How to Freeze Blueberries

Learning how to freeze blueberries is one of the best ways to enjoy summer’s harvest all year round! Freezing them when they’re in season lets you savor the fresh, sweet flavor later. This simple guide will walk you through how to freeze blueberries, plus answer common questions about thawing frozen blueberries and using them in delicious recipes!

Is it Okay to Freeze Blueberries?

Sweet and juicy blueberries are one of the many fruits I look forward to each summer. However, fresh blueberry season doesn’t last long, and they spoil quicker than heartier fruits like apples.

So, what’s the solution to savoring that sweet summer flavor for months to come? Freeze those blueberries! Freezing blueberries is a great way to extend their shelf life and keep them on hand for later use.

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When is Blueberry Season?

Blueberries typically begin ripening in June, and you can harvest them through August or September.

They continue ripening until the first frost of autumn, depending on your location. In the U.S., June through August is generally the best time to buy fresh blueberries at the grocery store or farmer’s market.

Ripe blueberries are sweet and juicy, while under-ripe berries may taste crunchy or mealy inside. If you notice this, they were likely picked before fully ripening, affecting the taste and texture.

Tools You Need to Freeze Blueberries

Freezing blueberries is simple, but having the right tools on hand will make the process even easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large Baking Sheet – For flash freezing your blueberries in a single layer.
• Container or Bag for Freezing – To store your frozen berries.
• Permanent Marker for Labeling – To label your containers with the date and contents.
• Freezer Labels – For easy identification of your frozen berries.
• Optional: Vacuum Sealer and Vacuum Bags – If you want long-term storage, this is an excellent option.

How to Prep Blueberries for Freezing

Before freezing your fresh blueberries, make sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt or chemicals. Here are some recommended cleaning methods:

• Branch Basics Cleaner: Spray fruit with Branch Basics All-Purpose Cleaner, let it soak for 2-3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with cold water. (Use code KATIEGLE for 15% off Branch Basics Products).
• DIY Cleaning Solution: Combine 1/2 cup vinegar with 3 cups of water. Let the berries soak for 2-3 minutes, then rinse with cold water.

Katie’s Tip: After cleaning, dry the blueberries thoroughly before freezing them. Wet berries can develop freezer burn, so it’s important to make sure they’re dry. I recommend laying them out on a clean dish towel to air dry.

How to Store Frozen Blueberries

There are several options for storing your blueberries in the freezer, and the best way to freeze blueberries depends on your storage preferences, freezer space, and how long you want them to last. Here are some options:

Should You Thaw Frozen Blueberries Before Using?

In most cases, thawing frozen blueberries is best for recipes with short cooking times, like blueberry pancakes, to avoid cold berries or raw batter.

For recipes like blueberry cobbler, pie, muffins, or quick bread, you can skip thawing. If using frozen berries, toss them in flour or cornstarch to prevent excess liquid and soggy baked goods.

Katie’s Tip: When baking with frozen berries, add a few extra minutes to the cook time to ensure everything cooks through properly.

How to Thaw Frozen Blueberries: 3 Methods

You have a few options for thawing frozen blueberries—choose whichever method works best for your recipe and time constraints:

1. Thawing on the Counter

• How to: Place the frozen blueberries in a bowl or baking dish and cover them with cold tap water. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
• Tip: If they’re not fully thawed, drain the water and replace it with fresh cold water.
• Final Step: Pat the berries dry with a kitchen towel before using them in your recipe.

2. Thawing in the Microwave

• How to: Place the blueberries in a microwave-safe bowl lined with paper towels (to absorb excess moisture). Use the defrost setting on your microwave to thaw them for about 30 seconds.
• Tip: Continue thawing in 10-second intervals if needed.
• Final Step: This method is ideal for small amounts of blueberries.

3. Thawing in the Fridge

• How to: For slow and even thawing, place the frozen blueberries in a bowl or sealable container in the fridge overnight (about 6 hours).
• Tip: This method works well if you’re preparing the berries ahead of time for a recipe.

