How to Freeze Strawberries and Frozen Strawberry Recipes
on Oct 12, 2022
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When the winter ice begins to thaw and the springtime sun rears its head, you can count on a bountiful harvest of fresh, juicy strawberries. As spring turns to summer, strawberries get bigger, sweeter and juicier. There’s nothing quite like picking your own batch of fresh strawberries or getting a pound or two from the farmer’s market.
If you’ve got way too many fresh strawberries on your hands, freezing is a great way to store and preserve them for future use. Frozen strawberries can last up to a year and can be used in so many delicious ways.
Can You Freeze Strawberries?
Absolutely! Strawberries are one of the easiest fruits to freeze. They can be frozen whole, sliced or cut into cubes. Frozen strawberries can be used in a variety of delicious recipes and best of all, they retain their flavor after thawing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- fresh strawberries
- vinegar
- water
(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)
How to Freeze Strawberries
- Add vinegar and water to a large mixing bowl. Add fresh strawberries to the mixture, stir quickly, and soak for about 1 minute. Rinse the strawberries thoroughly and remove any soft spots.
- Remove the green leaves. You can freeze strawberries whole or cut them into slices or quarters.
- Place strawberries on paper towels and pat dry completely. It’s very important to make sure that your strawberries are completely dry so that they won’t get freezer-burned.
- Once they’re dry, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in one single layer.
- Place them in the freezer for about 4 hours or until frozen solid.
- Remove the frozen strawberries from the baking sheet and place them in freezer safe bags. Remove all air from your bags and seal tightly. Keep them in the freezer until ready to use.
Tips for Freezing Strawberries Properly
- It’s best to use fresh red strawberries that are bright and firm for the best results.
- Wash with vinegar water to remove any bacteria or pesticide residue before freezing.
- Sliced strawberries will defrost faster and therefore are usually easier to use in smoothies or baked goods.
- Make sure your strawberries are completely dry before freezing.
- Place the strawberries in one single layer without touching each other on the baking sheet.
What to Do with Frozen Strawberries?
What can’t you do with frozen strawberries? Of course, these berries are popular ingredients in smoothies and milkshakes, but there’s so much more that can be done with them. Frozen strawberries can be used in baked goods like cobblers, pies and scones. Get the party started with strawberry cocktails like the margarita or daiquiri. Frozen strawberries can also be used to make sauces, fillings and even salad dressing!
Best Frozen Strawberry Recipes
Using Frozen Strawberries in Drinks
- Strawberry Daiquiri: This sweet cocktail will have you feeling like you’re on a beach in the Caribbean. You’ll need frozen strawberries, lemon and lime juice, plus a white or dark rum of your choosing. Virgin strawberry daiquiris are perfect for kids or expectant moms.
Frozen Strawberry Margarita: This summery cocktail is a popular menu option at bars and Mexican restaurants. Make it at home using frozen strawberries, tequila, triple sec and lime juice. Dip the rim of your glass in salt or sugar for an authentic margarita experience.
Frozen Strawberry Lemonade: This alcohol-free drink is sweet, tangy and refreshing. Simply blend frozen strawberries, fresh lemon juice and sugar and water until your drink is smooth.
Strawberry Smoothie: A classic strawberry smoothie is sweet, fruity and creamy. Combine frozen strawberries, a fresh banana, Greek yogurt, ice and milk. Blend until smooth. Feel free to use plant-based milk or yogurt.
Frozen Strawberries in Syrup: Strawberry syrup makes a delicious topping for pancakes or can be used as a filling in pies or puff pastries. Make a simple syrup by boiling water and sugar in a large pot until the mixture becomes thick and syrupy. Allow the syrup to cool before adding in your strawberries. Use a mason jar to store in the freezer.
Using Frozen Strawberries in Baked Goods and Desserts
Frozen strawberries are great for desserts and other sweet treats. Try dusting the frozen berries with a layer of cornstarch or flour. This will help thicken the juices released from the frozen berries.
- Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake: This simple recipe is such a crowd pleaser! It’s sweet, creamy and melts in your mouth. Blend frozen strawberries, stir in whipping cream and cream cheese, then add sugar and lemon zest. Pour cheesecake mixture into a baked graham cracker crust and freeze for at least four hours.
Strawberry Ice Cream: What could be more delicious than fresh, homemade strawberry ice cream? This old fashioned recipe combines frozen strawberries, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, milk, sugar and lemon juice. Once everything is smoothly churned, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s directions.
Strawberry Cookies: These simple strawberry cookies require only frozen berries, flour, butter, sugar, baking powder, milk and egg. Work the ingredients into a thick dough and allow the dough to chill for about an hour. Using a tablespoon, portion the dough into balls and bake until the edges are lightly browned.
Frozen Strawberry Pancakes: Have dessert for breakfast with these delicious strawberry pancakes! Simply blend frozen strawberries until smooth and add to your pancake batter. Fresh strawberries or strawberry syrup can be used as garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Better to Freeze Strawberries Whole or Sliced?
Both options work just as well. The advantage with freezing sliced strawberries is that they take less time to thaw. If you won’t be thawing your berries, it’s fine to freeze them whole.
How to Freeze Strawberries without them Getting Mushy?
Start off by selecting the best strawberries. You want berries that are ripe, but firm. Go ahead and slice off any bruised or soft spots. After washing your berries, use a paper towel to ensure they’re completely dry. These steps will help prevent the fruit from getting mushy.
How Long Can You Freeze Strawberries?
Frozen strawberries can be stored for up to a year in the freezer. By freezing fresh strawberries in the summer and spring, you can be sure you’ll be able to enjoy them long after strawberry season has passed.
Best Way to Freeze Strawberries
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- 1 cup vinegar
- 3 cups water
Instructions
Wash and clean strawberries
- Add vinegar and water to a large mixing bowl. Add fresh strawberries to the mixture, stir quickly, and soak for about 1 minute.
- Rinse the strawberries thoroughly and remove any soft spots.
Remove the green leaves and dry strawberries
- Remove the green leaves. You can freeze strawberries whole or cut them into slices or quarters. (Keep in mind that the whole strawberries will take longer to defrost.)
- Place strawberries on paper towels and pat dry completely. It’s very important to make sure that your strawberries are completely dry so that they won’t get freezer-burned.
Freeze the strawberries
- Once they’re dry, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in one single layer.
- Place them in the freezer for about 4 hours or until frozen solid.
- Remove the frozen strawberries from the baking sheet and place them in freezer safe bags. Remove all air from your bags and seal tightly. Keep them in the freezer until ready to use.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
