Can You Freeze Sliced Apples For Pies?

Yes, you can freeze sliced apples for pies. It is a great way to keep the apples fresh and delicious for baking in pies later. To prepare the apples for freezing, ensure they are washed and dried properly. Always slice them into thin wedges or cubes before placing them into an airtight container or bag. Freezing sliced apples is a simple and effective way to preserve them for later use in pies.

Can You Freeze Sliced Apples For Pies?

Yes, you can freeze sliced apples for pies. Sliced apples can be frozen in an airtight bag or container for up to 8 months. To freeze the apples, slice them into thin pieces and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should freeze the slices on the baking sheet for about one hour, remove them from the freezer, and then place them into an airtight bag or container for long-term storage.

Which Apples Are Best To Freeze?

• Jonagold
• Cortland
• Golden Delicious
• Empire

How To Freeze Apples For Apple Pie?

Things Needed:

• Aluminum foil
• Pie pan
• Lemon juice
• Freezer bags
• Apples
• Sugar
• 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
• 3 Tbsp. Flour
• Dash of salt

Method:

Step 1: Peel and slice your apples: Slice your apples thinly and evenly. If you use tart or acidic apples, sprinkle some lemon juice over them to prevent browning.

Step 2: Fill a bowl with water: Take a large bowl and fill it with water.

Step 3: Mix salt in the water: Now add some salt and mix it thoroughly.

Step 4: Add lemon juice to the bowl: Stir some lemon juice after mixing the salt.

Step 5: Slice apples directly into the bowl: Depending on the type of apple you use, the slices may brown quickly after being cut. Directly cut the apples into the bowl you plan to freeze them to prevent them from browning.

Step 6: Place the apples in the pie plate: Once you have sliced them, they should be placed in the pie plate you’ll use for baking.

Step 7: Combine all the ingredients: Take another bowl and add sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon and pour it on the sliced apples.

Step 8: Cover the pan with foil: You can freeze sliced apples for pies by covering the pan with foil and placing it in the freezer. The apples should remain fresh for several months when stored this way.

Step 9: Labeling: Before freezing your sliced apples, label them with the date to know how long they have been in the freezer.

Step 10: Place the pan in the freezer: Now, place the whole pan in the freezer. Allow the apples to freeze for about an hour or two. The apples should be frozen enough to remove them from the pan easily.

How To Freeze A Whole Unbaked Apple Pie, Including The Crust?

Make the crust: Make the crust as you normally would, including pre-baking it if desired.

Make the filling:  Combine the apples with additional sugar and spices, stirring until everything is evenly combined.

Include butter: Some butter is recommended if you freeze sliced apples for pies. Butter adds flavor and helps prevent the apple slices from drying and discoloring during freezing. Slice the apples before adding butter; this will help ensure even coverage.

Cover with the top crust: Brush the top crust with melted butter, heavy cream, or an egg wash (1 large egg whisked with one tablespoon of water).

Wrap the entire pie: To ensure the sliced apples are well-protected, it is best to wrap them in plastic or aluminum foil before freezing. This will help keep the moisture from the fruit and prevent freezer burn.

Pop in the freezer: Place the prepared sliced apples in a large freezer bag or airtight container and label the contents. You can also place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour before transferring them to a container.

Tips For Freezing Apple Pie

Freeze it Uncooked: The best way to freeze an apple pie is to assemble the unbaked pie and freeze it uncooked. When ready to bake, thaw the frozen pie in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, then transfer it to a preheated oven.

Keep Leftovers in the Fridge: If you have any leftover sliced apples. The cold temperature of your fridge will help keep the apples from spoiling too quickly. You can also freeze them if you plan to use them again soon.

Freeze the Filling: Stewed apples can be frozen separately, making putting the pie together much easier. Slice and prepare the apples as you would for a pie, add the sugar and spices, if desired, and cook until they are tender. Let them cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe bags or containers.

The Benefits Of Freezing Sliced Apples

Saving Time and Effort: Freezing apples allows you to have them prepped and ready to go when the urge to bake strikes. This means you can save time peeling, coring, and slicing apples each time you want to make a pie. Having a stock of frozen apples means taking advantage of sales or bulk purchases without worrying about the fruit going bad.

