How to Freeze Apples to Get the Most of Your Fresh Fruit Later

Once late summer hits, we're ready to visit the apple orchard to make delicious apple desserts and add fresh flavor to seasonal charcuterie boards. If you've picked a few too many apples and are now wondering if you can freeze apples, there's good news: freezing apples is a great option when you want to save your haul before it goes to mush. Once you know how to freeze apples, you'll always have fruit on hand to toss in smoothies or make a delicious dessert (apple pie, please!).

How to Freeze Apples

As with all fresh produce, thoroughly wash apples in cool tap water to rid them of any pesticides or bacteria. From there, follow these simple steps for freezing apple slices.

Step 1: Peel Apples

To peel, use a vegetable peeler ($11, Target) or paring knife; start at the stem end and circle around to the blossom end.

Step 2: Quarter Apples

Cut the apple into four pieces through the stem and blossom ends.

Step 3: Core and Slice Apples

Cut away core and seeds, stem, and blossom ends. If you have an apple corer ($7, Walmart), you can remove the apple core with that before cutting the apple into quarters. Then, slice each quarter into thinner slices for freezing.

Step 4: Prepare Apples for Freezing

When freezing apple slices, our Test Kitchen recommends dipping them into an ascorbic-acid color-keeper, which is made from vitamin C. It's marketed under different names, such as Fruit-Fresh ($5, Target), and helps prevent frozen apple slices from oxidizing and turning brown during preserving. Once you've dipped the apples (per the product instructions), arrange the apple slices, so they're not touching on a baking sheet ($13, Target) and freeze until solid or overnight.

Test Kitchen Tip: You can freeze apples using a syrup, sugar, or unsweetened pack.

Step 5: Freeze Apples

Place frozen apple slices in a resealable freezer bag and freeze for up to 6 months. Be sure to label and date the bag so you know how long they've been in the freezer.

What to Do with Frozen Apples

Your frozen apples are already peeled and sliced, making them perfect for baking in any recipe calling for fresh apples. Use frozen apple slices in your favorite apple crisp and cobbler recipes or perfect your apple pie-making skills at home.