Can You Freeze Applesauce?
Yes, you can! Applesauce freezes well because it contains water and sugar. The freezing process helps preserve its texture and flavor.
If you have any applesauce on hand, there are other ways to enjoy this delicious treat. For example, you could try using it as a base for an apple pie filling, topping off a bowl of cereal, or even making a quick snack out of it.
What is Applesauce Made of?
Applesauce is a thick fruit puree that comes from apple juice and sweeteners. It’s often served at breakfast or dessert. You can use unsweetened applesauce in many recipes. For example, you can add it to pancakes, waffles, muffins, pies, cakes, ice cream, smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, baked goods, and more.
You can also make your applesauce by blending peeled, cored, chopped apples with the right amount of water and sugar until smooth. To prevent oxidation, keep your applesauce refrigerated after it has been made.
The best way to store applesauce is in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you want to freeze applesauce, you should put it into freezer-safe containers. Make sure not to fill them too full as they may burst when frozen.
How to Freeze Homemade Applesauce?
Applesauce is an easy and popular staple to have in the fridge. The problem is that applesauce usually goes off before we can finish the jar, which means the apple juice has lost its taste.
Instead of waiting until the juice has gone wrong, why not freeze it?
It takes some preparation, but freezing the applesauce will preserve it for longer, and it tastes just as good.
Process:
STEP 1: Peel, core, and wash the apples. While you could go to the store to buy apples, they’re effortless to make at home.
STEP 2: Wash the apples, remove the skin, and cut the apples into quarters.
STEP 3: Transfer the apples to a large pot or saucepan and cover them with a cup of water. Bring the apples to a boil, then lower to medium heat—Cook the apples for about 30 minutes.
STEP 4: Drain the water and remove the apples from the heat. Please put them in a large bowl and mash them with a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon.
STEP 5: Add the lemon juice and stir well to combine.
STEP 6: Transfer the homemade applesauce to an airtight container and freeze it. The applesauce should keep in the freezer for several months. It’s easy to defrost and can be made into homemade applesauce again.
Can you Freeze Store-bought Applesauce?
Yes, you can! When it comes to cooking, apple-based sauces like applesauce can be hard to beat. They’re inexpensive and versatile, and they often have added ingredients that make them healthier.
This is particularly true for the applesauce sold in the can. In addition to being lower in fat and calories than regular applesauce, the ones sold in can usually contain added flavors like a bit of cinnamon and molasses.
Process:
STEP 1: Drain the applesauce.
The best way to prepare store-bought applesauce is by draining off the excess moisture before freezing it. This allows the applesauce to thaw more quickly and keeps the applesauce from turning into a sticky mess.
STEP 2: Make sure it’s thick.
To ensure that your applesauce freezes up to a nice firm consistency, stir in a few tablespoons of cornstarch or tapioca starch. Stir this mixture until it turns into a thick paste, and then let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
The cornstarch will thicken the applesauce while the tapioca starch acts as a stabilizer, preventing the applesauce from becoming watery when you freeze it.
STEP 3: Freeze it.
You can freeze your applesauce right away, or you can do a little prep work first. If you want to go ahead and freeze it immediately, place the applesauce in a Ziploc freezer bag and store it in the freezer.
If you want to pre-chill the applesauce, wrap it in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator for several hours.
How to Defrost Frozen Homemade Applesauce
If you’ve been making your applesauce lately, you might be wondering how you can defrost applesauce or whether you can leave the applesauce out to thaw.
Unfortunately, this isn’t possible because the delicious applesauce contains sugar and other ingredients that help preserve the texture of applesauce.
You can use any of the methods below to defrost frozen applesauce.
Method #1:
STEP 1: Remove the applesauce from the freezer.
Remove the applesauce from its packaging and set it aside. Don’t worry about getting all of the ice crystals off the container; these won’t hurt anything.
STEP 2: Put it in the fridge. Place the applesauce in the refrigerator for about an hour. After an hour, check to see if the applesauce has completely thawed. If not, continue letting it cool down in the refrigerator for another hour or two.
Method #2:
STEP 1: Line up the containers.
Thawing frozen foods can be a tricky business. It’s much easier to thaw items if placed in a single, organized stack. To do this, use one or more of the same-sized containers in which the applesauce was packaged.
STEP 2: Thaw the applesauce.
Place the containers in a sink full of cold water. Let the applesauce thaw slowly over time. You can speed up the process by running the faucet on low.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freezing Applesauce:
What happens when you freeze applesauce?
Applesauce is an excellent addition to any meal. It’s healthy, delicious, and versatile. However, freezing applesauce presents a challenge. When you freeze applesauce, you risk having the applesauce become watery.
This means that your applesauce will lose its texture and taste. For best results, follow the steps outlined above.
Why does my homemade applesauce turn watery after I freeze it?
When you freeze applesauce, you create tiny air pockets inside the applesauce. These air bubbles expand as the applesauce warms back up. The expansion causes the applesauce to become watery.
Can I freeze applesauce without worrying about it becoming watery?
Yes, but only if you take extra care when preparing the applesauce.
Is it better to can or freeze applesauce?
Canned applesauce tastes fresher than frozen applesauce. On top of that, canned applesauce also lasts longer. However, there are some reasons why you might want to make your applesauce. Canned applesauce often contains preservatives and additives.
In addition, canned applesauce doesn’t always contain enough apple flavor. Finally, canned applesauce is more expensive than homemade applesauce.
How long can you freeze applesauce?
Freeze applesauce for up to 6 months. However, once you open the container, you need to consume the applesauce within 2 weeks.
You can keep applesauce frozen indefinitely. As long as the applesauce remains cold, it should stay fresh. You can use frozen applesauce in recipes where you usually use fresh applesauce.
How do I reheat frozen applesauce?
To reheat frozen applesauce, put them in the microwave on low for about 30 seconds. Alternatively, you can heat them in a saucepan on the stovetop.
How do I store leftover applesauce?
Store leftover applesauce in the fridge. Don’t let the applesauce sit out at room temperature for too long to avoid spoiling.
Last Words
The key to successfully freezing applesauce is to plan. Make sure to prepare the applesauce before freezing. Also, remember that the applesauce needs to remain cold during the entire freezing process. Otherwise, you may end up with watery applesauce.