Preserving Freshness and Flavor: Frozen apple slices can maintain their quality and flavor for several months. Freezing apples at the peak of their freshness ensure you’ll have delicious and flavorful apples for your pies all year round.

Reducing Food Waste: Freezing apples is also an excellent way to reduce food waste. If you have more apples than you can use before they spoil, freezing them will help you avoid throwing them away. You can then use the frozen slices whenever needed, minimizing waste and saving money.

Preparing Apples For Freezing

Choosing the Right Apples: When it comes to freezing apples for pies, firmer apple varieties like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp are best. When frozen and baked, these apples hold better shape and texture, making them ideal for pies.

Washing and Slicing: Thoroughly wash your apples before peeling, coring, and slicing them. Slice the apples evenly, aiming for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Uniform slices will ensure even cooking and thawing.

Preventing Browning: To keep your apple slices from turning brown, treat them with water, lemon juice, or another fruit preservative. This will help maintain their appearance and prevent any off-flavors from developing.

Freezing Techniques For Sliced Apples

Dry Pack Freezing:

• To freeze apple slices using the dry pack method, arrange the slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Place the sheet in the freezer until the apple slices are fully frozen.
• Once frozen, transfer the slices to an airtight container or freezer bag and return them to the freezer.

Syrup Pack Freezing:

•  Syrup pack freezing involves immersing apple slices in a sugar syrup solution.
• Prepare a syrup by combining water and sugar (a common ratio of 1 cup to 4 cups of water) and bring it to a boil.
• Allow the syrup to cool, then pour it over your apple slices in a freezer-safe container, making sure they’re completely covered.
• Seal the container and place it in the freezer.

Sugar Pack Freezing:

• Mix your apple slices with sugar (about 1/2 cup of sugar per 4 cups of apple slices) for sugar pack freezing. The sugar will help draw out the natural juices from the apples, creating a sweet syrup.
• Place the sugar-coated apple slices in airtight containers or freezer bags and store them in the freezer.

How To Properly Store Frozen Apple Slices?

To ensure that your frozen apple slices maintain their quality, store them in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label the containers or bags with the freezing date and the type of apple used. Frozen apple slices can last up to 9-12 months in the freezer.

Thawing And Using Frozen Apple Slices

When you’re ready to use your frozen apple slices, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also thaw them in a microwave on a low setting or submerge the sealed container in cold water.

Once thawed, drain any excess liquid from the apple slices and pat them dry with a paper towel. You can now use the thawed apple slices in your pie recipe as you would with fresh apples.

FAQs

Can I freeze apple slices with the skin on?

Yes, you can freeze apple slices with the skin on. However, removing the skin may produce a better texture when using frozen apples in pies.

How long does it take for apple slices to freeze?

It usually takes 2-4 hours for apple slices to freeze completely, depending on the thickness of the slices and the efficiency of your freezer.

Is It Better to Freeze a Pie Before or After Baking?

When it comes to freezing pies for future use, you can freeze them before or after baking. It is best to bake the pie before freezing for pies that require a pre-baked crust, such as custard and pudding. This helps ensure the crust does not become soggy during thawing and baking. You can freeze pies that do not require pre-baked crusts, such as fruit pies, before or after baking. Freezing the pie before baking may help lock in the ingredients’ flavor.

Can You Freeze Apple Tart?

Yes, you can freeze apple tart for up to 6 months without compromising the flavor or texture. To do this, bake your apple tart in an oven-safe dish and let it cool completely before freezing. Wrap the cooled apple tart securely in plastic wrap and place it into a resealable freezer bag for extra protection from freezer burn.

Will frozen apples turn brown?

Yes, frozen apples will turn brown, just like fresh apples. When using frozen apples for baking pies or other recipes, it is best to thaw them first and then cook with them. This helps prevent the apples from becoming discolored and gives them a more desirable texture when cooked. Once baked, the pie should be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator. If freezing sliced apples for pies, it is best to use a vacuum sealer or freezer bag to prevent them from becoming discolored while in the freezer.

Conclusion

For those looking to make pie shortly, you can freeze your sliced apples ahead of time. This will save you time and energy when you are ready to bake. When freezing, layer the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet or an airtight container, and add some lemon juice to help prevent browning. When ready to use them, allow the slices to thaw before assembly and baking for the best results.