How to Freeze Strawberries (Step-By-Step Guide)

Learn how to freeze strawberries, and keep them on hand throughout the year thanks to this simple step-by-step guide!

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How to Freeze Strawberries To Enjoy All Year Long

Is there anything better than the sweet flavor of fresh, in-season strawberries? They’re so delicious I crave them all year long!

Unfortunately, they’re only in season for a few months. Of course, you can find fresh strawberries at your local grocery store. However, they just don’t quite taste the same as the ones you buy from your local farmer’s market.

So, I like to stock up when they’re in season and freeze them to enjoy for months! I’ll show you how to freeze strawberries with a simple step-by-step guide. With my tips and tricks, you can enjoy fresh strawberries anytime you want!

(If you’re looking for strawberry recipes to put your fruit to good use I’ve got you covered! Check out these Strawberry Waffles, Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake, and these 34 Mouthwatering Strawberry Desserts Perfect for Spring, too!)

Top down images of strawberries, cooking in a saucepan.

How to Prep Fresh Strawberries

Wash: Wash the strawberries well to remove any dirt or debris. You can put them in a strainer and run cold water over them.
Cut off the stems: You might hear some people recommend leaving the stems on to freeze their strawberries. However, I’m all about prepping so that I can use them right away once they thaw! Therefore, I like to cut off the tops of my strawberries. Then, just discard the stems.

How to Freeze Strawberries

Whole Strawberries

Pat dry: Use a clean paper towel or towel to gently pat the strawberries dry. Be careful not to press down on them! Otherwise, they might bruise or break. Just pat off the excess water.
Arrange the berries on a baking sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the whole strawberries on the baking sheet in a single layer.
Flash freeze: Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer for about two hours or until the strawberries freeze completely.
Store: Once the berries are frozen, remove them from the baking sheet, and add them to a freezer-safe sealable bag. Make sure that you carefully squeeze out the air inside the bag! The frozen berries will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 12 months.

Sliced Strawberries

The good news is that freezing sliced strawberries is just as simple as freezing whole strawberries!

Wash and dry the strawberries as listed above.
Slice the berries into pieces.
Arrange them on a baking sheet, and freeze them for two hours or until solid.
Transfer the sliced strawberries to a freezer-safe bag, and freeze them for up to 12 months.

A stack of strawberry waffles topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

How to Bake with Frozen Strawberries

Unless the recipe states otherwise, it’s best to allow frozen strawberries to thaw completely before baking. Then, drain the excess liquid, and follow the recipe as usual.

If you add frozen strawberries to your baked goods without thoroughly thawing them, they will continue to release moisture as they bake. This can potentially ruin your recipe!

For the best results, thaw your berries in the fridge overnight.

Ways to Use Frozen Strawberries

Use frozen strawberries in all the same ways you use fresh strawberries! If you’re looking for ideas to get you started, I like adding them to:

Quick Tips

If there are any soft spots on the berries, cut that part off before freezing.
Strawberries are naturally sweet. However, to enhance their flavor further you can add a bit of sugar to the bag, and toss to coat the berries before freezing.

Did you find this guide on how to freeze strawberries helpful? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!