I’ve never been a fan of most store-bought barbecue sauces—they’re often way too sweet and loaded with corn syrup, which I avoid. However, when our Red Haven peach tree produced an abundant crop this season, I needed some fresh ideas for using them in savory dishes rather than just desserts. Then, Perplexity (AI) suggested a peach barbecue sauce that caught my curiosity. So, I thought, "Why not?"

The result was so incredible that I wanted to enjoy it year-round. Therefore, my husband and I canned 9 pints and 8 half-pints. We also shared jars with a couple of our neighbors that didn’t fit into the canner.
Using my large stainless steel stockpot on our induction cooktop, plus an immersion blender for quick pureeing, made the process smooth. However, since the canner won’t work on our induction cooktop, we moved the water-bath setup to the deck on a propane burner. I felt like I should have been filming an outdoor cooking show, especially when a thunder shower rolled in just as we finished!
Peach Barbecue Sauce Ingredients and Their Health Benefits
The ingredients in this peach barbecue sauce were specifically chosen for their health benefits and include the following:
- Fresh peaches: Naturally sweet and packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants.
- A low-glycemic, minimally processed sweetener.
- Apple cider vinegar: Known for its gut-friendly properties and tangy flavor.
- Tomato paste: Provides savory depth and umami.
- Coconut aminos: Soy-free alternative to soy sauce, adding salty richness without allergens.
- Smokin’ Barbie seasoning: The secret spice blend that elevates this sauce with smoky, sweet, savory complexity.
Spotlight on Smokin’ Barbie Seasoning
I used an entire pouch of Smokin’ Barbie for my canning batch of peach barbecue sauce. However, the standard recipe only calls for 1 tablespoon. This smoky, flavorful blend is definitely why I can’t get enough of this sauce. It’s perfect for BBQ sauce, but don’t stop there—try Smokin’ Barbie on grilled veggies, roasted potatoes, or nuts. It’s also delicious in marinades and rubs.
Our youngest grandson calls himself “the chicken machine” when my husband uses it on chicken drumsticks.
Grab yours to elevate your next meal here: Smokin' Barbie Barbecue Seasoning
How to Make Peach Barbecue Sauce in 3 Easy Steps

This peach barbecue sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used anywhere you’d use traditional BBQ sauce.
For an unexpected twist, try mixing it into baked beans or using it as a marinade to infuse your dishes with its unique smoky-sweet flavor.
Safe Canning Guidelines for Peach Barbecue Sauce
Because I wanted to enjoy this sauce year-round without taking up freezer space, canning was the obvious solution. However, canning requires careful attention to safety. Ideally, you use recipes tested by university extension programs or trusted canning authorities. Since my allergy-friendly and refined sugar-free recipe hasn’t been officially tested, I proceeded cautiously. I encourage you to do the same and consult an expert before canning to ensure safety.

One important safety rule: water-bath canning is only safe if the sauce’s pH is 4.6 or below. This acidity level prevents the growth of harmful bacteria like botulism. Since pH can vary among barbecue sauces, I ordered a pH meter (this one on Amazon) to test my batch. Mine measured below 4.0, confirming it was safely acidic for water-bath canning.
If you want to adjust the sweetness or acidity in the sauce (especially the fresh version), feel free to experiment. Just be aware that any changes could affect safety when canning. For canned versions, I don’t recommend swapping ingredients because it would require re-testing the pH to ensure safe acidity.
Next, I researched processing times at our elevation of 3,000 feet and settled on a 25-minute processing time for half-pint and pint jars in the water-bath canner.
Remember to cover jars with at least 1 inch of water during processing, and adjust your time for different altitudes if needed.
Finally, while small chunks of peach are fine in the fresh sauce, a smooth consistency is essential before canning to ensure even heat penetration and safety.
Ready to Try This Peach Barbecue Sauce?
Canning your own peach barbecue sauce is a wonderful way to capture the fresh flavors of peach season and enjoy them all year long. With careful attention to safety and a little preparation, you can create a pantry staple that’s both delicious and wholesome.
Have you ever tried peach barbecue sauce? I’d love to hear your favorite twists and uses—share your thoughts in the comments below!
Now, let’s dive into the full recipe so you can start making this flavorful, allergy-friendly, refined sugar-free sauce in your own kitchen!