Ways to Preserve Apples

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We are blessed with a big, old apple tree and the abundance it provides us each fall fills our pantry for months to come. Apples are incredibly easy to preserve in a number of different ways for all of your meal planning and snacking needs.

Apple trees tend to be productive, so look for local apples whenever possible. Check local Facebook groups and other apps to see who might have them cheaply or even free before buying whatever the grocery store has on hand.

Whether you’re looking to can, freeze (yes, you can freeze apples), or dehydrate the apple harvest this fall, we’ve got you covered with full recipes and tutorials.

A photo of apples in a basket sit on top of another photo of a jar of apple butter with a spoon on top. A text overlay box is between the stacked photos and reads: easy ways to preserve apples.

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Ways to Preserve Apples

Save the apple harvest for eating all winter long with these easy and delicious ideas for preservation.

Canning

These recipes are great for keeping things shelf stable and not taking up any room in the freezer, in many cases they can also work for great gifts.

A jar of chunky applesauce on a table with fresh apples, a napkin, and a spoon.

Canning Chunky Applesauce

This is the thing we personally do the most of each year. We eat lots of it as snacks, I puree it to use in baking and so much more. It’s unsweetened and perfect for a multitude of things.

An open jar of apple butter with a spoon sitting on top sits on a table. Behind it are more sealed jars of apple butter and a basket of fresh apples. In front are red maple leaves.

Maple Apple Butter

Lightly sweetened with maple syrup and full of spice, this thick spread is ideal for toast and pancakes. It’s also a frugal and flavorful gift to share with friends and family.

Jars of cranberry apple butter on a table with maple leaves and fresh apples.

Cranberry Apple Butter Recipe for Canning

A tart and bright twist on the classic apple butter with the addition of fresh cranberries. It’s a great way to celebrate seasonal produce and share with loved ones.

Canning Apple Pie Filling

Photo Credit: rootsy.org

Make and can apple pie filling when apples are fresh for easy pie making during the holiday feast season.

Canning Apple Slices

Photo Credit: practicalselfreliance.com

If you’re uncertain about how you want to use your apple harvest, apple slices are versatile for pie, making sauce later, and so much more in an easy canning project.

Dehydrating

Apples dehydrate well and are a filling, nutritious snack. They bake up in cookies and other desserts easily, add substance to oatmeal and more. They’re also incredibly light for snacking while on a hike or road trip.