Freezing apples for pie filling is a fantastic way to enjoy homemade apple pie all year round without the hassle of prepping fresh apples every time. Whether you have a bushel of apples from a recent harvest or just want to save time for your next baking session, freezing your pie filling can make your life easier and your pies tastier. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide on how to freeze apples for pie filling that will keep your apples fresh and flavorful.
Why Freeze Apple Pie Filling?
Freezing apple pie filling saves you time on busy days, reduces waste by preserving your apples, and lets you enjoy fresh-tasting pie whenever the craving hits. Unlike freezing whole apples, pie filling is ready to use, so you just need to thaw, bake, and enjoy.
Step 1: Choose the Right Apples
For pie filling, pick apples that hold their shape and offer a good balance of sweet and tart flavors. Popular choices include:
– Granny Smith (tart and firm)
– Golden Delicious (sweet and soft)
– Honeycrisp (crisp and flavorful)
Using a mix can add complexity to your pie’s taste.
Step 2: Prepare Your Apples
- Wash, peel, core, and slice your apples into thin slices or small chunks, depending on your preference.
- To prevent browning, dip the slices in lemon juice or a mixture of water and lemon juice for a few minutes.
- Drain well before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Make the Pie Filling
Mix your apple slices with the following ingredients for a classic pie filling:
– Sugar (white or brown) to taste-about 3/4 cup for 6 cups of apples
– 2-3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour or cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
– Spices like cinnamon (3/4 teaspoon), nutmeg (1/8 teaspoon), and a pinch of salt
– A tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten flavors
Stir gently to coat the apples evenly.
Step 4: Portion and Freeze
There are two popular ways to freeze your pie filling:
Option A: Freeze in Freezer Bags
– Spoon the filling into quart-sized freezer bags, about 3-4 cups per bag (enough for one pie).
– Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
– Label each bag with the date and contents.
– Lay the bags flat in the freezer for easy storage and quick thawing.
Option B: Freeze in Pie Plates
– Line a pie plate with plastic wrap.
– Pour the filling into the pie plate.
– Cover tightly with plastic wrap and freeze until solid.
– Once frozen, remove the filling block, wrap it again in plastic or foil, and store in a freezer bag.
– This method is great if you want to bake the pie directly from frozen.
Step 5: Baking Your Frozen Pie Filling
When you’re ready to bake:
– No need to thaw the filling-just place it directly into a pie crust.
– Cover with your top crust, cut slits for steam to escape.
– Bake at 450°F for 25 minutes, then reduce to 375°F and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
– You might need to bake a little longer than usual since the filling is frozen.
Tips for Best Results
– Don’t over-spice before freezing: Some spices lose potency during freezing, so you can add a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg just before baking if you like.
– Use lemon juice: It helps prevent browning and keeps the apples tasting fresh.
– Flash freeze slices: If freezing apple slices separately, freeze them on a cookie sheet first to keep pieces from sticking together.
– Seal well: Properly sealing your bags or containers prevents freezer burn and preserves flavor.
Why Not Just Freeze Whole Apples?
Whole apples can be frozen but are best for cooking or making applesauce later. Their texture changes after freezing, so for pie filling, pre-slicing and mixing with sugar and spices is the way to go.
Freezing apple pie filling is a smart, convenient way to enjoy homemade pies with minimal effort. With just a little prep, you can have ready-to-bake filling waiting in your freezer for holidays, special occasions, or any day you want a slice of comfort.
Enjoy your baking adventures!
Got more questions about apple pie or freezing tips? Feel free to ask!