Can You Freeze Applesauce?

Applesauce is a great dessert to make from leftover apples. It’s simple to make and can. The problem with applesauce is that it can’t be stored for too long whether it’s at room temperature or in the fridge. What if you want to store it for a couple of months? Would freezing applesauce be an option?

So, can you freeze applesauce? Yes, you can freeze applesauce. It freezes well due to its high content of water. If stored in an airtight container or a freezer bag, applesauce can last up to 3 months.

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Do Applesauce Freeze Well?

Applesauce tends to freeze very well due to its high water content. However, freezing them may cause their texture to change a bit.

Applesauce contains water and water will usually cause crystals to form and separate from the solid matter when it’s frozen.

Fortunately, the crystals issue shouldn’t be much of a problem. As it thaws, you can simply give it a quick stir and the consistency will become thicker.

How To Freeze Applesauce

Applesauce is one of that food that’s quite simple to freeze due to its high moisture content.

There are two methods to freezing applesauce and it depends on what you’ll be using it for. If you have a lot of applesauce left and want to make it for a quick snack later, freeze them in portion.

Another way is to freeze the applesauce as an ice cube. This makes it easy to make smoothies and other drinks.

Below are the two different methods for freezing applesauce:

Freezing Applesauce in Portions

Make sure the applesauce is cool to room temperature first.
Depending on how much you want to use at a time, portion them out in the freezer bag. This way, it will make it easier for you to remove them from the freezer and the applesauce won’t go to waste.
If using a freezer bag, make sure to remove any excess air from it before sealing it tightly.
If using an airtight container, make sure to leave a small space at the top. This will allow the applesauce to expand when it’s frozen.
Label the bag or container with the freezing date.
Place it into the freezer.

Freezing Applesauce in Cubes

Start by taking a couple of ice cube trays and giving them a good wash.
Spoon the applesauce and place it into each slot. Leave a small space to allow the applesauce to expand as it freezes.
Place the tray of the applesauce into the freezer. Leave it in there for about 3-4 hours.
Once it’s completely frozen, remove it from the freezer.
Immediately transfer the frozen applesauce from the tray to an airtight container or freezer bag.
If using a freezer bag, press on the bag to remove any air that may be in there.
For an airtight container, keep them from overfilling it.
Seal the bag or container tightly.
Label the bag or container with the freezing date and place them into the freezer.

How Long Can You Freeze Applesauce?

Applesauce that’s properly stored will last up to 3 months in the freezer. This means the sauce needs to be stored in a freezer bag or an airtight container. These items are designed to handle the extreme freezing temperature without cracking or breaking.

After 3 months in the freezer, the quality of the applesauce will start to deteriorate. Mostly, you’ll notice the texture will start to become mushy and watery, and the taste of it will become a bit bland.

Therefore, you should try to use or eat applesauce within 3 months.

How Do You Defrost Applesauce?

Defrosting the applesauce will depend on what you’ll be using it for. For making smoothies and other drinks, there’s no need to defrost the applesauce first. Simply remove the amount of applesauce you need from the freezer and place them directly into the smoothies while it’s being blended.

If you want to eat frozen applesauce, you’ll need to thaw them first. The best method for this is to put the applesauce into the fridge and let them thaw overnight or for at least 4-6 hours.

When defrosting them in the fridge, make sure to now add water to it. Doing so will cause the applesauce to become watery.

If you need the applesauce much sooner, you can place the bag of applesauce into a bowl of cool water. Every few minutes, you can press on the bag to break them up so they’ll defrost much quicker.

Can You Refreeze Applesauce?

It’s never a good idea to refreeze applesauce. Once it has been frozen and thawed, the texture and flavor will have degraded already. Thawed applesauce will become a little watery and mushy.

By freezing the applesauce once more, the flavor and texture of it will degrade even more. The result from eating applesauce that has been frozen twice will be a bland taste and watery applesauce.

Can Frozen Applesauce Go Bad?

Yes, frozen applesauce can go bad. It can go bad if it’s left in the freezer for a prolonged time or it’s left to thaw for too long.

Applesauce has a shelf life in the freezer of about 3 months. After that, the quality of it will start to degrade slowly. It will still be safe to eat, but you won’t enjoy the taste of it much.

If it’s left for longer than 6 months, more than likely it has suffered severe freezer burn. The applesauce will lose all of its texture and flavor. If you try to eat or use it, it will be like eating a piece of an ice block that’s bland.

Another way that frozen applesauce can go bad is when it’s left to thaw for too long. If you left it in the fridge to thaw and forgot about it, it will last for a day before it starts to go bad. While the fridge will keep it cool, the applesauce will melt and become watery.