Apple Pie Filling in a Jar - Homemade Apple Pie Filling

Homemade Canned Apple Pie Filling, perfect to have on hand for pies, crisps or cobblers.    

A couple weeks back I had mentioned on Facebook that I found a steal of a deal on apples at my local Kroger. Anytime I'm in Kroger, I always make a point to stop by the reduced produce bins just to see what they have. Some days there isn't anything and some days you hit the jackpot like I did with these apples.

Most folks don't like the reduced section, but I love it!! You can stumble upon some awesome unexpected bargains. I think most people just don't know what to do with all those ripe fruits and veggies. A few may have some bumps and bruises on them, but they're still fine to freeze or transform into something new.  

I always keep an eye out for oranges, cuties, zucchini, yellow squash, green peppers, bananas and apples. I normally chunk up the bananas and freeze them for smoothies or banana bread. Squash and zucchini can be shredded and frozen for zucchini bread or muffins. Green bell peppers are always so pricey that when I see them in the clearance bin I jump on it so I can make Stuffed Peppers.

And apples....... well the possibilities are endless you can freeze them or you can take them home and make homemade applesauce, apple butter, apple pie jam or apple pie Filling. I was so excited to snag 2 bags of apple for $1.59 each! The wheels in my head were just spinning on what I could make with them. 

I was going back in forth from applesauce, apple pie to apple butter. It was just so hard to decide. Then it hit me apple pie filling!!!! I've been wanting to try my hand at canning some Homemade Apple Pie Filling. 

I highly recommend investing in one of those nifty apple peelers because they are perfect to peel apples and pears. I purchased mine at Lehmans. This recipe was really simpe to make and not time consuming at all once the apples were peeled. 

Just imagine being able to bake apple pies in a snap all year long with ready made canned filling!!!! You can also use this filling to make apple crumb pie, apple cobbler, apple crisp or apple pie egg rolls. As you can see this filling is very versatile so I hope you'll give it a try. 

To start wash, peel, core and slice 12 cups of apples. Place the apples in a large bowl with water fruit fresh or lemon juice to prevent browning.

In a large bowl combine the sugar, brown sugar, perma flo or clear jel, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg and set aside.

Add the sugar and perma flo mixture to the apples.

and mix to combine. 

In a large pot add the water, apple juice, vanilla and sliced apples (drain the water mixture from the apples before adding).

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. When the mxture reaches a boil, the Perma Flo will thicken and become clear. Add the lemon juice and lightly boil for 1 minute longer.

Ladle the filling into warm prepared jars. Wide mouth jars work well, but regular quart jars can be used as well. Make sure to Leave 1 1/2 inch headspace (apples will swell during processing), run a spatula down the inside of the jars to remove any air bubbles.

Wipe rim with a damp clean cloth. Center lid and screw bands down until tight. Place jars filled with apple pie filling in a hot water bath and process for 25 minutes. Turn off heat, remove lid, and let sit for 5 minutes befor removing jars.

Using a jar lifter, carefully remove hot jars to a towel or cutting board and allow to cool without moving over night. Check the seals to make certain the lids are sealed properly (the lids should be lowered in the middle and not move up or down). Remove rings and wash and dry jars and rims before storing.

TO PREPARE AND BAKE APPLE PIE:
Pour 1 quart jar size of home canned apple pie filling into an unbaked 8-9 inch pastry shell and dot with butter. Place top crust, trim and crimp the crust around the edges and then cut slits to vent the steam. Sprinkle with sugar and bake at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes or until the filling is bubbling