Can You Freeze Cooked Apples? – How Long Can You Freeze Cooked Apples?

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Can You Freeze Cooked Apples? Apples are a particularly delicious fruit especially when they have that raw crunch to them. However, cooking apples also makes them a fantastic base ingredient for a wide range of desserts.

You could use them to prepare an apple pie, an apple cake, apple custard, or any of the many other types of apple desserts. But cooking apples is a hassle in some processes and you are unlikely to want to do it repeatedly. Then this brings us to the ultimate question.

Can you freeze cooked apples? Because if you could then it would be a boon for the next time you want to whip up an apple dessert! Let’s find out whether you can actually freeze cooked apples!

Can You Freeze Cooked Apples

Can You Freeze Cooked Apples?

Yes, you can freeze cooked apples. Apples are a great fruit for freezing and preserving purposes because they freeze extremely well. If you take all the proper steps and measures to freeze apples after cooking them, you can even expect them to stay fresh and edible for up to 5 months.

While today you can source apples all around the year, even these fruits have a specific season when they are at their best.

Imagine buying apples during peak apple season, cooking it, and then eating it 5 months later! You can learn exactly how to freeze apples in the following section where we have made sure to include step-by-step instructions to help you through the process.

How To Freeze Cooked Apples?

As we mentioned, if you follow these steps perfectly, you will be able to enjoy cooked apples and all their dessert potential for nearly 5 months! So, here are your step-by-step instructions on freezing cooked apples.

  • The shape is an important factor especially if you intend on preparing specific desserts that demand a specific appearance. Therefore, start by peeling and slicing the apples into the desired size or shape. Alternatively, you can mash the apples into a puree if that is what your dessert wants.
  • Place the sliced or mashed apples onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure that they are in a single layer. You should also make sure that they are not touching each other in any manner so do attempt to space the pieces out evenly on the parchment paper.
  • The next step is to flash-freeze the apples on the baking sheet for about 2 hours or until they are solid. Remember, you will have to check in on the apples after 2 hours because this is only an intermediary stage, and leaving the apples open to the freezer environment for too long can cause freezer burn.
  • Once the apples are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. The more airtight the container, the better it is for the cooked apples’ shelf lives.
  • Finally, make sure you label the container or bag with the date and contents. Store the frozen apples in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Keep in mind that freezing cooked apples can alter their texture and may cause them to become slightly mushy when thawed, but they will still be safe to eat and can be used in a variety of dishes such as pies, cobblers, and sauces.

How Long Can You Freeze Cooked Apples?

Cooked apples can be frozen for up to 5 months. However, it is important to store them in a freezer-safe container or bag and remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Moreover, while cooked apples do freeze well, there can be some minor changes in their texture after you freeze them. This change becomes particularly noticeable if you are freezing mashed cooked apples.

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How Do You Thaw or Defrost Frozen Cooked Apples?

Our obvious suggestion would be to defrost the frozen goods using the refrigerator. You will need to place the frozen cooked apples in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight until they reach the desired consistency.

This is the best method for defrosting large quantities of cooked apples, as it allows them to thaw slowly and evenly without any risk of overcooking.

Now you could use a microwave too, but it would not be the best way to defrost cooked apples if you need a specific texture and flavor.

This method is faster than refrigerator thawing, but it can cause the cooked apples to become overcooked or mushy if they are not monitored closely.

To do this, simply place the frozen cooked apples in a microwave-safe dish and microwave them on the defrost setting for 1-2 minutes at a time, stirring gently between intervals.

Alternatively, you could also place the frozen cooked apples in a saucepan or pot and heat them over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they reach the desired consistency. This method is best for smaller quantities of cooked apples, as it allows you to control the thawing process more closely and prevent the apples from becoming overcooked.

Regardless of which method you choose, it’s important to stir the cooked apples gently while they are thawing to ensure an even consistency. Once the cooked apples have reached the desired consistency, you can use them in whichever dessert you want! Just be sure to use them within a few days of thawing to ensure the best quality and flavor.

Tips and Tricks for Freezing Cooked Apples

Here are some crucial tips and reminders that you can make use of when you’re knee-deep in the process of freezing some delicious cooked apples.

  • Choose firm, ripe apples when you are out to buy them, as they will hold up better in the freezer. Avoid using apples that are soft or bruised, as they may become mushy when frozen.
  • You can peel the apples and then slice them into the desired size or shape, or mash them into a puree. Most dessert recipes do not use apple skins, therefore, it would be convenient to get it out of the way from the start.
  • Place the sliced or mashed apples onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure that they are in a single layer. Freeze the apples on the baking sheet for about 2 hours or until they are solid. This will help to prevent the apples from sticking together when you transfer them to a container or bag.

Can You Refreeze Thawed Cooked Apples?

Yes, you can refreeze thawed cooked apples but you should only do so if you are not too worried about degrading the overall consistency and texture of the cooked apples.

The simple fact is that cooked apples need to be used after freezing them for the first time because the change in texture becomes quite noticeable when you thaw it once. Therefore, thawing and refreezing multiple times are unlikely to give you food that is going to entice your taste buds.

Do Cooked Apples Freeze Well?

Yes, cooked apples freeze well. However, you might be able to notice small changes in the overall texture of the cooked apples when you remove them from the freezer. This does not signify spoilage. It’s just the way cooked apples freeze.

FAQs on Can You Freeze Cooked Apples?

1. Can you store cooked apples in your refrigerator?

Yes, you can store cooked apples in your refrigerator but they will only have a shelf life of about a week.

2. Can you freeze baked apple pieces?

Yes, you can freeze baked apple pieces. You will need to follow steps almost identical to the ones we have laid out above.

3. What are some desserts that use mashed cooked apples?

Some desserts that use mashed cooked apples as an ingredient include apple pie, apple crisp, apple cobbler, apple muffins, apple bread, apple sauce, and apple butter.

Key Outcomes

The knowledge we have shared on whether can you freeze cooked apples is beneficial for you. Apple-based desserts are truly delicious. But cooking apples guarantees that you cannot use them for anything apart from that!

Therefore, freezing apples properly to ensure that they remain edible and fresh despite having been cooked is essential to ensure you waste as little of it as possible. For more information and guides on freezing different fruits, head over to Canyoupreserve.com!

 

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