Your Cool Home is supported by its readers. Please assume all links are affiliate links. If you purchase something from one of our links, we make a small commission from Amazon. Thank you!
You can can blackberry pie filling at home with just a few simple ingredients and a water bath canner.
If you’ve been wondering how to can blackberry pie filling so you can enjoy fresh blackberry pies all year long, you’re in the right place.
The process is easier than you might think, and the results are absolutely delicious.
Home-canned blackberry pie filling tastes way better than anything from the store.
Plus, you control the sugar, the spices, and the quality of the berries.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to can blackberry pie filling step by step, including the tools you need, the recipe, and tips to make sure it sets up perfectly every time.
Let’s dive in.
Why You Should Can Blackberry Pie Filling
Canning blackberry pie filling is one of the best ways to preserve a bumper crop of berries.
Here’s why it’s worth the effort:
1. It Saves You Money
Blackberries can be expensive when they’re out of season.
When you can blackberry pie filling during peak season, you lock in that low price and enjoy it for months.
One batch of home-canned filling can make several pies, which is way cheaper than buying pre-made cans at the store.
2. You Control the Ingredients
Store-bought pie filling often contains preservatives, corn syrup, and artificial flavors.
When you can blackberry pie filling yourself, you decide exactly what goes in the jar.
Want less sugar?
Go for it.
Prefer a hint of cinnamon or lemon zest?
Add it in.
You’re in charge.
3. It’s Convenient for Baking
Having jars of homemade blackberry pie filling on your shelf means you’re always ready to bake a pie, make a cobbler, or top some ice cream.
No last-minute trips to the store.
Just grab a jar and get baking.
Tools and Ingredients for Canning Blackberry Pie Filling
Before you learn how to can blackberry pie filling, gather everything you need.
Here’s the list:
1. Essential Equipment
You’ll need a water bath canner with a rack, mason jars (quart or pint), lids and bands, a jar lifter, a bubble remover, and a clean towel.
A heavy-bottomed pot for cooking the filling is also a must.
2. Key Ingredients
For this blackberry pie filling recipe, you’ll need fresh or frozen blackberries, granulated sugar, ClearJel (the gold standard for canning pie filling), lemon juice, and water.
ClearJel is important because regular cornstarch breaks down during the canning process and won’t thicken properly.
3. Optional Flavor Boosters
A pinch of cinnamon, a splash of vanilla extract, or a little lemon zest can take your blackberry pie filling to the next level.
Just keep the additions subtle so the blackberry flavor shines through.
How to Can Blackberry Pie Filling Step by Step
Now let’s get into the actual process of how to can blackberry pie filling.
Follow these steps and you’ll have beautiful jars ready for your pantry:
1. Prepare Your Jars and Canner
Start by washing your jars, lids, and bands in hot soapy water.
Keep the jars hot in your canner filled with simmering water until you’re ready to fill them.
This prevents thermal shock when the hot filling goes in.
2. Make the Blackberry Pie Filling
In a large pot, combine your blackberries, sugar, and a slurry made from ClearJel and water.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
Once it’s boiling, add lemon juice and let it bubble for one minute.
The filling should be thick and glossy.
3. Fill the Jars
Ladle the hot blackberry pie filling into your hot jars, leaving about an inch of headspace.
Use your bubble remover to release trapped air, then wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth.
Place the lids on and screw the bands on finger-tight.
4. Process in a Water Bath Canner
Lower the filled jars into your boiling water bath canner, making sure they’re covered by at least an inch of water.
Process quarts for 30 minutes and pints for 25 minutes, adjusting for altitude if needed.
5. Cool and Check the Seals
After processing, turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the canner for five minutes.
Then remove them with your jar lifter and place them on a towel to cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours.
Check that each lid is sealed by pressing the center.
If it doesn’t pop, it’s sealed properly.
Tips for Perfect Blackberry Pie Filling Every Time
These little tips make a big difference when you can blackberry pie filling:
1. Don’t Skip the ClearJel
ClearJel is specifically designed for canning and holds up to high heat.
Using cornstarch or flour will give you a runny filling that separates over time.
2. Adjust Sugar to Your Taste
The sugar in this recipe isn’t just for sweetness.
It also helps with thickening and preservation.
You can reduce it slightly, but don’t cut it drastically or your filling may not set.
3. Use Firm, Ripe Berries
Overripe or mushy blackberries will break down too much during processing.
Pick berries that are ripe but still hold their shape for the best texture.
So, Can Blackberry Pie Filling?
Yes, you can can blackberry pie filling at home with confidence as long as you follow a tested recipe and use a water bath canner.
The process is straightforward, the ingredients are simple, and the payoff is huge.
You’ll have jars of rich, thick, homemade blackberry pie filling ready to bake into pies, spoon over pancakes, or gift to friends.
Once you learn how to can blackberry pie filling, you’ll never want to buy the store-bought stuff again.
So grab some berries and get canning.
Happy preserving!