Why I Keep a Jar of Caramelized Apples in the Freezer (And You Should Too)

I started doing this years ago, after a messy apple picking trip gone wrong. Instead of tossing half-eaten apples, I’d slice them thin, sprinkle a little cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt, then bake until they turn golden and smell like fall in a jar. Now, I keep a small stash tucked in the freezer. Graze your spoon through it and it’s like biting into a baked apple with a whisper of warmth and a jammy sweetness.

This season’s about leaning into comfort, even if it’s just a simple crumble. No fancy ingredients needed. Just those frozen caramelized slices, a crumble topping, and vanilla ice cream that hits all your soft, rich notes. It’s honest, it’s straightforward, and honestly–it’s better than I expected. Still, every time I think I’ve nailed the perfect scoop, I remember how much I love turning my “mistakes” into something I can’t wait to eat.

Caramelized Apple Slice Crumble

This dessert features thinly sliced, caramelized apples that are frozen for convenience, then baked with a crumbly topping until golden. The finished dish has a warm, tender apple base with a crunchy, buttery topping, served alongside vanilla ice cream for added richness.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups frozen apple slices thinly sliced and caramelized
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour for crumble topping
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar for crumble topping
• vanilla ice cream for serving

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Spatula
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the frozen apple slices evenly over the sheet, then sprinkle with cinnamon, sugar, and salt. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden and caramelized, then remove and let cool slightly.
   3 cups frozen apple slices, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 pinch salt
2. While the apples cool, prepare the crumble topping. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
   1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar
3. Spoon the caramelized apple slices into a baking dish, spreading them out evenly. Cover the apples with the prepared crumble mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
   3 cups frozen apple slices, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar
4. Bake the assembled crumble at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the mixture is bubbling around the edges.
5. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Observe the contrast between the crispy topping and soft, jammy apples.
   vanilla ice cream for serving

Sometimes, I wonder what it’d be like if I just baked the apples straight from the freezer without defrosting. Probably a mess, but maybe not. Either way, this has become my go-to for a quick treat that feels indulgent but is really just smart planning. Might have to put that jar on the counter now, see if it calls to me again tomorrow.