How to Freeze Raspberries for Smoothies and Desserts

5 from 1 vote

How to Freeze Raspberries for Smoothies and Desserts

Freezing raspberries is a great way to prevent food waste. Learn how to freeze raspberries with or without sugar to preserve their freshness for smoothies and baking!

Prep Time5

Freezing Time2

Total Time2 5

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: frozen raspberries, how to freeze raspberries, how to freeze raspberries for smoothies

Servings:

Author: Kari A

Equipment

parchment paper
baking sheet

Ingredients

4-6 quarts fresh raspberries

Instructions

Choose ripe raspberries and rinse them gently in a colander with cold water, then spread them out on a towel. Pat dry with paper towels and make sure to let them dry completely before freezing.
4-6 quarts fresh raspberries
While the berries dry, line a baking sheet that will fit in your freezer with parchment paper.
Spread the dry raspberries out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag and freeze overnight. Label and date the bag and gently squeeze out excess air.
When you're ready to bake with the raspberries or make a smoothie, use them directly from the freezer.
Store frozen raspberries for 10-12 months.

Notes

Use the raspberries right from the freezer - there's no need to wait for them to thaw. (And if you let them thaw, they will be mushy!)

Sugar Pack Raspberries with Sugar

I normally freeze fruit without sugar, but if you intend to make jam with some of your berries, you can sugar pack some of the berries by measuring out about 1 quart of raspberries and sprinkling 3/4 of a cup of sugar over them. (I use these 16-ounce freezer-safe containers – they look like Chinese food containers but the plastic doesn’t get brittle when frozen.)

Toss and gently mash until the berries start to release some juice and the sugar is dissolved, then freeze the mixture in a bag or container. Label and use these berries for making jam, pie, or preserves later in the year when you can't get fresh berries.

You can also pack crushed raspberries without sweetener in small containers to use for making jam or pie filling.

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