How to Freeze Raspberries

Freezing raspberries is one of the simplest ways to preserve sweet, fresh-picked berries. Whether you grow your own or stock up during the summer, freezing lets you enjoy raspberries long after the season ends.

With just a few simple steps, you can freeze raspberries without any added sugar or special equipment. I'll walk you through my go-to method that helps keep the berries from clumping together so you can enjoy them anytime you need them!

Why freeze raspberries

We have several raspberry plants that produce more than we can eat fresh. We pick every other day and eat as many as we can. I make raspberry jam and use the berries in baked goods. We still end up with extra berries.

Freezing has become the easiest and most practical way to preserve the harvest, so nothing goes to waste.

Frozen raspberries are incredibly versatile. I use them throughout the year in several recipes. Most recipes calling for fresh raspberries can also use frozen raspberries. I use the frozen raspberries in raspberry muffins, raspberry bread, or raspberry sorbet.

By freezing raspberries at their peak, you can enjoy that burst of fresh berry flavor even in the middle of winter. The process is simple, but taking a few extra steps to do it right will ensure you're preserving the texture and taste of the berries.

What you'll need to freeze raspberries

Freezing raspberries doesn't take much, but you do need a few things to make the process work.

• Raspberries - Pick ripe berries. Try to freeze the berries the same day you pick.
• Baking Sheet - You'll need a few rimmed baking sheets for the initial freeze.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat - (Optional) Helps prevent the berries from sticking to the baking sheet. You can also use to help place the berries in a freezer-safe bag. I have used with or without and both methods work fine.
• Freezer Bags or Containers - Once the berries are frozen, they are moved to a freezer bag or container for long-term storage. Use freezer-safe ziptop bags, vacuum seal bags, or freezer-safe storage containers.

How to freeze raspberries step-by-step

1. Pick raspberries. Choose ripe berries free from defects. Don't select overripe, mushy berries.
2. Sort through the raspberries. Remove any stems, leaves, or insects.
3. Prepare for freezing. Place raspberries on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Freeze. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for several hours until frozen.
5. Store. Once the berries are fully frozen, remove them from the freezer and place in freezer bags or containers.
6. Return to freezer. Place containers in the freezer. The raspberries are best stored in a deep freezer that does not have an auto-defrost.

Tips for freezing raspberries

• Freeze raspberries on a baking sheet in a single layer. This helps prevent the raspberries from clumping together.
• Store in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Store in a freezer without an auto-defrost. When a freezer goes through a defrost process, it melts the ice in the freezer. If your raspberries are stored in the freezer, they will go through a thawing and refreezing process and the quality of the raspberries will diminish.

Recipe Faqs

More frozen fruit methods

I often freeze blackberries and blueberries using this same technique.

You might also want to check out these articles for freezing peaches, freezing blueberries, and freezing rhubarb.

If you grow your raspberries, you'll want to read How to Prune Raspberries.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Check out all my preserving food recipes!