How to Freeze Apples (2024)

Published: Sep 18, 2021 · Modified: Jul 24, 2023 by Deanne Frieders · This post may contain affiliate links · 7 Comments

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!

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.

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!