We hear a lot about hot apple pie or warm, cinnamon-y apples with ice cream, but we don’t hear as much about frozen apples…and understandably so! Frozen apples don’t have quite the same appeal as warm apples, and they most likely won’t become your new favorite snack or dessert. But freezing apples has purpose beyond snacking on them: storing surplus apples or having them on hand for your next apple dessert.

Keep reading to learn how to freeze apples.

You can use frozen apples for more than baked goods. They are perfect for smoothies, too!

How to Freeze Apples

Freezing apples couldn’t be easier! In our opinion, the most important part of freezing apples is picking the best apples to begin with. So be sure to stop by your local orchard, like Robinette’s if you’re in the Grand Rapids area, to find the freshest apples in your area. Once you have your apples, here’s all you need to do to freeze them.

  1. Peel the apples.
  2. Core the apples.
  3. Soak the apple slices in 4 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for 5 minutes.
  4. Drain the apples.
  5. Arrange the apple slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Freeze the apples for 4 hours.
  7. Transfer the frozen apples to a freezer bag.

That’s it! The frozen apples are now ready for smoothies, apple pie, applesauce, fruit-infused water, or whatever else your future self might want to make.

Common Questions About Freezing Apples

How long do frozen apples last?

Frozen apples can last for up to a year in the freezer.

Do you need to thaw frozen apples to use them?

Most often, you don’t need to thaw apples before using them. Simply throw them into your mix, but be sure to chop them as needed. This applies to apple pie, too!

Can you freeze cooked apples?

Yes! If you prefer to cook your apples before you freeze them, here’s how to do it.

Can you freeze whole apples?

Believe it or not, yes! Freezing whole apples is definitely the easiest way to freeze them, but they require a little more work when you’re ready to use them.

So if you find yourself with an abundance of leftover apples this season, please don’t let them go to waste! Freeze your apples and enjoy them all year long. Your future self will thank you. Stop by our orchard today to pick your own apples or pick up an already-picked basket.