Canned Apple Pie Filling + Printable Labels

There are many things that I have made from scratch, but I have to admit, I have never canned before. I often freeze fruit and vegetables, and even herbs, but have never tried my hand with canning. Growing up, I often watched my Mom can many vegetables from the garden, and fondly remember the popping of the lids coming from the kitchen. I often wish that I would have been interested in what my Mom was doing during those years.

We have been talking about canning for several years, and most recently have had several questions from readers about Homemade Apple Pie Filling. Since I’m a novice at canning pie filling, I knew exactly who I needed to ask…Doug’s Aunt Mary! She is an amazing cook and has canned for over 10 years. Not only was I not really sure which recipe to use, I had also read that cornstarch should not be used. But the alternative, Ultra Gel, was no where to be found.

Apples are in their prime right now! Ever wonder which apple is best for a specific purpose? You can read all about the different varieties and what kind is best for cooking and baking! We used Rome Apples.

We will take you through the canning process, it was a lot easier than I had anticipated. And be sure to stick around, I will share the cute Apple Pie Filling Jar Labels with you! Yep, I tried my hand at a little graphic design work. I’m pretty tickled with how they turned out. But first, let’s make the Pie Filling.

We bought everything at Walmart…the jars, lids and rings, utensil set and all the ingredients for the filling.

1.  After mixing the syrup in a pan on the stove, remove a small amount {1-2 cups} into a bowl, gradually add the cornstarch and whisk after each addition. Be sure there are no clumps at all after each addition.

2.  Add the cornstarch mixture to the syrup on the stove, heat until bubbly and thick

3.  Peel and slice apples, place in water mixed with lemon juice {8 cups water to 3 tablespoons juice}

4.  Begin by ladling the syrup into the bottle, using a funnel makes this step super easy. The funnel comes in the Ball Utensil Set.

5.  Add a couple spoonfuls of apples to the jar, and repeat the layers.

6.  Using the Headspace Tool from the Utensil Set, measure to be sure you leave enough room.

7.  Clean around the rim of the jar with a damp cloth

8. Boil the lids and rings, remove from the pan using the Magnetic Lid Lifter, place on jars and tighten slightly

9.  Place jars in a boiling water bath. We used a canning pot with a wire rack, we had this pot already. But you can find them at Walmart.

10. After 20 minutes, remove the jars using the Jar Lifter and place on a towel to cool.

Even though we are still beginners at canning, we did learn a few tips we would like to share…

• Have all your jars and tools ready to go, the syrup thickened much quicker than we thought it would
• We used about 10 apples, next time we will use more.
• A Peeler-Corer-Slicer makes the apple peeling process much easier
• After the jars are full, run a knife around the edge to remove air bubbles. We forgot this step.

Now let’s chat about the Apple Pie Filling Jar Labels. Here’s what you need to do…

• Click to get the FREE Printables
• Then click on the “Download Printables” link
• Save and print
• Cut apart, attach the label to ribbon with an adhesive {glue dot or stick work well}
• Wrap twine around the jar then add the ribbon, secure with tape in the back if necessary