How to Freeze Strawberries
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Learn how to freeze strawberries the easy way so they stay fresh, flavorful, and ready for smoothies, baking, snacking, and more for months.
Every spring and summer, I end up with way too many strawberries between grocery store sales, farmers’ markets, and pick-your-own strawberry trips. Freezing strawberries is one of the easiest ways to preserve that fresh berry flavor so you can enjoy them months later in smoothies, desserts, sauces, and snacks.
It takes just a few simple steps and makes such a difference when strawberry season is over. You can enjoy them frozen, but also in so many other ways. We love strawberries, and freezing is one of our preferred methods of food preservation.
I love keeping frozen strawberries on hand because they make quick breakfasts and desserts so much easier. Toss them into smoothies, enjoy them as a cool treat, or thaw them for strawberry sauce, jam, and baked treats.
The best part is that freezing strawberries helps reduce food waste. Instead of watching fresh berries go bad in the fridge after a couple of days, you can preserve them at peak freshness and enjoy them long after the season ends.
Quick Bites About This Recipe
Flavor: Sweet, juicy strawberries with fresh berry flavor preserved beautifully in the freezer.
Skill Level: Super easy and beginner-friendly.
Swaps: This method also works well for blueberries, raspberries, peaches, and cherries.
Make Ahead: Freeze strawberries during peak season for easy year-round use.
Freezer Friendly: Frozen strawberries keep well for about 8-12 months.
Variations & Substitutions: Freeze strawberries whole, sliced, or halved, depending on how you plan to use them later.
How to Freeze Strawberries Ingredients
Fresh strawberries: Choose ripe, bright red strawberries without soft spots for the best flavor and texture after freezing. Smaller berries tend to freeze especially well.
Water: Used for rinsing and cleaning the strawberries before freezing.
Fruit and Veggie Wash: Helps remove dirt and residue from the strawberries during washing.
How to Make How to Freeze Strawberries
Start by washing the strawberries thoroughly. Fill a large bowl with cool water, then add a splash of vinegar and a little baking soda if you don’t have a fruit and veggie wash. Add the strawberries and gently swish them around for about a minute.
Drain the berries and rinse them thoroughly under cool, running water.
Lay the strawberries on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and dry them completely. This is one of the most important steps because excess moisture can cause ice crystals to form in the freezer.
Remove the stems from the strawberries. You can twist the tops off by hand if the berries are fresh, or use a small paring knife or strawberry huller.
Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the strawberries in a single layer, leaving a little space between each berry so they freeze individually rather than sticking together.
Place the tray into the freezer for 3-4 hours, or until the strawberries are completely frozen solid.
Transfer the frozen strawberries to freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to help prevent freezer burn.
Return the strawberries to the freezer and use them whenever needed for smoothies, desserts, sauces, and more.
How to Serve Frozen Strawberries
Frozen strawberries are perfect for smoothies, strawberry lemonade, strawberry apple fruit leather, milkshakes, oatmeal, yogurt bowls, sauces, jams, baked desserts, and frozen cocktails. I also love eating them straight from the freezer as a refreshing snack during warmer months.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Dry the strawberries completely before freezing to reduce ice crystals.
- Freeze strawberries in a single layer first so they do not freeze into one giant clump.
- Slice larger strawberries before freezing if you plan to use them for smoothies.
- Label freezer bags with the date so you know when they were frozen.
- Remove as much air as possible from freezer bags to help prevent freezer burn.
How to Freeze Strawberries
Ingredients
- 2 pounds strawberries fresh
- 4 cups water
- fruit and veggie wash
Instructions
- Fill a large bowl with the water and add a little bit of fruit and veggie wash. Add the strawberries and gently move them around in the mixture for about 1 minute to help loosen dirt and debris.2 pounds strawberries, 4 cups water, fruit and veggie wash
- Drain the strawberries and rinse thoroughly under cool running water.
- Place the strawberries onto a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and dry completely. Removing excess moisture helps prevent ice crystals from forming during freezing.
- Remove the stems from the strawberries using your hands, a small knife, or a strawberry huller.
- Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Arrange the strawberries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each berry so they freeze individually.
- Freeze the strawberries for 3-4 hours or until completely frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen strawberries to freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. Press out as much excess air as possible before sealing.
- Label the bags with the date and store in the freezer for up to 12 months.
Notes
- Substitutions: You can use this same freezing method for blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, peaches, and cherries.
- Storage: Store frozen strawberries in airtight freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 12 months for the best flavor and texture.
- Enjoy: Thaw strawberries overnight in the refrigerator or use them from frozen in smoothies, desserts, and sauces. We like them as a snack too!