Canning Peaches – How To Can Peaches
Canning peaches at home is one of those simple kitchen rituals that feels extra rewarding—especially when you crack open a jar in the middle of winter and get hit with that sweet summer scent. It’s like bottling up sunshine. Whether you’ve just come back from the farmers’ market with a big haul or your backyard tree is bursting with fruit, canning is a fantastic way to preserve that peachy goodness for months to come.
The process is easier than you might think, and once you do it once or twice, it becomes second nature. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need—from prepping the fruit to sealing the jars—so you can stock your pantry with jars of golden, juicy peaches that are ready for pies, cobblers, or just spooning straight out of the jar. Let’s get into it!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- Fresh ripe peaches (freestone varieties are easier to work with)
- Sugar (optional, for syrup)
- Water
- Lemon juice or Fruit Fresh (to prevent browning)
Equipments:
- Large pot (for blanching)
- Canning pot or large stockpot with a rack
- Canning jars (pint or quart), lids, and rings
- Jar lifter or tongs
- Funnel
- Ladle
- Bowl of ice water
- Clean towels
How To Can Peaches In Light Syrup
Step 1: Prep the Peaches
Start by washing your peaches under cool water. To remove the skins easily, blanch them: boil for 30–60 seconds, then transfer immediately to a bowl of ice water. The skins should slip right off. Slice the peaches in half, remove the pits, and cut into slices or quarters, depending on your preference.
Tip: Toss your peach slices in a bowl with a bit of lemon juice (1 Tbsp per 4 cups of fruit) or Fruit Fresh to keep them from browning while you work.
Step 2: Choose Your Syrup
You can pack your peaches in light syrup, juice, or even plain water. Here’s a simple light syrup recipe:
Light Syrup:
- 2 ¼ cups sugar
- 5 ¼ cups water
Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is fully dissolved.
You can also use apple juice, white grape juice, or no sugar at all—totally up to your taste and needs.
Step 3: Pack the Jars
Sterilize your jars by washing them in hot, soapy water and keeping them warm (you can do this in a 200°F oven or hot water). Add about ½ tablespoon of lemon juice per pint (or 1 tablespoon per quart) directly into the jars to help with acidity.
Pack the peach slices in tightly but gently. Pour your hot syrup (or juice/water) over the peaches, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top.
Use a clean chopstick or spatula to release any air bubbles. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth, place on the lids, and screw on the bands until fingertip-tight.
Step 4: Water Bath Can the Jars
Place the jars into your water bath canner or a large stockpot with a rack. The jars should be fully submerged in water by at least an inch. Bring to a gentle boil.
Processing Time:
- Pints: 20 minutes
- Quarts: 25 minutes
(Adjust for altitude if necessary.)
Once done, carefully remove the jars and place them on a towel to cool, undisturbed, for 12–24 hours.
Step 5: Check the Seals
Once the jars have cooled, press the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop back, it’s sealed! Any jars that didn’t seal properly should go straight into the fridge and be used within a few days.
Label your sealed jars with the date, store them in a cool, dark place, and enjoy your homemade peaches for up to a year!
Whether you’re topping oatmeal, baking a cobbler, or just spooning them into a bowl with whipped cream, your home-canned peaches will be the star of your pantry. And the best part? You made them yourself.
How To Use Canned Peaches
Canned peaches are like little jars of gold—sweet, soft, and full of flavor. Once you’ve got them stocked up, the real fun begins: using them in everything from breakfasts to desserts (and even savory dishes!). Here are some easy and delicious ways to use canned peaches:
1. Eat Them Straight from the Jar
No shame here! Pop open a jar, grab a spoon, and dig in. They’re sweet, juicy, and refreshing—perfect for a quick snack or light dessert.
2. Top Your Breakfast
Sliced canned peaches are amazing on:
- Yogurt or cottage cheese
- Overnight oats or hot oatmeal
- Pancakes, waffles, or French toast
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or granola for a little crunch!
3. Bake a Peach Cobbler or Crisp
Canned peaches make cobbler a breeze. Just drain (or keep a bit of the syrup for extra sweetness), toss with a little cornstarch and spice, and top with biscuit dough or oat crumble. Bake until bubbly and golden—so easy and comforting.
4. Add to Cakes and Muffins
Chop them up and fold into cake or muffin batter for a fruity twist. They pair beautifully with vanilla, almond, or cinnamon flavors.
5. Toss Into Salads
It might sound odd, but sweet peaches can totally work in salads. Try them with:
- Arugula or spinach
- Crumbled goat cheese or feta
- Toasted nuts (like pecans or almonds)
- A balsamic or honey vinaigrette
It’s the perfect sweet-savory combo.
6. Blend Into Smoothies or Cocktails
Toss peaches into your blender with yogurt, banana, and a splash of juice for a creamy smoothie. Or muddle them into cocktails like peach margaritas, sangria, or even a Bellini.
7. Use in Savory Dishes
Peaches are surprisingly great in savory sauces or glazes—especially with pork, chicken, or grilled meats. Think peach BBQ sauce or peach salsa spooned over grilled chicken.
8. Make a Peach Parfait or Sundae
Layer canned peaches with ice cream, whipped cream, crushed cookies, or granola. It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and great for summer nights.
9. Fill a Pie
Drain well and mix with a little cornstarch, sugar, and spice—then bake in your favorite pie crust. It’s like summer in every slice.
Whether you’re going sweet, savory, or somewhere in between, canned peaches are crazy versatile. Keep a few jars in your pantry and you’ve always got a shortcut to something tasty!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do home-canned peaches last?
Properly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, home-canned peaches can last up to 1 year. For best flavor and texture, try to use them within 6–12 months.
Do I need to refrigerate canned peaches after opening?
Yes! Once opened, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for about 5–7 days.
Can I can peaches without sugar?
Absolutely. Peaches can be canned in water or fruit juice (like white grape or apple juice) instead of syrup. The sugar isn’t necessary for preservation—it’s just for sweetness.
Why did my peaches float to the top of the jar?
This is totally normal! It usually means the peaches were less dense than the liquid, or they weren’t packed tightly enough. They’re still safe to eat as long as the seal is intact.
Can I use canned peaches for baking?
Yes! Canned peaches are perfect for pies, crisps, cobblers, muffins, and cakes. Just drain them first (unless the recipe calls for syrup), and you’re good to go.
Are canned peaches as healthy as fresh?
They can be! Especially if you can them yourself or buy varieties packed in juice or water. Peaches still retain a good amount of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants even after canning.
Have another question about canning or using peaches? Drop it in the comments or shoot me a message—I’m always happy to help!