Can You Freeze Applesauce?

Yes, you can freeze applesauce! Whether it's homemade or store-bought, freezing keeps it fresh and flavorful for later use.

Why Freeze Applesauce?

As a chef, I know how busy life can get, so here’s why you should consider freezing your applesauce, especially during apple season:

Preservation: When you freeze homemade applesauce or store-bought varieties, it stays fresh and delicious for months. Simply make a big batch and enjoy it long after the season ends.
Store It As A Basic Food: You can also freeze applesauce puree, which is great news if you're following a Low FODMAP Diet.
Convenience: Freezing homemade applesauce means you always have a ready-to-use ingredient on hand. No more last-minute grocery runs!
Flavor Retention: Freezing locks in the sweet and tangy flavor of applesauce, whether homemade or store-bought.
Portion Control: By freezing in individual portions, you can easily thaw just the right amount when you need it, reducing waste and ensuring perfect serving sizes every time.

What Things Do I Need To Freeze Applesauce?

Freezer-Safe Containers or Bags: Use sturdy, airtight options to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.
Ladle or Spoon: Essential for transferring applesauce into containers or bags without spills.
Labels: Use these to mark the date and contents on each container or bag for easy identification.
Marker: Permanent markers work best for writing on labels or directly on freezer bags.
Funnel (Optional): Useful for pouring applesauce into containers or bags with smaller openings.
Baking Sheet (Optional): Ideal for freezing applesauce in portions before storing in bags to prevent them from sticking together.

How To Freeze Applesauce?

To freeze applesauce, ensure you already have some on hand. If you've purchased it or made your own, you can skip the steps for preparing applesauce.

Prepare Homemade Applesauce (Skip This Step If You Have Applesauce)

Making applesauce is super simple simple!

Ingredients:

4 large apples (any variety you like)
½ cup water
¼ cup white or brown sugar (optional) You can also keep it unsweetened
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
A pinch of salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

Peel and Core Apples: Start by peeling and coring the apples. Cut them into small chunks for easy cooking.
Combine Ingredients: Place the apple chunks in a large pot. Add water, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice (if using), and a pinch of salt.
Cook the Apples: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the apples are very soft.
Mash or Blend Cooked Apples: Once cooked, use a potato masher for a chunky texture or a food processor or immersion blender for a smooth applesauce. You will love homemade applesauce!
Cool the Applesauce: Allow the applesauce to cool to room temperature before proceeding to freeze.

Freezing Applesauce

Here’s how you can freeze applesauce using various methods:

Method 1: Freezer Bags

Portion the Applesauce: Use a measuring cup or ladle to scoop the applesauce into portions.
Fill the Bags: Pour the cooled applesauce into freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion.
Remove Air: Press out any excess air before sealing the bags.
Label and Date: Clearly mark the bags with the contents and date.
Freeze Flat: Lay the bags flat in the freezer for efficient storage.

Method 2: Freezer-Safe Containers

Select Containers: Choose plastic or glass containers that are freezer-safe.
Fill the Containers: Spoon the applesauce into containers, leaving an inch of space at the top.
Seal Tightly: Ensure the lids are securely fastened to prevent freezer burn.
Label and Date: Write the date and contents on each container.
Stack Carefully: Arrange containers neatly to make the most of your freezer space.

Method 3: Ice Cube Trays

Pour into Trays: Fill ice cube trays with applesauce using a spoon or small measuring cup.
Freeze Until Solid: Let the trays freeze completely, usually taking a few hours.
Transfer to Bags: Once frozen, pop the applesauce cubes out of the trays and into labeled freezer bags.
Store and Use: Keep the bags in the freezer, using cubes as needed for recipes or snacks.

How Long Can You Store Applesauce In The Freezer?

Applesauce can be stored in the freezer for up to eight months. After this time, it is no longer safe to eat and should be thrown away as a precautionary measure.

Top Tips For Freezing Apple Sauce

My top 3 tips to ensure you freeze your applesauce well are:

Cook the applesauce to a high temperature before freezing
Freeze in Ice Cube Trays, Freezer Bags, or Containers for easy access when cooking.
Label and date your container or freezer bag with what you're putting inside so you know exactly what it is and how long it will last.

How To Defrost Applesauce?

To defrost applesauce, you can follow these simple steps:

Refrigerator Method: Place the frozen applesauce in the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly overnight. This method helps maintain the texture and flavor.
Room-Temperature Method: For a quicker option, you can leave the applesauce at room temperature for a few hours. Just be sure to use it promptly once it has thawed.
Microwave Method: If you're in a hurry, use the defrost setting on your microwave. Heat the applesauce in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even thawing.

Can You Refreeze Applesauce?

It's generally not recommended to refreeze applesauce once it has been thawed. Refreezing can affect the texture and flavor, leading to a less desirable product. Additionally, repeated thawing and Refreezing Can Increase The Risk Of Bacterial Growth.

What Foods Can You Combine With Applesauce?

Applesauce is a versatile ingredient that can enhance a variety of dishes. In desserts, it adds moisture and flavor to Cakes, apple pies, and Muffins.

For breakfast, it pairs wonderfully with Pancakes or Waffles. When it comes to main meals, applesauce complements Chicken, roast pork, and Burgers beautifully.

Additionally, it can be used as a topping for meatloaf , Casseroles, and Vegetarian Dishes, especially when your recipe calls for extra moisture, such as gravy.

Favorite Recipes That Use Applesauce

Here are some fantastic recipes that use Applesauce as an ingredient.

Apple Pie Filling: This easy recipe creates a flavorful apple pie filling using an Instant Pot. It's perfect for pies, crumbles, or as a topping for pancakes and yogurt.
Crockpot Chicken With Apple Sauce: A simple slow cooker meal combining applesauce and BBQ sauce with Chicken Breasts. It's a family favorite that's easy to prepare and perfect for busy days.
Apple Crumble Cake: A moist and gluten-free cake that combines the flavors of apple and almond with a delightful crumble topping. It's a perfect dessert served with yogurt or whipped cream.

FAQ'S

Why Is Homemade Applesauce Best?

A homemade version can contain far less sugar, depending on what you are using it for, and you have control over the sweetness of each jar.

How Long Does It Take For Applesauce To Freeze?

Once your applesauce is in the freezer it will take between six and twelve hours to freeze.

Make sure your airtight container or bag is sealed tightly before placing it into the freezer so that no water gets inside, which could cause ice crystals to form.

Is Applesauce Good For Bariatric Patients?

Yes, applesauce is a great pureed food for bariatric patients. It’s packed full of vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, B-vitamins, calcium, and magnesium.

Whether making perfectly smooth sauce or chunkier applesauce, it can be frozen for later use in small portions which are perfect for the bariatric diet.

You can freeze the applesauce in different sizes and use ice cube containers if you’re a gastric bypass patient.

Yes, You Can Freeze Apple Sauce!

You can keep homemade applesauce in the freezer for quick and easy use. It's easy to freeze and defrost and super tasty.

Recently my husband was craving some old-fashioned apple pie so he grabbed a container of frozen applesauce out of the freezer for his dessert – yum!

Now your turn – what do you use applesauce for? Do you like to freeze applesauce? Are you a fan of chunky sauce or the perfectly smooth type? Let me know in the comments below!

Can You Freeze Applesauce?