Learn the easiest method for how to freeze apples to save leftovers and preserve apples to use in smoothies, crisps, cobblers, oatmeal, and more. This 5-minute method is the best!

apple slices in zip top bag for how to store apples

How to Freeze Apples

Whenever I slice up apples and my kids don’t eat them all, or I have apples that need to be used, but I don’t have time to use them in the moment, I freeze them. This is a quick and easy method that preserves the fruit for another day to help avoid waste and maximize the food dollars I’ve already spent.

I love this method because you don’t have to precook the apples and there are so many ways to use them out of the freezer. Frozen apple slices can be used in everything from oatmeal and stewed apples, to apple smoothies, apple cookies, apple crisps, and more.

(Learn how to store fresh apples without browning.)

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Apples in grey bowl for how to store apples

Ingredients You Need

To use this method, you just need apples. Any variety works here.

Some people dip their sliced apples in lemon, but I don’t find it to be necessary as apples typically don’t brown much when frozen right after slicing.

sliced apples on cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at the method for freezing apples. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full information.

  1. Wash and dry the apples.
  2. Cut into slices or dice them, discarding the stem. (I leave the peel on.) Cut them how you plan to use them from frozen—so if you plan to use finely diced apples in apple muffins, dice them now. If you want to use slices in smoothies, do slices.
  3. Add to a freezer bag in one flat layer. Remove as much air as possible and seal.
  4. Freeze.
baked apple slices on plate

Recipes for Frozen Apples

Below are some of my favorite apple recipes that work well with frozen apples.

cinnamon apples in three bowls and pan with spoons.

Cinnamon Apples

Saute sliced or diced apples in a pan for the quickest snack or side that taste like apple pie filling.

Quick Cinnamon Apples
These quick stove top Cinnamon Apples cook in under 10 minutes, are perfectly tender, and can be served with or without added sugar. They're a delicious snack or topping for yogurt or oatmeal—and they taste like apple pie filling!
Quick Cinnamon Apples
cinnamon apples in three bowls and pan with spoons.
stewed-apples-in-containers

Stewed Apples

These soft apples are a perfect baby finger food or snack for toddlers and older kids.

Easy Stewed Apples
Transform fresh apples into the most delicious snack or side dish to share with the whole family—babies and toddlers on up. Check out all three flavor options.
Easy Stewed Apples
stewed-apples-in-containers
gluten free apple crisp in glass baking dish

Easy Apple Crisp

Put those fresh apples to good use in this simple and delicious Gluten Free Apple Crisp. It features a simple method and quick baking time and is a great way to use freshly picked apples…or ones you have lingering in your fridge.

Easy Apple Crisp
Put those fresh apples to good use in this delicious and easy Apple Crisp. It features a simple method and quick baking time and is a great way to use freshly picked apples—or ones you have lingering in your fridge
Easy Apple Crisp
Apple crisp in pan and in three bowls.
homemade applesauce in containers on counter.

Homemade Applesauce

Store this in jars or reusable pouches to make serving it up quick and easy.

Favorite Homemade Applesauce
Learn the easiest way to make a batch of Homemade Applesauce, with easy flavor options, in less than 30 minutes. It's delicious, versatile, and easy to store for future meals and snacks.
Favorite Homemade Applesauce
homemade applesauce in containers on counter.
baked-french-toast-in-pan-with-plate

Baked French Toast

With just 5 ingredients and a hands-off baking method, this French Toast casserole is special enough for holidays and easy enough for weekdays. You can add any fruit you like (I’m partial to berries) and use up leftover bread as needed, too. It’s rich and so delicious!

Baked French Toast Casserole
Swap diced frozen apples in for the berries in this recipe to make the most delicious apple flavored baked French Toast.
Baked French Toast Casserole
baked-french-toast-in-pan-with-plate
apple-puree-on-red-baby-spoon

Apple Puree

Transform fresh apples into the easiest Apple Puree for baby. With a straight-forward method, baby food combination ideas, simple storage tips, and more, this is one apple recipe to make again and again!

