Here’s the best way to freeze strawberries (whole or cut) to enjoy all year long. This easy process takes just 5 minutes. It’s the best way to preserve a bunch of berries in strawberry season or keep ripe strawberries you don’t plan to use from being tossed.
Pro Tip: Use this method with strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
Want to freeze blueberries? Check out my frozen blueberry tutorial.
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What You’ll Love About This Easy Freezing Method
What You’ll Need to Freeze Strawberries
- Rimmed Sheet Pan or Cookie Sheet
- (optional) Parchment Paper
- Freezer Ziplock bag(s), silicone bag(s), or tempered glass container
- Fresh whole strawberries or cut strawberries or other berries (as many as desired)
How Do You Freeze Fresh Strawberries?
It may be tempting to dump strawberries in a bag and freeze, or freeze directly in the berry container, but this may result in a big clump of frozen berries or freezer burn. No bueno!
For the best results, freeze berries in a single layer on a sheet pan (called “flash freezing”), then store in a container or bag for the long-term (up to 6 months).
This way you’ll have delicious strawberries, available year-round to use for smoothies, yogurt bowls, overnight oats, and baking.
This freezing method works for all fresh berries: grocery store berries, farmers market berries, or home grown berries.
Video Guide: How to Freeze Fresh Berries
Step By Step Instructions With Photos
Step 1: Wash and Dry Berries
- Wash the fresh berries and dry thoroughly on a clean towel.
- Remove the green tops from the berries and discard. If you have a strawberry huller, use that to remove the green leaves. If not, use a paring knife to slice off the green stems.
- If freezing the berries, whole, move to the next step in the freezing process. If you’d like to freeze sliced berries, cut to desired size before the next step.
Washing Pro Tip: Wash the berries in a vinegar bath or in a sink or bowl filled with cold water. It’s important for the strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries (whatever you’re freezing) to be fully dry before freezing. Water (excess moisture) left on the berries will cause the berries to suffer freezer burn and stick together.
Step 2: Spread Berries on a Sheet Pan
- Once the strawberries are fully dry, spread the whole berries or cut berries on a parchment-lined baking sheet pan (or cookie sheet) in a single layer.
- For a large strawberry haul, use multiple sheet pans or work in batches with just one sheet pan.
- Place the berries in the freezer for 1 hour (or more), until fully frozen.
Pro Tip: Lining the sheet pan with parchment paper is optional, but highly recommended.
Flash Freezing: This method is known as flash freezing. Why do this? To avoid ice crystals from forming on the frozen fruit. This, in my opinion, is one of the easiest ways to preserve fresh fruit for a later date and avoid freezer burn. I do the same with other berries, as well as sliced bananas.
Step 3: Store Frozen Berries in a Freezer-Safe Bag or Container
- Once the berries are frozen, remove the sheet pan/cookie sheet from the freezer.
- Place the frozen berries in a plastic freezer bag or reusable bag (or multiple bags, depending on quantify) or freezer-safe container.
- Seal the bag, removing excess air from the bag as you press down on the bag and seal.
How Long Do Frozen Berries Last in the Freezer?
Berries may be safely stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
How to Freeze Strawberries (and Other Berries)
Equipment
- 1 rimmed sheet pan or cookie sheet
- 1 sheet of parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, blueberries blackberries, or raspberries. Freeze as many berries as will fit on your sheet pan.
Instructions
- Wash the berries and dry them thoroughly. I wash berries in a vinegar bath and then dry the berries on a towel for a couple of hours (how to use a vinegar bath for berries). If you're planning to freeze the berries immeadiately, skip the vinegar bath, if desired, and just run the berries under fresh water. It's important for the strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries to be fully dry before freezing. Water left on the berries will cause the berries to suffer from freezer burn.
- Once fully dry, spread the berries on a sheet pan/cookie sheet. I like to line my sheet pan with parchment paper to keep the berries from sticking to the pan once frozen. The berries should be in a single layer.
- Place the sheet pan in the freezer and freeze for about an hour (time will vary depending on amount and size of berries). This method is known as "flash freezing."
- Once the berries are completely frozen, spoon or dump the berries into an airtight container: a plastic freezer bag, silicone bag, or tempered glass container. If using a bag, remove extra air from the bag before sealing–this will prevent freezer burn issues.
- Store in the freezer for up to 6 months. Use the frozen berries to make muffins, smoothies, overnight oats, yogurt bowls, froyo, and other delicious meals.
Notes
Don’t let it rot!
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11 Different Ways to Use Frozen Strawberries and Other Berries
Here are some ways to use frozen strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries.
- Chia Jam: A quick berry jam for toast, sandwiches, and biscuits. Cookie and Kate has a great berry chia jam recipe.
- Blueberry Muffins: Use my master einkorn muffin recipe to make frozen blueberry muffins. If you’re gluten-free, try my almond flour blueberry muffins.
- Strawberry Smoothie: Add 1 cup frozen berries to a blender jar, along with 1/2-1 cup of milk or yogurt, and a banana for a simple smoothie. Here’s my guide to making the best smoothies.
- Popsicles: Blend berries with yogurt and some water, then pour into popsicle molds and freeze. You can also create a more custom pop like these Strawberry Lemonade Cream Pops using strawberries or blueberries.
- Strawberry Sauce: Use strawberries, water, and honey to make a delicious strawberry sauce/syrup for ice cream, milk, or stir into plain yogurt.
- Scones: Scones are a great treat for a weekend breakfast. Use frozen blueberries to create homemade scones using this recipe.
- Berry Frozen Yogurt (Froyo): Blend up frozen strawberries or blueberries to make a homemade frozen yogurt treat.
- Yogurt Bowls: Top plain yogurt with frozen berries and honey or granola. Add chopped fresh mint in the summer.
- Fruit-on-the-Bottom Yogurt: Add frozen berries (or any frozen fruit) to the bottom of a mason jar, then top with yogurt and place in the fridge. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The frozen fruit slowly melts, creating the best fruit-on-the-bottom yogurt. Stir the fruit into the yogurt before serving.
- Straight From the Freezer: The perfect frozen snack or treat.
- Strawberry Ice Cream: Use frozen berries, cream, whole milk, and honey to make homemade ice cream.
- Smoothie Packs: Package frozen fruit into individual bags or containers so the fruit is ready to blend for smoothies.
- Frozen Fruit Overnight Oats: Add frozen berries to overnight oats for a macro-friendly breakfast or snack.
My Favorite Frozen Berry Recipes
OVERNIGHT OATS: Perfect for busy mornings
YOGURT BOWLS: Top yogurt with the frozen berries.
STRAWBERRY FROYO: A light and delicious dessert.
EINKORN BLUEBERRY MUFFINS: Because who doesn’t love a blueberry muffin?
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