Preserve Blueberries the Easy Way
If you’re looking for a simple way to preserve an abundance of blueberries, homemade canned blueberry pie filling is one of the best recipes to keep on hand. Whether you’re using freshly picked blueberries from the garden or frozen berries from your freezer, this recipe is an easy and delicious way to stock your pantry with a homemade treat you’ll reach for all year long.
A Pantry Staple You’ll Use Again and Again
Having a few jars of blueberry pie filling on your pantry shelf makes dessert incredibly convenient. Instead of starting from scratch, you can simply open a jar and pour it into a pie crust for a homemade blueberry pie. It’s also wonderful spooned over cheesecake, pancakes, waffles, biscuits, vanilla ice cream, or stirred into yogurt and oatmeal for a quick, flavorful treat.
Fresh or Frozen Blueberries Work Great
One of the best things about canning blueberry pie filling is that it helps prevent food waste. If your blueberry bushes produce more berries than you can eat fresh, or you find a great sale at the grocery store, canning is an excellent way to preserve that harvest. Frozen blueberries work just as well, making this recipe perfect any time of year.
Why Use ClearJel®?
Using ClearJel® cooking starch creates a smooth, glossy filling that holds up beautifully during the canning process. Unlike regular cornstarch or flour, ClearJel is specifically designed for home canning and produces a pie filling with the perfect consistency every time.
Simple to Make
The process is surprisingly easy. You’ll prepare a thickened syrup, gently fold in the blueberries, fill sterilized jars, and process them in a boiling water bath canner. Before you know it, you’ll have beautiful jars lined up on your pantry shelf, ready whenever you need them.
Perfect for Homemade Desserts
Homemade blueberry pie filling also makes thoughtful gifts for family, friends, and neighbors. Tied with a ribbon and paired with a favorite pie crust recipe, it’s a heartfelt homemade gift that’s always appreciated.
Whether you’re baking a classic blueberry pie for the holidays, topping a slice of cheesecake, or creating a quick cobbler on a busy weeknight, canned blueberry pie filling is one of those pantry staples you’ll be glad you made. It’s simple, economical, and a wonderful way to enjoy the taste of blueberries long after the harvest season has ended.
How to Can Blueberry Pie Filling
Learn how to can homemade blueberry pie filling with fresh or frozen blueberries. An easy pantry staple that's perfect for pies, cobblers, cheesecakes, and delicious desserts all year long.
Ingredients
- 12 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 3/4 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup ClearJel
- 2 1/2 cups unsweetened apple juice
- 1 1/4 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
Instructions
Prepare canner and jars
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Prepare a boiling water bath canner.
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Heat jars in simmering water until ready to fill.
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Wash lids and bands in warm soapy water.
Make the filling
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In a large stainless steel saucepan, combine: sugar and ClearJel. Stir in apple juice and cold water.
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Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins bubbling.
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Stir in lemon juice. Return to a boil and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
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Remove from heat. Gently fold in blueberries. Return to low heat and warm just until blueberries are heated through (avoid boiling hard or they may burst and become mushy).
Fill jars
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Ladle hot blueberry pie filling into hot jars. Leave 1 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and wipe jar rims. Apply lids and bands fingertip tight.
Process
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Place jars in boiling water canner. Process for 30 minutes (adjust for altitude). Turn off heat, remove lid, and let jars sit 5 minutes. Remove jars and cool 12–24 hours. Check seals and wash jars before storing.
Recipe Notes
If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them first; use them frozen and expect a little longer heating time.
This recipe will yield 8 pint jars. It typically takes 2-3 pints to make a traditional blueberry pie.
For a half-batch of this recipe (Yields 4 pints):
- 6 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 3/8 cups sugar
- 3/8 cups ClearJel (6 tablespoons)
- 1 1/4 cup unsweetened apple juice
- 5/8 cup cold water (1/2 cup +2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
