Honey-Spiced Apple Pie Filling
This delightful Honey-Spiced Apple Pie Filling is a healthier twist on a classic favorite, designed for those looking to reduce refined sugar without sacrificing flavor. Inspired by a cherished recipe from Allrecipe.com, I've made adjustments by using honey as a natural sweetener and tweaking the spices to create a rich and aromatic filling. This recipe yields a generous 5 quarts, perfect for canning and enjoying year-round. It’s ideal for filling homemade pies, tarts, or even as a topping for pancakes and yogurt. Join me on my canning adventure, where even a rookie can create something truly scrumptious!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Apples
6 lbs (peeled, cored, and sliced)
Honey
2 cups (raw or pure)
Cornstarch
1 cup (none)
Ground Cinnamon
2 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Ground Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Salt
2 teaspoons (none)
Water
10 cups (none)
Lemon Juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your canning jars, lids, and rings by sterilizing them in a large pot of simmering water for at least 10 minutes. This ensures a safe and long-lasting product.
2
In a large saucepan, combine the honey, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir until fully combined.
3
Gradually add the 10 cups of water and salt, mixing well to dissolve the cornstarch. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
4
Once boiling, continue to cook until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly. This should take about 5-10 minutes.
5
Remove the thickened syrup from heat and stir in the lemon juice, mixing until well combined.
6
While the syrup is cooling slightly, peel, core, and slice your apples into even pieces.
7
Pack the sliced apples tightly into the hot, sterilized canning jars, leaving about a 1/2 inch headspace at the top of each jar.
8
Ladle the hot syrup over the apples, filling to the same 1/2 inch headspace. Ensure all apples are submerged in the syrup.
9
Using a rubber spatula or the handle of a wooden spoon, gently remove any air bubbles from the jars by running it around the inside edges.
10
Seal the jars with their previously sterilized lids and rings.
11
Process the filled jars in a water bath canner. Bring the water to a rolling boil and process for 20 minutes. Be sure to adjust the time for altitude, adding more time as needed.
12
Once the processing time is complete, carefully remove the jars from the water bath and allow them to cool on a clean towel or cooling rack. Ensure that each lid has sealed properly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Honey-Spiced Apple Pie Filling?
It is a healthier twist on classic apple pie filling that uses honey as a natural sweetener and aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
How many quarts does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 5 quarts of apple pie filling.
How much honey is required for this recipe?
You will need 2 cups of raw or pure honey.
What kind of apples should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 lbs of apples that are peeled, cored, and sliced.
Is this recipe refined sugar-free?
Yes, it is designed for those looking to reduce refined sugar by using honey as the sweetener.
How much cornstarch is used in the filling?
The recipe requires 1 cup of cornstarch to thicken the syrup.
What spices are used in the Honey-Spiced Apple Pie Filling?
The filling is spiced with 2 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
How much water is needed to make the syrup?
You will need 10 cups of water.
Why is lemon juice added to the filling?
Three tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice are added to provide acidity and flavor balance.
How long should I sterilize the jars?
Sterilize your canning jars, lids, and rings in simmering water for at least 10 minutes.
How do I prepare the apples?
The apples should be peeled, cored, and sliced into even pieces.
How long does it take for the syrup to thicken?
The syrup should be boiled for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes thick and bubbly.
What is the recommended headspace for the jars?
Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar when filling with apples and syrup.
How do I remove air bubbles from the jars?
Use a rubber spatula or the handle of a wooden spoon to run around the inside edges of the jars.
How long do the jars need to be processed in a water bath?
Process the jars in a rolling boil for 20 minutes, adjusting for altitude if necessary.
What should I do after the processing time is complete?
Carefully remove the jars from the water bath and allow them to cool on a clean towel or rack.
Can this filling be used for things other than pie?
Yes, it is excellent for tarts, pancakes, or as a topping for yogurt.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of salt.
When do I add the lemon juice to the mixture?
Add the lemon juice after removing the thickened syrup from the heat.
How should I pack the apples into the jars?
The sliced apples should be packed tightly into the hot, sterilized canning jars.
Is this recipe suitable for canning beginners?
Yes, the recipe is described as perfect for rookies to create a scrumptious preserve.
What is the source of inspiration for this recipe?
It was inspired by a recipe from Allrecipe.com and modified for natural sweeteners.
Should the syrup be hot when ladled over the apples?
Yes, you should ladle the hot syrup over the apples in the jars.
How do I know if the jars sealed properly?
Once cooled, check the lids to ensure they have vacuum-sealed and do not pop up when pressed.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While the recipe specifies freshly squeezed, bottled lemon juice can also be used in canning.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
No, nutritional values like calories, fat, and carbohydrates are not provided for this specific recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this pie filling.
Is it necessary to boil the syrup before adding it to jars?
Yes, the mixture must be brought to a boil to allow the cornstarch to thicken correctly.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to prepare and sterilize your canning jars, lids, and rings.
Should I add more processing time for altitude?
Yes, be sure to adjust the 20-minute processing time based on your local altitude requirements.