Freezing Apples for Pie Filling (Easy Guide!)
If you love apple pie but don’t want to go through the entire process of making one from scratch every time, there is an easier way. You can just freeze apples for pie filling in order to cut back on preparation work on the day of baking.
Freezing apples for pie filling is a very quick and easy process, and it can preserve the peak freshness of apples for up to 12 months. Not only will it save you time, but it will also allow you to enjoy apple pies when your favorite apple variety isn’t available in grocery stores.
In this article, I’ll discuss a quick and easy way to prepare and store apples in the freezer so you can make a pie filling later. I’ll also share a complete apple pie filling recipe (the ultimate time-saver) that you can freeze and have ready to go for your next pie.
Quick Method to Freeze Apples For Pie Filling
To start, pick fresh apples that are fully ripe, firm, and juicy. Make sure there are no signs of decay (brown spots) on the apples while picking them. The Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious apples are the most popular apple types that you can use for pie filling.
That’s because these apple varieties come with a crispier and firmer texture and offer a great consistency for apple pies. You want to steer clear of dry apples with a mealy texture, like Red Delicious, as they don’t withstand the baking temperature well.
Once you have the right type of apples, use the following method to freeze them.
Supplies You’ll Need to Freeze Apple Pie Filling
- Coring tool
- Peeler
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Small bowl
- Vitamin C powder
- Freezer bag
- Marker
Instructions to Prep Apple Pie Filling To Freeze
- Use cold water to wash apples thoroughly.
- Get rid of apple cores using the coring tool.
- Peel and slice apples on a cutting board using a peeler/knife. Turn midsize apples into six to eight slices and large apples into 10 to 12.
- Add 1.5 grams of vitamin C powder and three tablespoons of water to a bowl and mix the two ingredients gently. If you can’t find vitamin C powder, you can use three tablespoons of lemon juice for the same purpose.
- Once the mixture has achieved even consistency, start coating the apple slices with it. Doing so will prevent discoloration and browning over time.
- Place coated apple slices into a freezer bag and squeeze out the excess air as much as possible.
- Use the marker to label the freezer bag with the current date.
- Store the apples in the freezer for up to 12 months.
- Make sure that you leave some extra space in the freezer bag. It’ll allow apple slices to expand easily as they freeze. Additionally, you can also use parchment paper between the layers of apple slices so that they don’t stick to one another.
Important Note: You can also freeze cored apples without slicing them. However, cutting fresh apples is easier than slicing frozen ones, so it’ll cost you some extra time when you’re ready to make an apple pie. My recommendation is to slice them before freezing.
How to Make a Complete Freezer Ready Apple Pie Filling
Making a ready-to-go freezer-friendly apple pie filling is the ultimate time saver as you only need to add it to the pie crust before baking. You can complete the following easy apple pie filling recipe within a matter of a few minutes.
Freezer-Friendly Apple Pie Filling Ingredients
- Apples: 4 to 6 medium-size (cored, peeled, and sliced)
- Lemon juice: 3 tablespoons
- Fresh water: 3 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 3/4 cups
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon: 3/4 teaspoons
- Ground nutmeg: 1/8 teaspoons
Freezer Ready Apple Pie Filling Instructions
- Add lemon juice and water to a small bowl and coat all the apple slices. Set the slices aside.
- Add all the other ingredients to another bowl and mix them gently until combined.
- Place apple slices into the bowl containing dry ingredients and toss/stir to mix well. Your apple pie filling is ready.
How to Freeze Apple Pie Filling?
Place the apple slices along with the rest of the ingredients in a freezer-safe container or bag and make it airtight. Don’t forget to squeeze the bag to remove excess air and label the container/bag with the current date. This homemade apple pie filling will stay fresh for up to 12 months.
How to Use Homemade Frozen Apple Pie Filling in a Pie?
Place the container in your fridge overnight to thaw the frozen apple pie filling. After that, remove the filling from the container and place it between the pie crusts. Add the entire thing to the preheated oven (at 400 to 425 degrees Fahrenheit) for 12 to 15 minutes.
Then you’ll need to reduce the heat of the oven to 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the pie for an additional 35 to 45 minutes until the crust becomes golden brown. The apples will be bubbling and you’re ready to enjoy this warm fresh apple pie.
Note: Additionally, you can also use this apple pie filling in apple crisp.
Frozen Apple Pie Filling FAQs
Can You Freeze Raw Apples for Pie?
Yes, you can freeze raw apples to make apple pies later. Not only does it preserve the freshness of the fruit but it also saves you time when it comes to making your favorite apple pie at a later date.
Do You Thaw Frozen Apples Before Making Pie?
Yes, you should thaw frozen apples before making apple pies. While it’s not necessary, you should do it because if you use frozen apples directly in the pie, they’ll throw off additional liquid and alter the consistency of your recipe possibly making your pie soggy.
What Apples Should You Freeze for Apple Pie?
The best apple types that you should freeze to make apple pies include Honey Crisp, Golden Delicious, Braeburn, Jonathan, Gala, and Granny Smith apples. These apples are juicy and come with a crisp and firm texture to offer a perfect consistency for a delicious apple pie.
Freezing Apples for Pie Filling – Final Words
Freezing apples for pie filling in advance is a great way to cut back on preparation work while baking an apple pie. It keeps the fruit fresh and allows you to enjoy your favorite pie quickly.
If you want to go one step further, you can make a complete apple pie filling and store it in your freezer as well. Just make sure that you use the right storage techniques discussed in this guide to keep the apples fresh in your freezer for up to a year.
