Freezing Apples
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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.
Thanks for the idea of freezing apples. I’ll use mine for smoothies and fried apples.
Couldn’t resist posting a couple of great quotes that always stuck with me. My dad used to say “it’s easier to be honest than to have a good memory!”
One day in the snow, pumping gas into my truck, going to see my father who was in intensive care, a stranger looked at me and asked “how’s it going?” I replied “not to good, how about you?” He said something to me that changed my life. He said “Any day above ground’s a good day son!” Man was that guy right!
Anyway, God bless everyone and thanks for the great post and web sight!
For those who say their apples are “spongy” when defrosted, you’re probably soaking them too long. You don’t want them to absorb a bunch of salty water, just coat them well enough to get the salt water (ie, preservative) on them. Also, try slices instead of wedges. Unless you specifically need wedges for a recipe, just package them as you’ll need them for your recipe. If they end up a bit “spongy” it won’t matter because you won’t need to handle them.
Christy – I really really miss your journal updates. Let us know how you are doing so we know how to pray for you. CJ
My dad always said to reach for the sky BUT to keep one toe on the ground in case you fall; another one he used to tell me is “you have a mouth – use it!” (speak up for yourself and don’t be afraid to ask someone.) When you wondered about something they would say “all they can say is NO”. And the best one was if something bad is happening – think about the absolute worst thing that can happen – and you’ll see that it really is not so bad after all. My joy came when my grown daughter said to her husband – what is the worst that can happen? Thanks for your wonderful posts – they cause us to think – CJ
Thank you for all your posts, Christy! I look forward to seeing what you come up with next 😉
I have used the salt bath for peeled and frozen apples for 30 plus years. I would do up a bushel basket of apples and I used a ‘dish pan’ but I don’t think I used quite as much salt. Anyway, they were always beautiful when I took the bags of apples from the freezer to ‘fry’ in a skillet with a stick of butter and a cup of sugar! Yummy!
My dad always told us,”act as good as you look”. What good is it to be all prettied up, just to act ugly or with bad manners? And Momma would always tell us, “get your education”. She so wanted to go to high school, but only got to finish eighth grade. All three of her kids got to finish college, due to her hard work. Miss them more each day! And thank YOU for your words of wisdom today–need to put on my “thankfulness ” cap!
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. What a great post. One that is relevant every day, and I’ve been needing words of wisdom and encouragement lately. This post has helped. I miss my grandmothers very much and wish I had their words of wisdom to enrich my life. Thanks again for this post. And apple freezing advice!
I am so glad you enjoyed the post and found it useful Dana!! I miss my grandmother’s everyday as well!