How to Freeze Apples Recipe
Introduction
Freezing apples is a fantastic way to preserve their freshness and prevent waste. Whether freshly picked or store-bought, frozen apples can be enjoyed year-round in smoothies, baked goods, and more. This simple guide will walk you through the best method to freeze apples effectively.
Ingredients
- Apples (any variety) – as many as desired
- Lemon juice – from 1 to 2 lemons
- Water – 4 to 5 cups
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel (optional), core, and slice the apples. Leave the skin on if you plan to use them in smoothies or blended recipes.
- Step 2: Soak the apple slices in a bowl filled with 4–5 cups of water mixed with the juice of 1–2 lemons for about 5 minutes to prevent browning.
- Step 3: Drain and rinse the apples lightly in a colander, then pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Step 4: Lay the apple slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer. Freeze for 4 hours or overnight to flash freeze the slices.
- Step 5: Transfer the frozen apple slices to a large freezer-safe bag or container. Seal and label before returning to the freezer for long-term storage.
Tips & Variations
- Peel apples when freezing for pies or baked goods for easier preparation later.
- Freeze apple chunks with other smoothie ingredients in individual freezer bags for quick smoothie prep.
- Use Granny Smith apples for smoothies and Fuji apples for baking, but any apple variety works well.
- Flash freezing prevents apple slices from sticking together, making them easier to use later.
Storage
Store frozen apples in airtight bags or containers in the freezer for up to one year. For best quality, use within this time frame. Thaw frozen apples in the refrigerator, microwave, or at room temperature before using in baked goods or pies to drain excess liquid. For smoothies and sauces, apples can be used directly from the freezer without thawing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze any type of apple?
Yes, all apple varieties freeze well. Choose based on your intended use and personal preference.
Do I need to core the apple before freezing?
Yes, coring and slicing the apples before freezing helps maintain quality and makes them easier to use.
Can I freeze apples with the skin on?
Absolutely. Leaving the skin on is fine for smoothies and blended recipes. For pies or baked goods, peeling before freezing is recommended.
Does the texture of the apple change after freezing?
Yes, thawed apples become softer and are best suited for cooked or blended recipes rather than fresh eating.
How do I keep apples from turning brown?
Soak apple slices in lemon juice and water for about 5 minutes before freezing to prevent browning without altering flavor.
Print
How to Freeze Apples Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Varies depending on quantity of apples frozen
Description
Learn how to freeze apples properly with this easy, step-by-step guide. Preserve your fresh apples by peeling, coring, slicing, soaking in lemon water to prevent browning, and flash freezing to enjoy apples year-round for smoothies, baking, sauces, and more.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Apples (any variety, quantity as desired)
- 4–5 cups water
- Juice of 1–2 lemons
Instructions
- Peel, Core, and Slice Apples: Start by peeling (optional depending on intended use), coring, and slicing the apples into recipe-ready pieces. For smoothies, you may choose to leave the skin on.
- Soak Apples in Lemon Water: In a large bowl, combine 4 to 5 cups of water with the juice of 1 to 2 lemons. Soak the apple slices for about 5 minutes to prevent browning. After soaking, drain and quickly rinse the slices in a colander.
- Dry and Arrange Apple Slices: Pat the apple slices dry with a clean towel. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet or cookie sheet, making sure the slices don’t touch to avoid clumping during freezing.
- Flash Freeze Apple Slices: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 4 hours or overnight until the apple slices are completely frozen. This step prevents the slices from sticking together.
- Store Frozen Apples: Transfer the frozen apple slices into gallon-sized freezer bags or airtight containers. Label with the date and return to the freezer. Optionally, portion into smaller bags or freeze with other smoothie ingredients in freezer packs.
Notes
- Any apple variety can be frozen; granny smith is great for smoothies, while Fuji apples work well for pies and baking.
- Leaving the skin on is fine if you plan to use apples in smoothies or blended recipes.
- Thawed apples have a softer texture and are ideal for baking, making sauces, or smoothies rather than eating raw.
- The lemon water soak prevents discoloration without affecting flavor.
- Frozen apples last up to one year in the freezer.
- Flash freezing helps keep slices separate and easy to use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (flash freeze time)
- Category: Preserving
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: freeze apples, how to freeze apples, freezing fruit, apple preservation, frozen apples, fruit storage, apple freezing method
