Apple pie filling is the quintessential taste of fall, capturing the essence of crisp apples, warm spices, and sweet syrup. Canning this delicious filling not only allows you to savor the flavors of autumn throughout the year but is also a highly rewarding process. While traditional water bath canning is a popular method, using a pressure cooker can speed up the process and produce perfectly sealed jars in no time. In this article, we will explore how to can apple pie filling using a pressure cooker, provide you tips for success, and share some apple pie recipes you can delight in all year long.
The Benefits of Canning Apple Pie Filling
Canning offers numerous advantages for home cooks. Here’s why you should consider canning your apple pie filling:
- Extended Shelf Life: Properly canned apple pie filling can last for up to a year or more, allowing you to enjoy the taste of fresh apples even in winter months.
- Convenience: Having jars of apple pie filling ready to go enables you to whip up a pie in no time, ideal for last-minute gatherings or family dinners.
By using a pressure cooker for canning, you get to enjoy faster processing times, making the whole workflow more efficient.
Choosing the Right Apples
The first step to canning delicious apple pie filling is selecting the right apples. The type of apple you choose will affect both the flavor and texture of your filling. Here’s what to look for:
Recommended Apple Varieties
The best apples for pie filling are those that hold their shape during cooking and offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. Consider these varieties:
- Granny Smith: These tart apples are excellent for balancing the sweetness of the filling.
- Honeycrisp: Their crisp texture and sweet flavor make them a favorite for pies.
- Jonagold: A blend of Jonathan and Golden Delicious, these apples provide a sweet-tart finish.
When selecting apples, always choose firm, undamaged fruit for the best results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you dive in, gather the following ingredients to create your apple pie filling:
Essential Ingredients
To make approximately 7 quarts of apple pie filling, you will need:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Prepared apples (peeled and sliced) | 12-14 cups |
| Sugar | 2 cups |
| Clear jel® (a modified cornstarch) | 1 cup |
| Cinnamon | 2 teaspoons |
| Nutmeg | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Apple juice or water | 3 cups |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1/2 cup |
Optional Ingredients
Feel free to experiment with add-ins, like vanilla or ginger, to customize your filling.
Preparation for Canning Apple Pie Filling
Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s go through the preparation steps to ensure a successful canning process.
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Wash the apples thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt.
- Peel and slice your apples. Aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking.
- Toss the apple slices in lemon juice to prevent browning while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large pot, combine the sugar, clear jel®, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add in the apple juice or water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Heat over medium until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble.
Step 3: Add Apples
Once the mixture is thickened, fold in your prepared apple slices gently, ensuring that they are fully coated in the thickening mixture. Remove the pot from the heat.
Canning Apple Pie Filling with a Pressure Cooker
Now comes the exciting part! We will secure your delicious filling in jars using a pressure cooker.
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment
Make sure to have the following ready:
- Canning jars (quarts or pints)
- Canning lids and rings
- A pressure cooker
- Jar lifter
- Funnel
- Large pot for sterilizing jars
Step 2: Sterilize Jars and Lids
Sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Keep them warm while filling to prevent thermal shock.
Step 3: Fill the Jars
Using a funnel, carefully fill the warm jars with the hot apple pie filling, leaving about 1 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims with a clean cloth to remove any spills. Place the lids on top and screw on the rings until they are fingertip-tight.
Step 4: Load the Pressure Cooker
Add about 2 inches of water into the pressure cooker and place the jars upright on the rack inside. Ensure there’s enough space between the jars for steam to circulate.
Step 5: Seal and Process
Lock the lid of the pressure cooker and bring it to the recommended pressure according to your pressure cooker’s instructions. Typically, apple pie filling should be processed at 10 pounds of pressure for 20 minutes for quarts and 15 minutes for pints, but always refer to local guidelines.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Once the processing time is up, turn off the heat and allow the pressure cooker to de-pressure naturally. Carefully remove the jars with a jar lifter and set them onto a kitchen towel or cooling rack. Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.
Serving Your Canned Apple Pie Filling
Now that you have jars full of delicious apple pie filling, you can easily prepare an apple pie. Here’s a simple recipe that highlights your preserved goodness:
Simple Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 batch of canned apple pie filling
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Spice blend (optional: cinnamon, nutmeg)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place your pie crust in a pie dish.
- Pour in your canned apple pie filling, dotting it with butter. Optionally, sprinkle some additional spices for extra flavor.
- Cover with a second pie crust, crimp edges, and slice slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Conclusion
Canning apple pie filling with a pressure cooker not only helps you preserve your apple harvest, but it also provides convenient meals and desserts for those busy moments. With the right ingredients, techniques, and a touch of creativity, you can enjoy luscious apple desserts all year long.
Now that you’re equipped with this comprehensive guide, grab those apples and start canning! Sweet, tangy, and oh-so-delicious, your homemade apple pie filling awaits in your pantry, ready to become the star of your next family gathering. Happy canning!
What do I need to can apple pie filling using a pressure cooker?
