Freeze Peaches the Easy Way

Freeze peaches to capture the sweet taste of summer and enjoy it all year long. This simple method keeps ripe peaches fresh, juicy, and ready for your favorite recipes without the texture changes that come with canning. Frozen slices are perfect for blending into smoothies, baking into cobblers, or swirling into creamy ice creams. With just a few quick steps, you can preserve that sun‑ripened flavor and have peaches on hand whenever a craving hits.

How to Freeze Peaches

this recipe

Peaches ripen quickly, and once they pass their peak, they bruise easily. Freezing them stops that process and locks in their fresh flavor. The method is simple: peel the fruit, slice it, give it a splash of lemon water, and freeze until solid. Here’s the step‑by‑step process:

1. Peel the peaches – Prepare a bowl of ice water and bring a pot of water to a boil. Drop 2–3 peaches into the boiling water for about 45 seconds, then quickly transfer them to the ice bath. Once cooled, make a small cut in the skin and gently slip it off with your fingers.
2. Slice and coat with lemon water – Remove the pits and cut the peaches into thin slices. Combine 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of water and gently toss the slices to prevent browning.
3. Freeze on a tray – Spread the slices on a parchment‑lined baking sheet, keeping them from touching, and freeze for 3–4 hours until firm.
4. Store in a bag or container – Transfer the frozen slices to an airtight bag or container. If using a bag, remove as much air as possible, label with the date, and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Storage Tips

Once your peach slices are frozen solid, store them in the freezer for up to 6 months for the best taste and texture. They can technically last close to a year, but after the first few months, they start to develop ice crystals and lose some flavor. For the freshest, juiciest results, aim to use your frozen peaches within 3 months.

How to Thaw Frozen Peaches

When it’s time to enjoy your frozen peaches, there are several ways to use them depending on the recipe:

1. For baked desserts or cooking: Place the frozen slices in a colander and rinse under warm water for about a minute. Shake off excess water—they can still be firm in the center—and they’re ready for peach crisps, cobblers, or sauces.
2. For smoothies: No thawing required! Add frozen peaches directly into your blender for smoothies like peach‑mango, peach‑banana, or classic peach.
3. For no‑bake recipes or drinks: Leave the peaches at room temperature for about an hour. They will release some juice as they thaw, giving them a lightly cooked texture—perfect for peach sangria, salsas, or compotes.

Recipes Using Frozen Peaches

Homemade frozen peaches have a sweet, vibrant flavor that outshines most store‑bought frozen fruit. Because they retain their natural taste and juiciness, they work beautifully in a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious ways to use your frozen peach slices:

• Baked treats: Add them to a warm peach cobbler, a classic peach crisp, or peach muffins for a burst of summer flavor.
• Frozen desserts: Blend them into creamy peach ice cream, churn a refreshing peach sorbet, or layer them in a peach parfait.
• Breakfast favorites: Toss into oatmeal, mix into yogurt, or make peach‑banana smoothies for a quick start to the day.
• Refreshing drinks: Use thawed slices for peach sangria, mocktails, or fruit‑infused water.

Conclusion

Freeze peaches and enjoy summer sweetness any time of year! By peeling, slicing, and flash‑freezing your peaches, you preserve their natural flavor and juicy texture without complicated canning methods. Keep a stash in your freezer for quick smoothies, cobblers, and refreshing drinks whenever a peach craving strikes.

Freeze Peaches

Here’s how to freeze peaches, a fast and easy way to preserve them! Use this simple process to extend the life of fresh peaches.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 60

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 to 2 pounds 6 to 8 medium peaches
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Large bowl (ice bath)
• Baking sheet with parchment paper
• Slotted spoon
• Freezer‑safe containers or bags

Method

 

1. Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl of water with ice. Start a medium saucepan of water to boil. Once boiling, place the peaches in batches of 3 into the boiling water for 45 seconds. Remove the peaches with a slotted spoon and place them into the ice bath. After about a minute or so when the peaches are cool enough to handle, use a paring knife to make a small cut to puncture the skin. Then use your fingers to pull off the skin in sheets.
2. Remove the pits, thinly slice the peaches and place the slices in a bowl. Mix the lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of water and mix it with the peach slices.
3. Lay peaches on parchment lined baking sheet and freeze until hard, 3 to 4 hours.
4. Transfer to an airtight container or plastic bag for long term storage. If using a bag, use a straw to suck out any remaining air before sealing the bag, then write a date on the bag. Store for up to 6 months.

Notes

Best used within 3–6 months for peak flavor.

Frozen peaches can be used directly in smoothies or lightly thawed for baking.

Adding lemon water helps maintain color and freshness.

FAQs