Best Apple Puree (with Flavor Combinations + Storage Tips))
There’s no one right serving size for every child, so start with a smaller amount and offer more as indicated by baby. When they turn their head or close their mouth, end the meal—it’s usually pretty obvious when they want to be done!
Best Apple Puree (with Flavor Combinations + Storage Tips))
apple-puree-on-baby-spoon
sliced-baked-apples-on-plate

Baked Sliced Apples

Transform normal apples into refined sugar-free Sliced Baked Apples with this super simple method that takes just 5 minutes to prep. They’re a healthy topping for oatmeal, yogurt, and pancakes—and are also perfect for baby led weaning!

So Easy Sliced Baked Apples
Transform fresh apples into Sliced Baked Apples as a simple snack, side dish, or as baby led weaning apples. The super simple method takes just 5 minutes to prep, and they work as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, and more!
So Easy Sliced Baked Apples
baked apple slices on plate
sauteed-apples-in-stainless-container

Sauteed Apples with Cinnamon

Made with just three ingredients (and no added sugar!), these simple Sauteed Apples pair perfectly with oatmeal, pancakes, and yogurt, as well as savory mains like pork and chicken. We also love to make them ahead for snacking on their own!

Simple Sauteed Apples with Cinnamon
You can use any type of apple you have or like, though generally tart cooking apples (like Granny Smith or Pink Lady) soften nicely without falling apart too quickly.
Simple Sauteed Apples with Cinnamon
sauteed-apples-in-stainless-container
apple-pie-smoothie-with-apple-slices

Apple Smoothie

Transform simple ingredients into a creamy (and super yummy!) Apple Smoothie for a healthy breakfast or snack to share with the kids. Plus, you can easily adjust based on what you have on hand—or for allergies!

Easy Apple Smoothie
You can use any kind of apple in this recipe. It will taste best if your apples taste sweet. There's a big range of flavors in apples, so just know the final flavor of the smoothie depends on the flavor of the apples. Honeycrisp and Pink Lady are good options.
Easy Apple Smoothie
Apple smoothie in three glasses with straws.

How to Store

Once you have your apples sliced and added to the freezer bag, you can store in the freezer for up to a year. (I store them flat so the apples are easy to measure or pull out once frozen as this helps them not freeze together.)

Best Tips for Success

  • Remove the peel if you don’t want it to be in the final recipes.
  • Dice or slice the apples according to how you plan to use them from frozen.
  • Use any type of apple you prefer, though remember that apple recipes taste best with apples that have lots of flavor when eaten fresh.
  • To make Apple Oatmeal, you can freeze larger slices and grate them frozen right into the oatmeal.

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apple slices in zip top bag for how to store apples

How to Freeze Apples (the Easy Way)

Learn the easiest method for how to freeze apples to save leftovers and preserve apples to use in smoothies, crisps, cobblers, oatmeal, and more. This 5-minute method is the best!
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Preserving
Calories 95kcal
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 4 apples
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Instructions

  • Wash and dry the apples.
  • Slice or dice how you plan to use the frozen apples. Discard the stems.
  • Add to a freezer bag in one flat later. Remove as much air as possible and seal.
  • Freeze immediately.
  • To use the apples from frozen, add frozen to your recipe.

Equipment

Notes

  • Once you have your apples sliced and added to the freezer bag, you can store in the freezer for up to a year. (I store them flat so the apples are easy to measure or pull out once frozen as this helps them not freeze together.)
  • Remove the peel if you don’t want it to be in the final recipes.
  • Dice or slice the apples according to how you plan to use them from frozen.
  • Use any type of apple you prefer, though remember that apple recipes taste best with apples that have lots of flavor when eaten fresh.
  • To use shredded apple in oatmeal, you can freeze larger slices and grate them frozen right into the oatmeal.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup, Calories: 95kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 0.5g, Fat: 0.3g, Saturated Fat: 0.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Sodium: 2mg, Potassium: 195mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 19g, Vitamin A: 98IU, Vitamin C: 8mg, Calcium: 11mg, Iron: 0.2mg
Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @yummytoddlerfood on IG!

This post was first published September 2022.

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