How Long Do Frozen Blueberries Last?

Frozen blueberries can last for between 12 to 18 months in the freezer.

For the best results, store them in airtight containers or bags to avoid freezer burn and maintain their flavor. If vacuum-sealed, frozen blueberries can last up to 2 years, as long as the bag has been properly sealed, removing all air.

Do Frozen Blueberries Spoil?

Frozen blueberries don’t spoil, but they may suffer from freezer burn if stored too long. They may also develop ice crystals and become less fresh. To maintain the best quality, try to use them within 12-18 months.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions

When using frozen blueberries in recipes, there are a few common issues that can arise. Here’s how to solve them:

1. My Blueberries Bled Into the Batter:

Frozen blueberries can sometimes bleed into batters, especially in quick breads and cakes.

Katie’s Tip: To prevent this, rinse your frozen berries with cold water, pat them dry, and toss them in a little flour before folding them into the batter. This will keep the batter from turning blue and ensure the blueberries stay intact.

2. The Recipe Turned Out Too Watery:

Frozen blueberries release moisture as they cook, which can make your recipe too watery.

Katie’s Tip: To fix this, toss frozen blueberries in flour or cornstarch before adding them to the batter to help absorb extra liquid. If you’re making a blueberry sauce or filling for pies, crisps, or other desserts, add a bit of cornstarch to absorb the extra liquid and prevent soggy baked goods.

3. The Berries Sank to the Bottom:

Frozen berries can sometimes sink to the bottom of your batter, especially in cakes and muffins.

Katie’s Tip: Prevent this by tossing the berries in a tablespoon or two of all-purpose flour before adding them to the batter. This helps suspend them in the batter and keeps them evenly distributed while baking.

Frozen Blueberry Recipes You Don’t Need to Thaw

Now that you know how to freeze blueberries, it’s time to get cooking with them! Here are some of my favorite frozen blueberry recipes that don’t require thawing first:

• Blueberry Smoothie Pops – A refreshing, easy treat for everyone, especially in the summer months.
• Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream – A rich, no-churn dessert that appeals to both blueberry and cheesecake lovers.
• Peach Berry Cobbler with Sour Cream Biscuits – A comforting dessert that combines fresh fruit with a savory biscuit topping, perfect for gatherings.
• Red, White, and Blue Berry Almond Frozen Yogurt Bites – A fun, colorful, and healthier frozen treat for holidays and summer get-togethers.

Frozen Blueberry Recipes That Work Best After Thawing

While frozen blueberries are convenient in many recipes, there are a few dishes where thawed berries work better. Here are my favorite recipes that call for thawed frozen blueberries:

• Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins – A rich and indulgent muffin that combines fruit and cream cheese for a perfect breakfast or snack.
• Lemon Blueberry Bread – A versatile recipe that pairs well with breakfast or a light afternoon snack, offering a fresh, citrusy flavor.
• Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins For Two – A healthy and convenient recipe that doesn’t result in excess leftovers, ideal for small-batch bakers.
• Blueberry Lemon Curd Coffee Cake – A special, bright cake perfect for spring or when you want to impress at brunch or dessert time.

More Berry Freezing Guides

Now that you know how to freeze blueberries, check out these helpful guides to freeze more berries and enjoy them year-round:

• How to Freeze Cranberries – Make the most of winter’s tart delight.
• How to Freeze Raspberries – Preserve the sweet, tart flavor of raspberries year round.
• How to Freeze Strawberries – Enjoy summer’s juicy red strawberries all year long.
• How to Freeze Blackberries – Flash-freeze or sugar-pack these summer berries for later use.

Need more kitchen tips? Explore our full Kitchen Tips & Tricks archive for all kinds of ideas to make cooking easier!

Photography: some of the photos taken in this post are by Stephanie from Stephanie Fassler Photography.