This recipe for Mom's Homemade Apple Pie Filling is a shelf stable canning recipe. Made with fresh apples, sweetener, pectin, and spices, Mom's Apple Pie in a Jar can be enjoyed year round.
My family enjoys this homemade apple pie filling in pies, caramel apple cheese danish, apple fritters and more!
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Why You'll Love Apple Pie in a Jar
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Mom's Canning Recipe
This recipe for Mom's Apple Pie in a Jar is one that I received from her later in my mom hood. When she gave it to me, it called for cornstarch as a thickener which is apparently how she has always done it.
After a reader comment on whether cornstarch was safe, I did my research and read that only approved recipes for canning pie filling should use cornstarch. I cannot tell you this is an approved recipe. I do not know where my mother got it from.
At this point, I encourage you to decide what is best for you to do. If looking to use something other than cornstarch, Clear Jel is the recommended thickener (a modified cornstarch).I would use the same amount of clear jel as cornstarch and follow the instructions as written.
The Best Apple To Make Apple Pie
When making a pie you want an apple that is firm and will still hold its shape when cooked. Softer apples will become applesauce. The best apples to use would be Braeburn, Cortland, Honeycrisp (my fav!), Golden Delicious, McIntosh, or Jona Gold.
How Many Apples in a Pound
If you are like me you may be wondering how many apples make a pound and how many cups equal 7 pounds? I did the math for you! Four medium sized apples are approximately one pound. This recipe calls for 7lbs of apples. So approximately 28 medium sized apples.
If going by pounds to cups, one pound of apples will yield approximately 4-⅓ cups of apple slices. This means you would need approximately 37 cups of apples for this entire recipe.
🥘 Ingredients
Cornstarch or Clear Jel
Fresh apples
Water
Granulated Sugar
Lemon juice
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
🔪 Instructions
Step 1:
- Add the water, sugar, Sure Jell, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to a large stock pot.
- Cook over medium high heat until sauce has thickened. Add the lemon juice.
Step 2:
- Fill the hot sterile jars with the freshly cut apple slices.
- Pour the hot sauce mixture into jars until 1" from the top.
- Cover with sealing lid and cap. Process in a hot water bath for 20 minutes.
- Allow the jars to cool completely on the counter top. Store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator.
💭 Top Tips
- Use a firm apple as indicated above for this recipe.
- Substitute classic monk fruit for a sugar-free pie filling.
- Brown sugar can be used in place of granulated sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
More Apple Recipes
- Apple Cider Caramel Sauce
- Baked Apples with Chocolate and Caramel
- Sparkling Cider Pound Cake
- Apple Upside Down Cake
- Salted Caramel Apple Cake
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Mom's Homemade Apple Pie Filling for Canning
Equipment
- Canning set
- Large stock pot
- Canning jars
- Canning seals and lids
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Ingredients
- 7 lbs apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3½ cups sugar
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 10 cups water
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoons nutmeg
Instructions
- Add the water, sugar, cornstarch*, cinnamon, and nutmeg, to a large stock pot.
- Cook over medium high heat until sauce has thickened. Add the lemon juice.
- Fill the hot sterile jars with the freshly cut apple slices. Pour the hot sauce mixture into jars until 1" from the top.
- Cover with sealing lid and cap. Process in a hot water bath for 20 minutes
Jen says
Thanks! I'm going to try this this weekend!
Mini Baker says
I just found your blog and I love it! You've got so many yummy recipes 🙂
-Mini Baker
ps. pie sounds soooo delish right now!
Danielle says
Ooooh! I really want to do this! What a great gift item!! Thanks for sharing!
pigpigscorner says
In a jar? That's interesting!
Lynda says
I can't wait for fresh apples...I love baking with them and smelling the wonderful aromas! Of course, the eating is good too!
I'm drooling over your pie right now...it's sooo yummy looking.
Gera @ SweetsFoods says
Ohh apple pie a heavenly sweetness!!
Have a great and sweet week,
Gera
Linda says
There is nothing better than apple pie!!
HoneyB says
Jen, This makes 7 quarts. 🙂
Jen says
Looks delicious - question though - how much filling does this make? I'm assuming it should be a pint of filling per pie so I should do this in pint size jars?
Patricia @ Brownies for Dinner says
What a great idea! This would make a good gift too. I am really looking forward to apples this fall (I'm adding this to my ever-growing list of things to do with apples... not sure there will be enough apples for everything I want to do).
Now I want pie...
Helene says
Oh my Shelby, looks delicious. So comfort food. Great choice.
Devan Geselle. N says
yum! brilliant! 🙂 thank you
Patsyk says
Congrats to the winners!
Love the idea of apple pie in a jar! Looks delicious!
Mags says
Looks yummy Shelby and a handy way to keep apple filling on hand and ready to use as needed.
So tickled I won the magazine subscription... thanks!
Megan says
Your pie looks wonderful! I love that kind of topping on my apple pie. Looks perfect!
Lisa says
Congrats winners! Great idea!
Barbara Bakes says
Love this idea! So much better than fruit from a can at the store! The pie looks fabulous!
Bellini Valli says
Nothing says home like a slice of apple pie Shelby.
The Hungry Mouse says
Looks great! I can't *wait* to make the first apple pie of the season!
+Jessie
Maria says
Mmmm! I will take a slice with some ice cream!