie filling looks amazing, Heidi! Great way to use preserve all those fall apples for apple pie 🙂

    Reply

    • Heidi says

      That’s perfect timing, Lisa… and I’m so glad you liked the tip about the thickening powder! It really does help. 🙂

      Reply

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