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Made too much applesauce, or want to enjoy apples in season all year round? Good news: applesauce is one of the foods that handles freezing best.
Here's how to freeze, store and thaw it so it keeps its flavor and texture.
Why Freeze Applesauce?
Freezing applesauce lets you enjoy your favorite fruit even out of season, while cutting down on food waste. It also saves time: make a big batch once, and you'll always have a portion ready for a snack or a recipe.
Freezing also preserves most of the nutrients left after cooking, so you get their benefits long after you've made it.
How to Freeze Applesauce?
To freeze fruit sauce correctly, follow these simple steps:
- Let it cool completely. Warm applesauce creates condensation inside the container, which turns into ice crystals. It also warms up the frozen food around it.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice (optional). It helps keep the applesauce from turning brown while it's stored.
- Divide it into portions. Freeze amounts that match how you'll use it: a small portion for a snack, a larger container for baking. That way, you only thaw what you need.
- Leave ½ to ¾ inch (1 to 2 cm) of headspace. Applesauce expands as it freezes. Without that space, the lid can pop off or a jar can crack.
- Seal tightly and remove the air. With a freezer bag, press it flat to push out as much air as possible before sealing. Less air means fewer ice crystals.
- Label your containers. Write down the date you froze it, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored.
Which container should you use?
The right container depends on how much applesauce you're freezing and how you'll use it.
| Container | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Glass jar | Medium batches | Choose a freezer-safe, straight-sided jar. Leave a full ¾ inch (2 cm) of headspace and never put it in the freezer while the applesauce is still warm. |
| Plastic container | Any amount | Practical and unbreakable. Check that it's labeled freezer-safe. |
| Freezer bag | Large batches | Frozen flat, it takes up little space and thaws faster. |
| Ice cube tray | Small portions, baby food | Once the cubes are frozen, pop them into a sealed bag: left uncovered, they dry out quickly. |
| Individual cups with lids | Snacks | Take one out the night before and let it thaw in the fridge: it's ready for the next day's snack. |
How long does applesauce last in the freezer?
Applesauce keeps for 3 months in the freezer without losing quality. After that, it's still safe to eat, but its flavor and texture may change slightly.
For best results, keep your freezer at 0 °F (-18 °C) and store the applesauce toward the back, away from the door, where the temperature changes more.
How to thaw applesauce
The best method is to thaw it slowly in the fridge. Allow a few hours for a small portion and overnight for a large container. That way, it stays close to its original texture.
In a hurry? You can also use:
- the microwave on the defrost setting, stirring every 30 seconds to avoid hot spots;
- a saucepan over low heat, stirring often, if you'd like to serve it warm. Avoid thawing applesauce on the counter at room temperature: it encourages bacterial growth.
Once thawed, keep the applesauce in a covered container in the fridge and eat it within 48 hours. It may be a little runnier than before: just stir it well, or simmer it for a few minutes over low heat to thicken it.
Special cases
Applesauce for babies
Homemade applesauce for babies freezes very well. Ice cube trays are perfect for making small portions that you can adjust as your baby's appetite grows.
Just be extra careful with hygiene: use very clean containers, freeze the applesauce as soon as it has cooled, and always thaw it in the fridge. Once thawed, don't keep a portion your baby has already eaten from: the spoon brings in bacteria.
Store-bought applesauce
An opened jar of store-bought applesauce only keeps for a few days in the fridge. To avoid wasting it, transfer what's left into a freezer-safe container and freeze it.
Applesauce pouches can go in the freezer too, but the applesauce expands as it freezes. If a pouch is full, transfer the applesauce into a container with some headspace.
My recipes with applesauce
Ready to get baking? Here are a few of my recipes with applesauce:
Conclusion
Freezing fruit sauce is a practical and effective method to extend its shelf life while preserving its flavors.
Whether you've made too much or simply want to enjoy seasonal fruits all year round, freezing is an ideal solution.
