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 Grandmother used to say: ” Stick to your own knitting”. Meaning, in a kind way (she was from Augusta,Ga.) mind your own business. And my Grandfather used to say ” My word is my bond and so is my handshake ” he never had written contracts for any business deals, just his handshake. Remarkable now. Have a Blessed weekend. Steph.
My father taught me not to hold on to grudges; it’s pointless and leads to things like long-standing feuds where each side doesn’t even remember why they’re supposed to hate the other side. For him, “once it’s over, it’s over.”
And wow! This is a great way to have apples whenever I want/need! Especially since I *love* apple pie!
My grandma used to say:
Pretty is as pretty does.
And
Get all the education you can. That is something no one can take away from you.
My father’s mother died before I was born, but I’m told she used to say “Love many, trust few, learn to paddle your own canoe.” She was apparently quite independent and resourceful throughout her life. It took me a long time to realize how true this rhyme really is.
And a really good dip for apples is the following:
Take a can of sweetened condensed milk and take the top off with a can opener. Put the can in a baking dish and put enough water in the dish to come about halfway up the can. Put this in the oven at about 350* and bake it about an hour. The milk gets thick and caramelly and delicious. Let it cool down before you use it or it will burn your mouth off.
I had a question about freezing the apples. Are the apples mushy after freezing them? Thanks.
Tammy Jeanneret
Well I have to sadly say I never knew either set of grandparents and I lost my dad to cancer when I was just 15 and my mom went into a deep depression so I kind of lost both of em at a young age. But they taught me to love and respect others and to love and respect myself. No matter what give to others even if it’s just a smile. Never rob someone of a blessing.(be a good receiver)Never Ever apologize for your family; you didn’t pick them,and never have friends that you have to apologize for because you did pick them.
No matter the job; including cleaning toilets do it to the best of your ability!
Christy there has never been a mother that ever feels as if they are the best mom they can be; ask your kids when they are parents what kind of parent you were that will be your best gauge. Just like you lookin back on your childhood and havin the best parents in the world and wonderin how they did it.
P.S. Thanks for the post on freezin apples my family goes every year to pick apples at a local orchard now I can pick bunches so I can freeze some 🙂
Hi, Christy! SO glad I found your website–I was Googling canning labels, and clicked over here. Then I saw the “Freezing Apples” link, and got all happy! My apple trees have me crying “Uncle!” this year, and was wondering if I could freeze them w/out sugar. Now I don’t even have to ask anyone! Can’t wait ’til I get done w/ all these apples I’ve got so I can have time to poke around here. Looks like you’ve got some great recipes.
My Mama always told me “Pretty is as pretty does.” It sure holds some truth–I’ve seen some of the most beautiful people act just as ugly as they could–and it took all that beauty right off their face. I tell my daughters the same thing.
Looking forward to seeing more of Southern Plate!
♥Susan