Freezing Apples
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Here’s my easy step-by-step guide to freezing apples that taste fresh once thawed. All you need is fresh apples, water, and salt.
Did you know you can freeze fresh apples? If you end up with an overwhelming haul of apples from the orchard or your garden this fall, don’t think you have to bake lots of apple pies (although I also have an excellent frozen apple pie recipe). Instead, it takes just a few easy steps to freeze apples to use later.
The only things you need for freezing apples are fresh apples, salt, water, and some ziplock freezer bags for storage. I’ve included step-by-step instructions below and in the printable recipe card for easy access. This is the method my mama’s stepmother taught her back in the day. But blanching fresh apple slices in salt water prevents them from turning brown. So once they defrost your apples will still look and taste fresh. How good is that?
You can use whichever apples you have on hand. Keep scrolling for some recipes that would be perfect to make with these frozen apples. They make a great and can be used in muffins, cakes, and so much more.
Okay, who’s ready to learn how to freeze apples?
Recipe Ingredients
- Fresh apples
- Salt
- Water
How to Freeze Apples
First, pour about a cup of warm water into a large bowl and add about 1/4 of a cup of salt.
Stir until salt dissolves.
Add the remaining water.
This water should be cold.
Now we’re gonna peel our apples and slice them up one at a time.
Cut apples however you prefer.
I usually do sections.
Be sure to remove the core.
There we go!
As you cut them, place all of the fresh apple slices in the salt water.
I left the skins on some of mine because I prefer my fried apples to have the skin on.
Push them down in the water a bit and make sure they all get submerged well at some point.
After they have soaked for a few minutes, drain them in a colander.
Then place the sliced apples in a freezer bag and label it.
Laying them out flat like this when you freeze them will keep them from sticking together and allow them to thaw more quickly.
Here is a bag of apples a few days later, frozen and still beautiful thanks to the wisdom of the “old folks”.
Storage
Your apples will last in the freezer for up to 12 months when stored properly. Thaw them at room temperature or in the fridge, but you can also use them in baking straight from frozen if you like.
Recipe FAQs
What are the best apples to freeze?
This method works for any type of apple, like or . Today I am freezing Jonagold and Fuji. If you’re going to be freezing them for an apple pie later, you might want to cut up a few Granny Smith apples and include some in each freezer bag.
Can you freeze whole apples?
You can. However, it’s much easier to freeze apple slices if you’re going to use them for baking purposes later on. It’s also easier to store apple slices in the freezer.
Can I freeze apples with the skin on?
Yes, you can either peel the apples or leave the skin on, the choice is yours.
Do frozen apples have a salty taste?
No, the salt water solution doesn’t leave the apples with a salty taste.
Is there another way to blanch apples?
Yes, before freezing apples you can blanch them in a lemon water solution instead. Substitute the salt for 2 tablespoons of lemon juice but follow the remaining directions.
What can you make with frozen apple slices?
Here are some recipes you can make with frozen apple slices:
- Apple Cake With Caramel Fudge Icing
- Apple Bran Muffins
- Homemade Apple Fritters
- Apple Bread
- Apple Butter in the Crock Pot
- Snickers Caramel Apple Salad
- Apple Crisp in the Slow Cooker
- Apple Snack Cake (Right From The Orchard)
Ingredients
- apples
- 1 gallon water
- 1/4 cup salt
Instructions
- Place one cup of warm water in a large bowl and stir in salt until it dissolves. Add the remaining cold water.1 gallon water, 1/4 cup salt
- Peel and slice apples (you can leave the skin on them if desired).apples
- Place each apple slice in the salt water as you go along. When done with all your apples, stir the water a bit to make sure all slices have been submerged. Drain in a colander.
- Place immediately in a freezer bag, label, and freeze.
“The wisest mind has something yet to learn.”
~George Santayana.
My Mamaw used to say,”You don’t usually mean to, but you have to mean not to”. and “Manners are a gift you give other people”. This is a big one in my house. My kids know that I am going to try my best to make them productive, God-lovin’, grateful people, but I always tell them if they end up being a derilict, they are going to be the most polite one. Basically – if you end up in jail, you will be the most polite inmate.
Very wise Mawmaw, I’ve never heard that saying but it was so well put, I think I’ll start repeating it to my brood!
I love your attitude towards manners and think I’ll adopt that, too!
It is similar to my attitude towards education. “You can be a ditch digger if you like but you’ll be the most educated ditch digger around!”
Wow…ya’ll covered the bases pretty quick. I’ve got one that not everyone has heard, but I always use from George Bernard Shaw…
I want to be all used up when I die.
You know, Kris, I’ve never heard that one!!
BUT I LOVE IT!!!!
My dad always said, think twice about what you are going to say before you say it. You don’t know who it will effect and how.
Does the texture of the apple change when you freeze it?
Smart dad! Excellent advice. I think we’re all gonna be a bit wiser from all of your comments!
I’ve always just used them to cook and bake with and the texture hasn’t changed. I’m not sure if you used them to just thaw and eat raw. I’ll have to go try that now!
Someone once said, “Character is what you do when no one is watching.” I am trying to impart that to my children so that they learn, no matter who is or isn’t watching, the most important thing is to do the right thing–ALL THE TIME.
Truer words were never spoken. So very true. So so very true!
Great wisdom and tutorial Christy 🙂 Thanks!
You are so sweet, Angie, thank YOU!!
I never knew you could freeze apples. Thank you so much Christy I will be starting on some apple recipes soon.
You’re so very welcome! Hope I get to see ya soon, too!
Hello, I thank you for the salt usage as I did not want the lemon flavor. My dad said this as all 13 of us were in the room “I guess we were poor, we just thought we didn’t have any money”. He was orphaned in south central Los Angeles at the age of 16 and when asked who helped him he said, “why would I need help, I was young strong and was taught how to work” this did not interfere with his care of his in-laws or aunts who he loved and never complained about.
Interesting using the salt method, I have just usually use something like fruit fresh with ascorbic acid since it doesn’t really change the flavor. Good to know! Also lots of great wisdom from older folks now that I’m older I appreciate those more. Nancy@littlehomesteadinboise
I tried the salt in water for freezing apples last year. They turned out amazing and will be doing the same this year. I am writing you to tell you how much I appreciate you sharing. Thank you.
Elaine
Thank you Christy for the knowlege from wise women from the past. I was hoping apple slices would freeze. Just curious why one has to put apples in salted water first? Can they not be sliced and placed directly in freezer bags? Will apples brown if lemon juice isn’t added before freezing?
Grandma always taught me to seek the humor in everything. We were always laughing.
Your grandma was one wise woman! I can’t imagine how dull life would be without a well honed sense of humor!
Gratefully,
Christy 🙂
I will be back later to share more in depth!!
And BTW Drop Biscuits=Yummy Everyone loved em!
My grandma would use left over coffee in recipes. Also put dandelines from the grass and put them in salad. She said fruit or vegables from the ground are ok to use