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
Linda Durbin says
This will forever be my go-to recipe for apple pie. Absolutely yummy. My husband & I are both fans.
Chandice Probst says
This works so well for pies and I love that it can be canned for use later too!
Linda says
Love this recipe! Not too sweet and it smells amazing
Liz says
I have been searching for a recipe like this! We have an apple tree in our backyard that produced beautiful apples this year. I don't want any to go to waste, so will be trying this recipe this weekend!
Allyssa says
Thank you so much for this recipe, it's super easy to make and tasted really delicious! Will surely have this amazing recipe again! Highly recommended!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Allyssa, thank you for trying and rating the recipe! Shelby
Sabung Ayam Online says
Thanks for recipe
Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs and Kids says
Usually I just make and can apple sauce with our apples. I'm not sure why I've never made apple pie filling! I'm going to have to try your recipe. Apple Week is so much fun!
Carlee says
What a great idea, make a bunch during apple season and have a taste of fall all year long! I would definitely have to have some on pancakes, and waffles, and ice cream, and in a bowl and in a pie.... 😉
Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm says
This is a perfect recipe to include in a gift basket for a Christmas gift, perhaps with a pretty pie pan attached. Thanks for the recipe.
averagebetty says
YAY!!! Thank you HoneyB for having the Vegetarian Times Giveaway! I am so excited to receive my subscription!! Thank you! Thank you! And... a big thanks to Sue for drawing my name WOO HOO!
The pie looks delicious. Makes me want to visit my Mom 😉
Laura says
Very cool. I love crumble top apple pies.
Katy ~ says
You know, Shelby, I am in deep,true love for this pie. Oh my goodness. Apple is probably my favorite favorite, and this one looks exquisite!
noble pig says
Okay I seriously love this! OMG!
Coleen's Recipes says
How do you take such lucious photos all the time...just delicous.
the ungourmet says
I can't even put into words just how yummy this looks! I L-0-V-E apple pie. Especially with the crumbles on top!
Love the new look for fall! :0)
Pam says
Wow! What a BEAUTIFUL pie. It looks almost to good to eat... almost ;).
Leslie says
Nothing like a good Apple pie recipe from your mom!
Jamie says
Shelby,
Nothing says fall like Apple Pie. Looks fabulous. I need to challenge myself and make more pies. I love your new fall header.
Glad Aggie won that magazine. Sad I didn't. Maybe she'll share the copies with me 🙂
Creative One says
Love apple pie. This looks so good! I will have to try this recipe.