How to Freeze Strawberries

Learning how to freeze strawberries is easy and takes no time at all. Perfect for smoothies, pies, and jams, frozen strawberries are flavorful and full of vitamins!

Sometimes I find myself with too many strawberries on hand. Either I purchased too many from the store or I had an abundance ripe from the garden, and there is no way I am going to let these tasty little gems go to waste.

When I do have an abundance, I will freeze them! It takes no time at all and very little effort on my part.

How to freeze strawberries?

• Rinse and pat strawberries dry. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and flash freeze for two hours.
• Transfer frozen strawberries to a freezer safe container, label, and return to the freezer.

What is flash freezing?

Flash freezing food is a quick freeze of object in a few hours, typically done by freezing small pieces individually. Flash freezing typically doesn’t diminish quality, color, or flavor of the food.

How long do frozen strawberries last in the freezer?

Strawberries can last up to a year in the freezer but are probably most flavorful when eaten within 6 months of freezing.

What can you use frozen strawberries for?

Frozen strawberries are ideal for smoothies! Along with frozen bananas, frozen strawberries are my go-to for a delicious, nutritious smoothie.

You can also use thawed frozen strawberries to make jams, syrups, pies, or in most baked goods!

Swap them in for the blueberries in this coffee cake or for the cranberries these muffins! Yum!

Can you use frozen strawberries for chocolate dipped strawberries?

Unfortunately, you don’t want to do this. Chocolate dipped (or white chocolate dippped) strawberries need fresh, firm strawberries. Frozen strawberries, once they are thawed will be soft, and watery.

Best to stick with using them in baked goods or smoothies.

Can you freeze strawberries whole?

Yes! No need to slice, just rinse, pat dry, and flash freeze. Then transfer to your freezer container.

Should you slice strawberries before freezing?

It’s up to you. If you are going to use them in baked goods it might be nice to slices or chunks pre-sliced and frozen.

Do you need to cut the green top off before freezing?

The green tops are edible and full of vitamins. If you are using the strawberries for smoothies, then I recommend leaving the leaves on. They will blend up with your smoothies.

If you are making jams or baked goods with the strawberries then I like to take them off before freezing so you don’t have them floating around in the final product.

How to freeze strawberries with sugar?

• Rinse strawberries and remove the green leaves.
• Cut the strawberries into slices.
• Place the strawberries in a bowl and add a tablespoon of sugar for every cup of sliced strawberries.
• Stir and allow to sit for an hour, stirring a few times.
• Freeze right away, either in plastic containers or silicone trays. Make sure to include the syrup/juice with the strawberries when you freeze.

Macerated strawberries are perfect for topping ice cream or short cakes. They will thaw soft and not be mushy.

What containers to freeze strawberries in?

Freeze in a freezer safe Ziploc bad, in a cube or a freezer safe container (amazon affiliate links).

How to make a frozen fruit mix?

• Add cut strawberries, blueberries, bananas or other fruit to the baking sheet and flash freeze in order to a make a fruit medley.
• Then use this premade mix in smoothies!

Questions frequently asked:

Check out how to freeze broccoli, bananas, and corn too!