Learn the easiest method for how to freeze apples to save leftovers and preserve apples to use in smoothies, crisps, cobblers, oatmeal, and more. This 5-minute method is the best!
How to Freeze Apples
Whenever I slice up apples and my kids don’t eat them all, or I have apples that need to be used, but I don’t have time to use them in the moment, I freeze them. This is a quick and easy method that preserves the fruit for another day to help avoid waste and maximize the food dollars I’ve already spent.
I love this method because you don’t have to precook the apples and there are so many ways to use them out of the freezer. Frozen apple slices can be used in everything from oatmeal and stewed apples, to apple smoothies, apple cookies, apple crisps, and more.
(Learn how to store fresh apples without browning.)
Table of Contents
- How to Freeze Apples
- Ingredients You Need
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Recipes for Frozen Apples
- Cinnamon Apples
- Stewed Apples
- Easy Apple Crisp
- Homemade Applesauce
- Baked French Toast
- Apple Puree
- Baked Sliced Apples
- Sauteed Apples with Cinnamon
- Apple Smoothie
- How to Store
- Best Tips for Success
- How to Freeze Apples (the Easy Way) Recipe
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Ingredients You Need
To use this method, you just need apples. Any variety works here.
Some people dip their sliced apples in lemon, but I don’t find it to be necessary as apples typically don’t brown much when frozen right after slicing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the method for freezing apples. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full information.
- Wash and dry the apples.
- Cut into slices or dice them, discarding the stem. (I leave the peel on.) Cut them how you plan to use them from frozen—so if you plan to use finely diced apples in apple muffins, dice them now. If you want to use slices in smoothies, do slices.
- Add to a freezer bag in one flat layer. Remove as much air as possible and seal.
- Freeze.
Recipes for Frozen Apples
Below are some of my favorite apple recipes that work well with frozen apples.
Cinnamon Apples
Saute sliced or diced apples in a pan for the quickest snack or side that taste like apple pie filling.
Stewed Apples
These soft apples are a perfect baby finger food or snack for toddlers and older kids.
Easy Apple Crisp
Put those fresh apples to good use in this simple and delicious Gluten Free Apple Crisp. It features a simple method and quick baking time and is a great way to use freshly picked apples…or ones you have lingering in your fridge.
Homemade Applesauce
Store this in jars or reusable pouches to make serving it up quick and easy.
Baked French Toast
With just 5 ingredients and a hands-off baking method, this French Toast casserole is special enough for holidays and easy enough for weekdays. You can add any fruit you like (I’m partial to berries) and use up leftover bread as needed, too. It’s rich and so delicious!
Apple Puree
Transform fresh apples into the easiest Apple Puree for baby. With a straight-forward method, baby food combination ideas, simple storage tips, and more, this is one apple recipe to make again and again!
Baked Sliced Apples
Transform normal apples into refined sugar-free Sliced Baked Apples with this super simple method that takes just 5 minutes to prep. They’re a healthy topping for oatmeal, yogurt, and pancakes—and are also perfect for baby led weaning!
Sauteed Apples with Cinnamon
Made with just three ingredients (and no added sugar!), these simple Sauteed Apples pair perfectly with oatmeal, pancakes, and yogurt, as well as savory mains like pork and chicken. We also love to make them ahead for snacking on their own!
Apple Smoothie
Transform simple ingredients into a creamy (and super yummy!) Apple Smoothie for a healthy breakfast or snack to share with the kids. Plus, you can easily adjust based on what you have on hand—or for allergies!
How to Store
Once you have your apples sliced and added to the freezer bag, you can store in the freezer for up to a year. (I store them flat so the apples are easy to measure or pull out once frozen as this helps them not freeze together.)
Best Tips for Success
- Remove the peel if you don’t want it to be in the final recipes.
- Dice or slice the apples according to how you plan to use them from frozen.
- Use any type of apple you prefer, though remember that apple recipes taste best with apples that have lots of flavor when eaten fresh.
- To make Apple Oatmeal, you can freeze larger slices and grate them frozen right into the oatmeal.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please comment and rate it below!
How to Freeze Apples (the Easy Way)
Ingredients
- 4 apples
Instructions
- Wash and dry the apples.
- Slice or dice how you plan to use the frozen apples. Discard the stems.
- Add to a freezer bag in one flat later. Remove as much air as possible and seal.
- Freeze immediately.
- To use the apples from frozen, add frozen to your recipe.
Equipment
- Quart-size plastic storage bag
Notes
- Once you have your apples sliced and added to the freezer bag, you can store in the freezer for up to a year. (I store them flat so the apples are easy to measure or pull out once frozen as this helps them not freeze together.)
- Remove the peel if you don’t want it to be in the final recipes.
- Dice or slice the apples according to how you plan to use them from frozen.
- Use any type of apple you prefer, though remember that apple recipes taste best with apples that have lots of flavor when eaten fresh.
- To use shredded apple in oatmeal, you can freeze larger slices and grate them frozen right into the oatmeal.
Nutrition
This post was first published September 2022.
Are they still good to eat as-is? Or better to use for cooking?
They’re best cooked or blended from frozen as the texture will change if you just thaw them.