Canning Pears for Pie Filling - Ready-to-Bake Desserts

Ready to enjoy the taste of homemade pear pie any time of year? This recipe for Canning Pears for Pie Filling transforms fresh, seasonal pears into a convenient, ready-to-bake filling. Perfect for pies, crisps, or even topping your morning oatmeal, this canned pear filling brings orchard-fresh flavors to your kitchen, no matter the season. Let’s get started!

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What is Canning Pears for Pie Filling?

Canning Pears for Pie Filling is a method of preserving pears in a sweet, spiced syrup, specifically prepared to function as a ready-to-use pie filling. This process involves peeling, coring, and slicing the pears, then cooking them in a mixture of sugar, water, clear jel and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The mixture is then carefully packed into sterilized jars and processed in a boiling water canner to ensure a safe and shelf-stable product.

The beauty of this method lies in its convenience; whenever you crave a pear pie, the filling is already prepared, saving you valuable time and effort. You just simply drain the liquid, add the pie filling with other ingredients and pour it in your pie mold. So, why not give Canning Pears for Pie Filling a try? You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to bring the taste of fresh, homemade pie to your table any time of year!

Key Ingredients for Canning Pears for Pie Filling:

Pears: 8 pounds, peeled, cored, and sliced. Choose firm-ripe pears like Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou for the best texture.
Water: 6 cups. This forms the base of the syrup.
Sugar: 3 cups. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps with preservation.
Clear Jel: 1 cup (also called modified cornstarch). This will help thicken the filling.
Lemon Juice: 1/2 cup, freshly squeezed. Acts as a natural preservative and helps prevent browning.
Cinnamon Sticks: 2 sticks (3-inch each). Adds warm, aromatic flavor.
Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon, ground. Enhances the warm spice notes.
Optional Spices: a dash of ground cloves or ginger

How to Make Canning Pears for Pie Filling:

This recipe is surprisingly simple and deeply satisfying. You’ll be rewarded with jars of delicious pear filling, ready to be transformed into a warm, comforting pie at a moment’s notice. The combination of sweet pears, warm spices, and a perfectly thickened syrup creates a flavorful experience that’s hard to resist.

The preparation time is about 45 minutes, plus the canning process time.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Pears: Wash, peel, core, and slice the pears into uniform pieces about 1/2-inch thick. To prevent browning, place the sliced pears in a bowl of water with a small amount of lemon juice as you work.
Make the Syrup: In a large stainless-steel pot, combine the water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Add Pears to Syrup: Drain the pear slices and add them to the boiling syrup. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the pears are slightly softened but still hold their shape. Stir gently to avoid breaking the pears.
Prepare Clear Jel Slurry: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Clear Jel with 1 cup of cold water until smooth. This prevents clumping when added to the hot syrup.
Thicken the Filling: Slowly pour the Clear Jel slurry into the pot with the pears, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to simmer and stir for another 1-2 minutes, or until the filling has thickened to your desired consistency.
Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the fresh lemon juice.
Prepare Canning Jars: While the filling is simmering, prepare your canning jars. Wash the jars, lids, and rings in hot, soapy water. Rinse well and sanitize the jars by placing them in a boiling water canner filled with water. Keep the jars hot until ready to use. Heat the lids in simmering water (do not boil).
Fill the Jars: Using a jar lifter, carefully remove a hot jar from the canner and place it on a heat-resistant surface. Ladle the hot pear filling into the jar, leaving 1-inch headspace. Remove any air bubbles by running a non-metallic spatula around the inside of the jar.
Wipe Rims and Apply Lids: Wipe the rim of the jar with a clean, damp cloth to remove any food residue. Center a lid on the jar and screw on the band until it is fingertip tight.
Process in Boiling Water Canner: Carefully lower the filled jars into the boiling water canner using a jar lifter. Ensure that the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the canner, and process for the recommended time based on your altitude.

Altitude 0-1000 feet: 20 minutes for pints, 25 minutes for quarts
Altitude 1001-6000 feet: 25 minutes for pints, 30 minutes for quarts
Altitude Above 6000 feet: 30 minutes for pints, 35 minutes for quarts

Cool the Jars: After processing, turn off the heat and carefully remove the jars from the canner. Place them on a towel-lined surface, leaving space between each jar. Do not tighten the bands. Let the jars cool completely for 12-24 hours. As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound as the lids seal.
Check Seals and Store: After the jars have cooled, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn’t flex, it is sealed. If any jars didn’t seal, refrigerate them immediately and use within a week, or reprocess with a new lid. Remove the rings from the sealed jars, wash the jars, and label with the date and contents. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Why You’ll Love This Canning Pears for Pie Filling:

The main highlight of Canning Pears for Pie Filling is the sheer convenience of having a pre-made pie filling on hand. Imagine craving a warm pear pie on a chilly evening and having the filling ready to go – no peeling, coring, or simmering required! Plus, making your own filling is a fantastic way to save money compared to buying store-bought canned fillings, which often contain artificial flavors and preservatives. The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg gives this canned pear filling a delightful warm, spiced flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the pears.

