Today we’re going to learn how to freeze apples It’s the perfect solution when you have a laundry basket full of apples to put to use!
Do you have fresh apples and a whole lot of them? I’ll show you how I like to prepare apples and freeze them so you can use them later when you need them!
Why I love to freeze apples
One of the advantages of freezing apples is even if you don't have time to put them into all the baked goodies you've envisioned, you can do it when it works for you.
Truthfully, all the hard work is already done upfront.
Honey Hill is our local orchard and we’re lucky to have such a great orchard near us in Waterman, Illinois.
My mom is always picking up bags of apples and dropping them at our home for us throughout the season.
You can see my step by step full tutorial here.
Growing up, I always thought you had to “make” apples in something to save fruit. From apple sauce to apple butter, my Grandma canned and processed everything!
I’m guessing freezers weren’t as reliable then, so canning was her main way of food preservation.
But when I realized you can freeze apples without a lot of fuss, it was a total game changer.
While I wouldn’t recommend you freeze whole apples, and these apples aren’t what you’d munch on for a snack, you can use them in a variety of ways!
It’s super easy to do. Once you learn how to freeze apples, you’ll do this every year! Get ready to make spiced apple muffins and more with the fruits of your labor!
Ways to use frozen apples
- Apple Slushies
- Applesauce
- Apple slab pie, pie filling & apple crumble bars
- Air Fryer Apple crisp
- Baked goods
How to freeze apples
Step 1: Wash, peel and core your apples. You can save the apple cores to make apple core syrup!
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I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later!
Step 2: Cut the apples into 8-10 wedges, depending on their size. Don’t cut your apples slices too thin or small or they’ll turn mushy after freezing. For this reason, I recommend nice slices into eighths.
I have this apple slicer in my drawer and use it often! I love it because it cuts and cores all at once.
Step 3: Fill a large bowl with water and add some lemon juice to it. The lemon contains natural acid which keeps the apples from browning.
Step 4: Line a jelly roll pan or baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the apples from sticking to the pan as they freeze. Drain the apples and add them to the parchment paper lined pan. Place in the freezer for several hours until they’re individually frozen.
Step 5: Label freezer bags. Let me say that again for the people in the back!
Label your bags! Trust me when I say you can learn from my mistakes.
I like to add the date and the quantity of my sliced apples in cups or ounces. If you really want to be on it, you can label the variety of apples.
Yes, but they may brown more quickly. If you don’t have lemon juice on hand, you can use bottled lemon juice or a pinch of citric acid. These options help slow oxidation and keep your apple slices looking fresh.
Nope! Unlike some fruits and veggies, apples don’t need to be blanched before freezing. As long as you treat them with lemon water and freeze them properly, they’ll be ready to use later.
You can thaw apples overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours. For baking, you can often skip thawing and just add the frozen apples straight into your recipe—no extra liquid needed.
How long can I store frozen apples?
Apples freeze well and I recommend you use them within 6 months. By then it will almost be apple season again anyways!
Can you freeze apples with the skin on?
You don’t have to peel your apples if you don’t mind them in your baking (think baked apples) or if you like them in your apple crisp.
If you’re using them for smoothies or slushies I recommend peeling them.
Apple Recipes you’ll enjoy:
- Apple Slab pie
- One Skillet Pork Tenderloin with Apples
- Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
- Dutch Apple Bread
- Apple Cider Syrup
Freezing apple slices is the gift that keeps on giving throughout the year. Give it a try and you’ll see!
Recipe
How to Freeze Apples
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 apples or whatever quantity you're freezing
- 2 lemons
- water
Instructions
- Wash, peel and core your apples.
- Slice apples into 8-10 wedges, depending on their size. *Don’t cut your apples slices too thin or small or they’ll turn mushy after freezing. For this reason, I recommend nice slicing into eighths.
- Fill a large bowl with water and add the juice of a lemon or two to it, depending on how big your bowl is. The lemon contains natural acid which keeps the apples from browning. We’re not trying to flavor the apple, just slow down the browning process.
- Line a jelly roll pan or cookie sheet with parchment paper to keep the apples from sticking to the pan as they freeze. Drain the apples and add them to the parchment paper lined pan. Place in the freezer for several hours until they’re individually frozen.
- Place in freezer bags, remove as much air as possible, and label.
Video
Notes
How long can I store frozen apples?
Apples freeze well and I recommend you use them within 6 months. By then it will almost be apple season again anyways!Nutrition
This Farm Girl Cooks is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. Calories and other nutritional values vary depending on which brands were used.
Josephine McCommack says
how long do they need to soak?
Josephine McCommack says
I watched the video so question answered. 🙂
Deanne Frieders says
just a few minutes.
Norma Jensen says
Thank you, I love this idea on freezing apples. Now we can look forward to fresh apple crisp, apple tarts, applesauce etc. this coming winter.
Deanne Frieders says
So glad you like it!
Sue Richardson says
ca
Isabel Trosin says
Thank you very much I will do just that.