Can Frozen Apples Be Used For Pies?

Pie is a classic dessert that can be made with many different types of fruit. But can you use frozen apples for pies?

Frozen apples are ideal for pies and cobblers because they maintain their firmness after thawing.

They can be baked directly from frozen, and the texture won’t change. Thawed apples should be cooked before using in a pie.

Keep reading to find out.

Using Frozen Apples Is Fine

Apples are a key ingredient in many fall desserts, from crisp apple pies to comforting apple cobblers.

While fresh apples may be the first choice for many bakers, frozen apples can be better for specific recipes.

Frozen apples are picked at the peak of ripeness and then flash-frozen, which locks in their flavor and nutrients.

As a result, they tend to be just as flavorful and nutritious as fresh apples, but they are also much easier to work with.

Frozen apples are less likely to bruise or discolor, and they can be easily sliced or diced without thawing first.

So next time you’re looking for the perfect apple pie recipe, don’t hesitate to reach for the frozen section of your refrigerator.

Frozen Apples

Why Freeze Apples for Apple Pies?

Apples are a key ingredient in many fall desserts, from pies and cobblers to crisps and crumbles.

While fresh apples are always a delicious option, using frozen apples can provide many benefits.

First, freezing helps to lock in the apples’ natural sweetness so that you can use less sugar in your recipe.

Second, frozen apples tend to hold their shape better during baking, so your pie will have nice, firm fruit slices.

Finally, using frozen apples means making apple pie any time of year, regardless of what’s in season.

How to Freeze Apples

Apples are a delicious and healthy snack, but they can go bad quickly if not stored properly. One way to extend their shelf life is to freeze them.

Freezing apples is simple and only takes a few steps. First, wash the apples thoroughly and remove any bruises or blemishes.

Next, cut the apples into small pieces or slices, depending on how you plan to use them. For instance, if you want to make apple pies or tarts, you’ll need to cut them into thin slices.

Once the apples are cut, spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer.

After a few hours, the apples will be frozen solid and can be transferred to a freezer bag or container.

Freezing Apples

Pick Good Apples for Freezing

If you’re planning on making apple pies this winter, you’ll want to start by picking the suitable apples for freezing. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing apples for freezing.

First, you’ll want to pick apples that are firm and crisp. Avoid soft or bruised apples, as they will lose their shape and texture when frozen.

Second, choose apples that are high in acidity. This will help them to retain their flavor when thawed.

Finally, select apples that are of a uniform size. This will make it easier to slice them even when it’s time to bake your pies.

With these guidelines in mind, head out to your local Apple Orchard and pick the perfect apples for your winter baking.

Freezing The Apple Whole

If you’re planning on making an apple pie, you may be wondering whether it’s better to freeze whole apples or slice them first.

While both methods have advantages, freezing whole apples has a few key benefits. First of all, it’s much faster and easier to toss a few whole apples into the freezer simply than it is to slice them all up.

Secondly, freezing whole apples helps preserve their natural juices, which can make for a more flavorful pie.

Finally, whole apples are less likely to become freezer-burned than sliced apples, meaning they’ll stay fresh for longer.

Freezing Sliced Apple

To freeze sliced apples, start by washing them thoroughly and then slice them into the desired thickness. Next, spread the slices out on a baking sheet lined with wax paper and place them in the freezer.

Once the apples are frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake your pie, simply thaw the apples, and they’ll be prepared to use.

Frozen apples will keep for up to 6 months, so this is a great way to freeze apples for pies.

Freeze Apple Pie Filling

Making apple pie filling from scratch is time-consuming, but the results are worth it.

If you want to save some time, you can make the filling in advance and freeze it. This way, all you need to do when you’re ready to make the pie is thaw the filling and assemble the crust.

To freeze the filling, start by peeling and slicing the apples. Then, combine the apples with sugar, lemon juice, flour, and spices in a large bowl.

Once everything is mixed together, transfer the filling to a freezer-safe container. Be sure to leave enough headspace to allow for expansion.

When you’re ready to use the filling, thaw it in the fridge overnight before proceeding with your recipe.

With some advance planning, you can have homemade apple pie filling at the ready any time you crave it!

How to Use Frozen Apples in Apple Pie

If you find yourself with a surplus of frozen apples, you can do a few things to ensure that they bake up just as well as fresh.

The first step is to thaw the apples completely. However, this is an optional procedure and can be avoided.

Once they are thawed, drain off any excess water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Next, add a bit of lemon juice to the apples. This will help to prevent them from browning during baking. Finally, toss the apples with some flour or sugar, depending on your recipe.

Then, proceed with your pie recipe as usual. With these simple tips, you can turn frozen apples into a delicious pie that will rival any made with fresh fruit.

FAQs

How Long Will the Frozen Apples Stay Good?

A good rule of thumb is to store frozen apples for a couple of months at the most, but they will stay just as good longer if you freeze them in freezer bags.

The problem with freezers is that their temperatures can fluctuate and affect the food quality.

Do the Frozen Apples Need to Be Thawed?

No, they don’t need to be thawed. The frozen apples will not turn brown if you avoid thawing. However, if you thaw, it is best to use some lemon on them to prevent browning.

Will Frozen Apples Turn Brown?

Many people believe that frozen apples will turn brown when thawed. However, this is not necessarily the case. Apples are susceptible to light and heat.

If you see your apples browning or turning mushy after being put in the freezer, you will know that they were exposed to light, but if they don’t turn brown, you did not expose them to enough light.

Apples should be kept in a cool, dark place until you use them or eat them.

Moreover, the browning of apples is caused by a chemical reaction between the oxygen in the air and the enzymes in the fruit.

When apples are frozen, this reaction is slowed down, but it does not stop entirely. As a result, some browning may occur when the apples are thawed.

However, this browning is generally superficial and does not affect the flavor of the fruit. Thus, there is no need to worry about frozen apples turning brown.

How Do You Defrost Frozen Apples?

To defrost frozen apples, just put them in a bowl or sink filled with hot water.

Apple should be cut in half and then laid on the cutting board face up. Let them sit for 10 minutes, and then you can peel them.

What Can I Use Frozen Apples For?

You can use frozen apples for any type of cooking. But, they are best when used as an ingredient for a pie or apple crisp.

You can use frozen apples for making apple pie, apple sauce, apple juice, apple butter, etc. They are good to eat with breakfast or to have with dinner. Also, you can freeze them for later use.

Does Apple Pie Freeze Well?

It does! You can put a slice of apple pie into the freezer for about a half-hour, and when you take it out, it will be completely frozen.

Final Thoughts

Frozen apples can be used for pies. Just thaw out the apple at room temperature or in the microwave and use it just as you would fresh apples.

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