To can apple pie filling, you will need several essential ingredients and tools. Start with fresh, quality apples, which are the primary ingredient, along with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. The sugar and cinnamon enhance the flavor, while lemon juice helps to preserve the color and offers acidity, essential for safe canning. Other ingredients may include thickening agents like cornstarch; however, it’s advised to add these when you’re ready to bake rather than during the canning process.
In addition to ingredients, you’ll need proper canning equipment. This includes a pressure cooker, canning jars with lids and bands, a jar lifter, a funnel, and a ladle. Make sure to have a clean workspace and access to boiling water and a sterilizing method for your jars. Familiarize yourself with the pressure cooker’s manual to ensure you’re implementing the method correctly since proper pressure and timing are crucial for safe preservation.
How do I prepare apples for canning?
Preparing apples for canning is a straightforward process but requires some care to ensure the final product is delicious and safe to eat. Start by selecting and washing your apples thoroughly. Following this, peel the apples and cut them into slices or chunks as desired. It’s important to remove any blemishes or bad spots to avoid compromising the quality of your pie filling. To prevent browning, you can toss the apple slices in a mixture of water and lemon juice immediately after cutting them.
Once the apples are prepared, they should be cooked down with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a pot before canning. This mixture should simmer until the apples are just tender but still hold their shape. You should also prepare your jars by sterilizing them in boiling water to ensure they are clean and safe for canning. After the mixture is ready, use a ladle and funnel to fill the jars, but leave sufficient headspace for vacuum sealing.
Can I use any type of apple for the pie filling?
While you can technically use any type of apple for pie filling, some varieties are better suited for canning due to their flavor and texture. Tart apples like Granny Smith, Cortland, or Jonagold are ideal because they hold their shape well during the cooking process and provide a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the added sugar. Other varieties, while tasty, may turn mushy when canned, so it’s best to stick with firmer apples.
It’s a good practice to mix different apple varieties to achieve a more complex flavor profile for your pie filling. You can experiment with combining sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp with tart options to find the balance you prefer. Regardless of the type you choose, ensure all apples are fresh and free from bruises for the best results.
How long do I process apple pie filling in the pressure cooker?
Processing time for apple pie filling in a pressure cooker varies based on the altitude and jar size. Generally, quart-sized jars should be processed for about 20-25 minutes, while pint-sized jars will require slightly less time, around 15-20 minutes. It’s important to begin timing once the pressure cooker has reached the appropriate pressure to ensure that the filling is safely preserved.
Consult your pressure cooker’s manual for specific instructions on achieving and maintaining the necessary pressure. Also, keep in mind that adjustments may be required based on your elevation; higher elevations may need extended processing times to ensure safety. Always follow the guidelines for canning to prevent any food safety issues.
Can I add other ingredients to my apple pie filling?
Yes, you can add a variety of other ingredients to customize your apple pie filling, though it’s best to keep these limited to dry ingredients before canning. Adding spices such as nutmeg, ginger, or allspice can enhance the flavor and provide that classic pie taste. Additionally, you could consider adding a few tablespoons of vanilla extract for an added depth of flavor. However, avoid adding perishable ingredients like butter or cream, as these can affect the shelf life and safety of your canned goods.
When it comes to sweeteners, feel free to experiment with alternatives like brown sugar or maple syrup to give a different flavor twist. However, if you choose to alter the sugar content significantly, be aware that it can affect the acidity and preservation properties of your filling, so it’s best to stick close to recommended ratios for safety reasons. Always ensure that any ingredients you add do not compromise the balance of the recipe for safe canning.
What is the best way to store canned apple pie filling?
Once you have successfully canned your apple pie filling, proper storage is crucial to maintain its quality and safety. Store the filled and sealed jars in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or a cupboard away from direct sunlight. Make sure the jars are not exposed to extreme temperatures, as fluctuating heat can lead to spoilage. A consistent temperature ideally between 50°F and 70°F is best for preserving canned goods.
Before stacking your jars, remember to check that the seals are intact after cooling. If any jars have unsealed lids or signs of spoilage like bulging lids or off smells, it is safer to discard them. Consume your canned apple pie filling within one year for optimal quality, but it can last longer when stored correctly. Always label your jars with the date of canning to track freshness easily.
Can I use this method for other fruits and fillings?
Yes, the method for canning pie filling used for apple pie can be adapted for other fruits, allowing you to preserve a variety of delicious fillings. Common fruits for canning include peaches, cherries, and blueberries, and can be combined with similar ingredients like sugar, lemon juice, and spices to enhance flavor. Just be sure to follow the same principles of canning and processing times specific to each type of fruit to ensure safety.
However, it’s essential to remember that different fruits have different acidity levels and may require adjustments in processing time or additional acidification. Always refer to tested recipes or guidelines specifically tailored for the fruit you choose to ensure you’re following safe canning practices. With the right adaptations, you can expand your canned goods inventory beyond apple pie filling to enjoy a variety of homemade delights all year long.