How To Freeze Peaches Step By Step Guide

5 1 Published Aug 04, 2021, Updated Jun 12, 2023

How to Freeze Peaches

Option 1: With the Skin

This option is my favorite because I’m a mama with limited time and I’m mostly using frozen peaches for smoothies and I don’t mind having the peel on them. Here’s how easy this three-step process is: Step 1: You can freeze the peaches (with the skin) whole, halved or sliced! Just wash the peaches well and then pat to dry. If you’re using halves or slices, pit the peaches and cut into halves or slices. I personally like freezing peaches in slices because I usually use 1-2 cups at a time and when they’re cut into slices it’s easier to pull out a small portion at a time. Plus, with halves or slices the peaches are already pitted, which can be helpful for certain uses. Step 2: Lay the peaches out in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 4-8 hours. 4 hours for slices, 6 hours for halves and around 8 hours for whole peaches. Step 2: Transfer the frozen peaches to a freezer-safe half gallon bag labeled with the date. I like using my reusable Stasher bags for this. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible. Return to the freezer.

Option 2: Blanched + Peeled

This option is best of you want the peaches peeled so you can use them for a variety of recipes in the future. It does involve a few extra steps but it’s still pretty easy. Step 1: Bring a pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat and preparing an ice water bath. Using a paring knife, make a small, shallow X in the bottom end of each peach. Lower the peaches into the boiling water and leave them there for 30 seconds. Step 2: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the peaches to the ice water bath. Step 3: Gently rub the skin from the peaches and peel it off with your hands. Step 4: You can freeze the peaches whole, halved or sliced. If you’re using halves or slices, pit the peaches and cut into halves or slices. Step 5: Lay the peaches out in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 4-8 hours. 4 hours for slices, 6 hours for halves and around 8 hours for whole peaches. Step 6: Transfer the frozen peaches to a freezer-safe half gallon bag labeled with the date. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible. Return to the freezer.

Freezing Peach Puree

Another option for freezing fresh peaches is to make peach puree and then freeze the puree in an ice cube tray. This is the method I use when I’m making peach baby food.

How to Use Frozen Peaches

There are so many ways to use frozen peaches! Here are a few ideas:

Smoothies – don’t worry about peeling your peaches for smoothies! Just pop the sliced frozen peaches right in a high powered blender with your favorite smoothie ingredients for a refreshing snack. Try my creamy peach smoothie. Peach oatmeal – mix it into traditional hot oatmeal or into overnight oats! Peach jam – I’m already dreaming about making peach jam this fall and winter! Add 1 1/2 cups of frozen peaches to a saucepan with 1 Tablespoon of coconut sugar and simmer while breaking up the peaches. Peach crisp – craving peach crisp in the off season? Not a problem this year! Here’s my go-to peach crisp recipe. Add to wine or cocktails – pop a couple frozen peaches into a glass of white wine or make a tasty peach cocktail.

How Long Do Frozen Peaches Last?

Peaches will keep in your freezer for 6 months to a year! Check them occasionally to make sure the peaches don’t have freezer burn on them… when this happens the peaches will lose their flavor.

How to Thaw Frozen Peaches

Okay, so you’ve frozen your peaches, but what happens when you’re ready to use them? I found that a lot of recipes actually call for frozen peaches (like my peach smoothie recipe), but if you need thawed peaches for a recipe you have a couple options! One option is to thaw the frozen peaches in the refrigerator. Place the frozen peaches that you want to thaw in dish and let them sit in the fridge until they defrost. If you need your peaches to thaw quickly you can use a water bath. Simply add the frozen peaches to a sealed bag and submerge the bag in cool water. Check the peaches and change the water every so often until the peaches have defrosted.