Apple (Or Pear) Pie In A Jar

Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Cuisine: American

A delightful preserve combining sweet apples or pears in a spiced syrup, perfect for sharing or gifting, with warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors enhancing the fruit.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 4-1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 10 cups water
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 7 quarts peeled and sliced apples or pears

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar, cinnamon, salt, cornstarch, and nutmeg in a large saucepan.
  2. Heat the mixture until it becomes bubbly.
  3. Add lemon juice to the syrup.
  4. Place peeled and sliced apples or pears into quart jars, leaving 1-1/2 inch head space at the top.
  5. Pour the hot syrup over the fruit in the jars, sealing each jar.
  6. Process the jars in a hot water bath for 25 minutes, or in a pressure cooker for 10 minutes at 10 pounds of pressure.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the syrup. If you don't have cornstarch, you can substitute it with equal parts of all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly different. Be sure to use a combination of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor, similar to what's used in American recipes like Apple Pie.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pie in a jar warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with Doris Lowery'S Caramel Popcorn for a sweet snack platter. Consider serving alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a week. To reheat, simply pour the contents into a saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also enjoy it cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Apple (Or Pear) Pie In A Jar contains roughly 2283 calories, with 6g protein, 511g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1983mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).

2283 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.1g 12% DV
Total Fat 17g 22% DV
Carbs 511.2g 100% DV
Fiber 9.9g 35% DV
Sugar 16.6g 33% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1982.5mg 86% DV
Potassium 342.1mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.1mcg
Vitamin C 40.9mg 45% DV
Calcium 148.3mg 11% DV
Iron 3.8mg 21% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen apples or pears, but be sure to thaw and drain them before layering in the jars. This will prevent excess moisture from affecting the syrup's consistency.

How can I tell if the jars are sealed properly?

After processing, check the lids to ensure they are concave and do not pop when pressed. If a lid pops back, it hasn't sealed properly and should be refrigerated and consumed soon.

Is it safe to process the jars without a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can safely process the jars in a hot water bath as recommended for high-acid foods like fruit. Just make sure the jars are fully submerged during the bath for even processing.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →