Can You Freeze Applesauce?

Yes, you can freeze homemade or store-bought applesauce for 6 to 9 months without any loss of quality. Simply pack it in a freezer bag or freezer safe container, squeeze out any air and label it with the date before setting it in the freezer.

How to Freeze Applesauce

Applesauce is a healthy and delicious snack. Kids love it. It can also be used in a multitude of different recipes.

Homemade applesauce unfortunately only lasts for around a week in the fridge. However, you may want to cook it up in bulk either to capitalize on a sale you found while apples are in season or simply to save time for later.

In this situation, you may not be able to finish all of the applesauce that you make before it goes bad. Luckily, homemade and store-bought applesauce can be easily frozen for an extended period of time without loss of quality.

When thinking about freezing store-bought applesauce, just keep in mind that particularly when it is unopened it lasts for a few months. If store-bought apple sauce has been opened, it typically lasts 1 to 2 weeks.

The methods used are similar as those used for freezing greek yogurt, freezing cottage cheese and freezing nacho cheese.

Decide what portion sizes you might need to use for your applesauce once you defrost it and use that as a guide to decide which method below you should use when freezing your homemade or store-bought applesauce.

In Freezer Bags or Freezer Safe Container

This method is best used when you will be using your thawed applesauce in half a cup or larger portion sizes.

• Cool it. If you have made your applesauce at home, and sure that it is totally cool before you start packaging it up.
• Portion it. Determine how much you will need each time you defrost and portion it into those sizes.

• Scoop it. Scoop your individual portions into freezer bags or airtight containers. If using a container, try to leave one to two inches of space between the top of the applesauce and the lid.
• Seal it. Zip your freezer bag shut after squeezing any air from it. Once zipped shut, press all of the contents flat to save space when freezing. If using an airtight container, place the lid on top securely.

• Label and freeze it. User marker and write the date on the outside of your bag or container. Then, place it into your freezer.

In an Ice Cube Tray

If you'll be using your applesauce in recipes, smoothies or other small sized portions upon thawing it's best to do it in an ice cube tray.

• Cool it down. If you've made it at home, and sure that it is completely cool before getting started.
• Flash freeze it. Scoop into the compartments of the ice cube tray. Leaving just a little room at the top of each hole for expansion when it freezes. Pop your ice cube tray into the freezer for a few hours until the applesauce is frozen.
• Package it. Once frozen solid, remove from the freezer and pop your cubes of applesauce out of the tray and place them into a freezer bag or freezer safe container.
• Seal it up. Secure the lid on the top of your container. Or, if you are using a freezer bag, press all of the air from the bag and zip it closed.
• Label it and refreeze. Use a marker or pen and write the date on your bag or container and then stick it into the freezer.

Top Freezing Tips

No matter which method above you decide to use, apply the following tips to ensure that you have the best quality applesauce when thawed.

• Fresh: package and freeze as soon as possible so that you can lock in maximum quality, taste and texture.
• Cool: If using homemade, make sure that it is totally incompletely cooled before packaging or freezing. Placing anything warm and to your freezer can increase the temperature in the entire freezer and put your other food in jeopardy. It can also lead to condensation build up in your packaging.
• Portion: determine how much you'll need when you defrost it. This will help you create properly sized portions so you only have to defrost what you need each time.
• No air: The less exposure to air the better and this will help to maintain quality for a longer period of time. So, make sure to press all of the air out of your bag before zipping it shut. Or, if you're using a container try to make it so that there is only one to two inches of space between the applesauce and the lid.

Supplies/Equipment Needed:

• Ziploc Bags
• Marker or Pen
• Airtight Freezer Container
• Ice Cube Tray

How to Defrost Applesauce

The best way to defrost your applesauce is in the fridge. To do this, simply remove the bag or container from the freezer and place it into the refrigerator overnight. If you used a freezer bag, you may want to set it on a paper towel or in a shallow dish and place it upright in case of any leaks.

Once your applesauce is thawed, sometimes the water content will have separated a little bit. This is easily remedied by just giving it a few stirs to get it mixed back together.

If you're using it in a smoothie, you don't even need to defrost it. Simply pop it into your blender.

If you used a freezer bag, the easiest non-messy way to get it out of the bag is to press the applesauce down toward a bottom corner of the bag. Then, hold it over a container and use kitchen scissors to snip the end off the the bag. Squeeze the applesauce out of the bag into the container through the hole you cut.

Freezing Applesauce FAQ

Does applesauce taste good frozen?

Applesauce is rock hard when frozen, so not best to eat it at that point. It does taste good when blended out in a smoothie though.

Can you freeze applesauce in ziploc bags?

Yes, you can easily freeze applesauce in ziplock or other freezer bags. Simply portion it out, scoop it into the bag, press out any air and zip it shut.

What's the best container to freeze applesauce in?

The best container to freeze applesauce is depends on the portion size you will need. For small portions, ice cube trays are the best and for very large portions freezer safe containers work well.

How long does applesauce stay good frozen?

Applesauce stays good frozen for 9 - 12 months. Though it is safe to eat after this timeframe, the quality slowly begins to degrade over time.

How long does applesauce stay good in the fridge?

Homemade applesauce is only good for about 7 - 10 days in the fridge. Store-bought can last significantly longer especially when unopened.