🥧 Pies in a Jar
Lemon & Blueberry – Shelf-Stable & Ready for Adventure!
📌 In This Article
🥧 The Pie Story
"Today I made Pie's in a Jar. Lemon and Blueberry, both made with some Lemon paste for that extra Lemony flavor. These are great to take on road trips, to the park, camping or in your lunch box. Shelf stable."
There's something magical about pie. But traditional pies? They're fragile, messy, and don't travel well. That's where pies in a jar come in.
I made two flavors today: Lemon and Blueberry. Both are made with lemon paste for that extra lemony flavor. And the best part? They're shelf-stable — ready to grab and go whenever adventure calls.
💬 The result: "These are great to take on road trips, to the park, camping or in your lunch box. Shelf stable."
🏕️ Perfect for Adventures
Take Them Anywhere!
🥧Shelf-stable pies in a jar are perfect for:
Road Trips
Park Picnics
Camping
Lunch Boxes
Just grab a jar and go — no refrigeration needed!
📦 Ingredients
🍋 For the Lemon Pie Filling
- 🍋 2 cups lemon juice – Fresh or bottled
- 🍬 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 🌾 1/2 cup Clear Jel – Modified cornstarch for canning
- 💧 2 cups water
- 🍋 2 tbsp lemon paste – For extra lemony flavor
- 🧈 2 tbsp butter – Optional
- 🥚 4 egg yolks – For richness
💡 Pro tip: "Lemon paste gives an extra boost of lemony flavor that makes these pies taste amazing!"
🫐 For the Blueberry Pie Filling
- 🫐 6 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 🍬 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 🌾 1/2 cup Clear Jel
- 💧 2 cups water
- 🍋 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 🍋 1 tbsp lemon paste
- 🧈 2 tbsp butter – Optional
💡 Pro tip: "Clear Jel is essential for canning — regular cornstarch will break down."
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare Your Equipment
- Prepare your water bath canner, jars, and lids.
- Sterilize jars and lids in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Keep jars hot until ready to fill.
💡 Pro tip: "Use half-pint jars — they're the perfect size for individual pies!"
Part 1 – Lemon Pie Filling
Step 2 – Make the Lemon Filling
- In a large saucepan, combine sugar and Clear Jel.
- Whisk in water and lemon juice until smooth.
- Add lemon paste and butter.
- Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Add egg yolks and cook for 1-2 minutes more, stirring constantly.
⚠️ Important: "Stir constantly to prevent scorching — the sugar can burn easily."
Step 3 – Fill the Jars
- Ladle the hot lemon filling into hot jars.
- Leave 1/2 inch headspace.
- Remove air bubbles with a bubble remover.
- Wipe rims clean with a damp cloth.
- Add lids and rings — finger-tight.
💡 Pro tip: "Wipe those rims clean! Any residue can prevent a good seal."
Step 4 – Process the Lemon Pies
- Process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
- Adjust for altitude if necessary.
Part 2 – Blueberry Pie Filling
Step 5 – Prepare the Blueberries
- If using frozen blueberries, thaw and drain them.
- If using fresh blueberries, wash and remove any stems.
- Set aside.
💡 Pro tip: "Use firm, ripe blueberries for the best texture."
Step 6 – Make the Blueberry Filling
- In a large saucepan, combine sugar and Clear Jel.
- Whisk in water and lemon juice until smooth.
- Add lemon paste and butter.
- Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Gently fold in blueberries.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
⚠️ Important: "Stir gently to avoid crushing the blueberries."
Step 7 – Fill the Jars
- Ladle the hot blueberry filling into hot jars.
- Leave 1/2 inch headspace.
- Remove air bubbles with a bubble remover.
- Wipe rims clean with a damp cloth.
- Add lids and rings — finger-tight.
💡 Pro tip: "Wipe those rims clean! Any residue can prevent a good seal."
Step 8 – Process the Blueberry Pies
- Process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
- Adjust for altitude if necessary.
Step 9 – Cool and Store
- Remove jars and cool on a dishtowel for 24 hours.
