The best ways to use excess apples include making juice, sauces, crisps, and dried snacks, helping reduce food waste and maximise nutrition.
If your fruit bowl is overflowing or your apple tree is more generous than expected, don’t let those apples go to waste. This article offers practical, delicious ways to use up surplus apples, whether they’re slightly bruised, overripe, or just too many to eat fresh.
Juicing Apples – A Refreshing and Easy Way to Use Many at Once
Turning apples into juice is one of the quickest ways to use large quantities without much prep.
Juicing Tips and Ideas
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples (e.g. Gala and Bramley) for a balanced flavour.
- Add lemon juice to prevent browning and extend freshness.
- You can strain for a clear juice or leave it cloudy for more fibre.
Fresh apple juice can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for longer-term use.
Apple Sauce – A Versatile Staple for Meals and Baking
Apple sauce is simple to make and keeps well, making it ideal for using up apples nearing the end of their life.
Making Apple Sauce at Home
- Peel and core apples, then simmer with a splash of water until soft.
- Add cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg for extra flavour.
- Use it in pork dishes, on porridge, or as a natural baking sweetener.
You can freeze apple sauce in portions or keep it in jars in the fridge for a week.
Apple Crumble and Bakes – Perfect for Slightly Bruised Apples
Even apples that are a bit soft or bruised can shine in baked dishes like crumbles, pies, and cakes.
Baking Options to Use Up Apples
- Make a traditional apple crumble with oats and brown sugar.
- Add apples to banana bread or muffins for extra moisture and flavour.
- Try a traybake or flapjack with apple chunks stirred through.
Cooking softens imperfections and enhances the apples’ natural sweetness, making them ideal for warm, comforting desserts.
Apple Chips – A Healthy, Long-Lasting Snack
Drying apples into crisps is a great way to create a portable, nutritious treat from excess fruit.
How to Make Apple Chips
- Slice apples thinly and remove seeds.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon or leave plain.
- Bake at a low temperature or use a dehydrator until crisp.
Store apple chips in an airtight container and enjoy as a snack or lunchbox addition.
Apple Jam or Butter – A Richer, Spreadable Alternative
For a more concentrated and spiced preserve, apple butter or jam is a flavour-packed option.
Spreads That Capture Autumn
- Cook apples slowly with spices, brown sugar, and lemon until thick and dark.
- Ideal for spreading on toast, adding to porridge, or layering into desserts.
Apple jam and butter can be bottled and stored for months, making them perfect for gift giving or winter pantries.
Freezing Apples – Ideal for Smoothies and Cooking
When you don’t have time to cook them right away, freezing apples gives you options later on.
How to Freeze Apples Properly
- Peel, core, and slice the apples.
- Toss in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Freeze on trays before transferring to bags or containers.
Use frozen apples in smoothies, crumbles, compotes, or even savoury dishes like roasts.
Composting Apples – If They’re Beyond Saving
Sometimes apples are too far gone for use in the kitchen, but they can still serve your garden.
Composting Tips
- Chop up rotting apples to help them break down faster.
- Mix with dry materials like leaves or cardboard for balanced compost.
This sustainable option ensures even your worst apples contribute to your household ecosystem.
FAQs About Using Excess Apples
Here are some questions and answers about making the most of surplus apples:
What can I do with too many apples?
You can juice, bake, stew, freeze, or dry them. Apple sauce and crumbles are particularly good for using up soft or bruised apples.
Can I freeze apples without cooking them first?
Yes. Peel and slice them, soak briefly in lemon water, and freeze in bags. They’re perfect for cooking and smoothies later.
How long does homemade apple sauce last?
Stored in the fridge, it lasts up to a week. Frozen, it can keep for several months.
Are bruised apples safe to eat?
Yes, if the bruising is not accompanied by mould or a foul smell. Just cut off the affected parts before using.
Can apples be used in savoury dishes?
Absolutely. Apples pair well with pork, root vegetables, cheese, and herbs in stuffings, salads, and chutneys.