If you love the idea of homemade pie fillings, you might also enjoy trying a recipe for canned apple pie filling. Both are fantastic options for preserving seasonal fruits and enjoying homemade pies year-round. This canning pear pie filling transforms simple ingredients into a pantry staple, ready to become the star of your next dessert. Give it a try and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade goodness!

What to Serve Canning Pears for Pie Filling With:

This versatile pear filling isn’t just for pies! Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy it:

Pear Pie: Of course! Simply pour the drained pear filling into a prepared pie crust, top with another crust, and bake until golden brown.
Pear Crisp or Cobbler: Top the filling with a crumble topping made from oats, flour, butter, and sugar, then bake until bubbly and golden.
Yogurt or Oatmeal Topping: Spoon the pear filling over yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet and fruity breakfast or snack.
Ice Cream Topping: Warm the filling slightly and drizzle it over vanilla ice cream for a simple and satisfying dessert.
Pancakes and Waffles: Serve the pear filling as a topping for pancakes or waffles for a special weekend brunch.

Top Tips for Perfecting Canning Pears for Pie Filling:

Choose the Right Pears: Use firm-ripe pears that are free from blemishes or bruises. Overripe pears will become mushy during the canning process.
Use Clear Jel Carefully: Be sure to whisk the Clear Jel with cold water before adding it to the hot syrup to prevent clumping. This is crucial for achieving a smooth, thick filling.
Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your preference. You can also add other spices like cloves, ginger, or cardamom for a unique flavor.
Ensure Proper Headspace: Leaving the correct amount of headspace (1 inch) in the jars is essential for creating a proper seal during the canning process.
Process According to Altitude: Adjust the processing time based on your altitude to ensure that the pears are safely preserved. Under-processing can lead to spoilage.
Don’t Overtighten Bands: Tighten the bands to fingertip tight only. Overtightening can prevent the air from escaping during processing, which can lead to seal failures.
Be Patient: Allow the jars to cool completely before checking the seals. Avoid moving or disturbing the jars during the cooling process.

5 Facts about Canning Pears for Pie Filling:

Shelf Stable: Properly canned pear pie filling can be stored at room temperature for up to a year, making it a convenient pantry staple.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness and spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
Eliminates Preservatives: Canning your own fillings allows you to avoid artificial flavors and preservatives found in store-bought versions.
Seasonal Treat: It’s a great way to preserve the flavors of seasonal pears and enjoy them year-round.
Cost-Effective: Making your own pear pie filling is often cheaper than buying pre-made fillings, especially when using homegrown or locally sourced pears.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Storing:

Store sealed jars of canned pear pie filling in a cool, dark, and dry place. Avoid direct sunlight or extreme temperature fluctuations.
Once opened, transfer any leftover filling to an airtight container and refrigerate. Use within 5-7 days.

Reheating:

To use the filling for pies, crisps, or cobblers, simply drain off excess syrup and add the filling to your recipe.
To reheat leftover filling for toppings or snacks, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.

Freezing:

Freezing canned pear pie filling is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the pears.
If you have made a pie from the filling, freeze the finished pie rather than the filling itself.

Final Thoughts:

Canning Pears for Pie Filling is a rewarding way to preserve the delicious flavors of autumn and create a convenient pantry staple. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy homemade pear pies and desserts year-round.

So, gather your ingredients, follow these tips, and start canning your own pear pie filling today! You’ll be amazed at how easy and satisfying it is to create your own ready-to-bake delights.

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Canning Pears for Pie Filling FAQs:

Q: Can I use a different sweetener instead of sugar?
A: Yes, you can substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup, but this might affect the color and flavor of the filling. Also ensure that the honey and maple syrup are pure and not mixed with any other ingredients.

Q: Can I can other types of fruit using this recipe?
A: This recipe is specifically designed for pears, as pears are suitable for the ratio of preservatives in the recipe.

Q: How long will the canned pear pie filling last?
A: Properly canned pear pie filling can last for up to a year when stored in a cool, dark, and dry place.

Q: What should I do if a jar doesn’t seal?
A: If a jar doesn’t seal, refrigerate it immediately and use the filling within a week, or reprocess the jar with a new lid within 24 hours.

Q: Can I add other fruits to the pear filling?
A: Yes, you can add other fruits like cranberries or apples for a mixed fruit filling. However, make sure to adjust the recipe accordingly and follow safe canning practices.

Q: Why is Clear Jel used? Can I substitute it?
A: Clear Jel is a modified cornstarch used as a thickening agent in canning as it holds up well during the canning process and doesn’t break down. It is better to use it than an alternative.

Q: How do I safely dispose of improperly sealed jars?
A: If you discover that a jar is spoiled (mold, off odor, etc.), dispose of it carefully to avoid contamination. Wear gloves and eye protection, and double-bag the contents before discarding. Sanitize the area where the jar was stored.

Canning Pears for Pie Filling – Ready-to-Bake Desserts