- Check seals — the lid should be concave and not flex.
- Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
💡 Pro tip: "Listen for that satisfying 'pop' — that's the sound of a perfect seal!"
🥧 How to Serve Your Pies in a Jar
🥧 For a Quick Dessert
- 🥧 On the Go: Grab a jar and go!
- 🍦 With Ice Cream: Warm slightly and top with vanilla ice cream
- 🥧 With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream
🚗 For Traveling
- 🚗 Road Trips: Perfect car snack
- 🌳 Picnics: No refrigeration needed
- ⛺ Camping: Lightweight and delicious
- 🥪 Lunch Boxes: A sweet surprise for the kids
💡 Pro tip: "These are great to take on road trips, to the park, camping or in your lunch box. Shelf stable."
🥫 How to Store
- 🏠 Pantry: Up to 1 year in a cool, dark place
- 🧊 Refrigerator after opening: Use within 1 week
- 🥧 Ready to eat: No baking required!
💡 Pro tip: "Label your jars with the date so you know when they were canned."
💡 Pro Tips
- 🍋 Use lemon paste: It gives an extra boost of lemony flavor.
- 🌾 Use Clear Jel: Regular cornstarch breaks down in canning.
- 🫐 Don't crush the berries: Gently fold them into the filling.
- 📏 Leave headspace: 1/2 inch is essential for safety.
- 🫙 Use new lids: Old lids may not seal properly.
- 🏷️ Label everything: Date and contents on every jar.
- 🏕️ Great for travel: Shelf-stable and portable!
💡 Pro tip: "These are great to take on road trips, to the park, camping or in your lunch box."
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is lemon paste?
It's a concentrated lemon product that adds intense lemon flavor. Find it in the baking aisle or online.
❓ Can I use regular cornstarch?
NO! Use Clear Jel — regular cornstarch breaks down during canning.
❓ How long do pies in a jar last?
Up to 1 year when properly canned and stored.
❓ Can I water bath can these?
Yes! 15 minutes in a boiling water bath.
❓ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes! Thaw and drain them first.
❓ Do I need to add a crust?
No — these are crustless pies. You can serve them with a side of crumble or whipped cream.
❓ How many jars does this make?
About 12-14 half-pint jars total.
❓ Can I add other flavors?
Yes! Cherry, apple, or peach would also work.
❓ Are these safe for travel?
Yes! They're shelf-stable and perfect for on-the-go.
❓ Will I ever buy canned pie filling again?
Probably not! Homemade is so much better!
📄 Printable Recipe Card
╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ PIES IN A JAR ║
║ Lemon & Blueberry – Shelf-Stable! ║
╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
YIELD: 12-14 half-pint jars | TIME: ~2 hours | PROCESS: 15 min
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
LEMON PIE FILLING INGREDIENTS
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
- 2 cups lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup Clear Jel
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp lemon paste
- 2 tbsp butter (optional)
- 4 egg yolks
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
BLUEBERRY PIE FILLING INGREDIENTS
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
- 6 cups blueberries
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup Clear Jel
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon paste
- 2 tbsp butter (optional)
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
INSTRUCTIONS
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
1. Prepare water bath canner, jars, and lids.
2. For Lemon: combine sugar and Clear Jel. Whisk in water,
lemon juice, lemon paste, and butter. Cook until thickened.
Add egg yolks, cook 1-2 minutes.
3. For Blueberry: combine sugar and Clear Jel. Whisk in water,
lemon juice, lemon paste, and butter. Cook until thickened.
Fold in blueberries.
4. Ladle into hot jars, leave 1/2" headspace.
5. Wipe rims, add lids and rings.
6. Process in water bath for 15 minutes.
7. Cool, check seals, and store.
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ADVENTURE-READY! 🥧
════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
"Today I made Pie's in a Jar. Lemon and Blueberry,
both made with some Lemon paste for that extra
Lemony flavor. These are great to take on road
trips, to the park, camping or in your lunch box.
Shelf stable." ❤️
© CanningRebels — Pies in a Jar
Comments