How to Use Frozen Peaches in Place of Fresh

Step 1

Buy enough peaches for the recipe you plan on using them for. Before you head to the store, take a look at your recipe’s ingredients list to find the exact quantity of peaches that it calls for. On average, a 1 pound (16 oz) package of frozen peaches contains about as much fruit as 3 medium-sized fresh peaches.Look for frozen peaches in the freezer aisle of your local supermarket.Frozen peaches tend to cost slightly more than the same quantity of fresh peaches in-season, but their versatility, convenience, and long shelf life will more than make up for the few extra pennies you’ll pay for them.

Step 2

Add frozen peaches directly to baked goods without thawing. One of the biggest advantages of choosing frozen peaches over fresh is that they don’t require thawing. This makes them perfect for putting together a quick dessert just before dinner or preparing something sweet on short notice to bring to a party or work function.If you like, you can also thaw your peaches briefly (about 10-15 minutes) at room temperature to give them a chance to release excess moisture prior to baking.

Step 3

Thaw your peaches overnight in the refrigerator before using them like fresh. Portion out the amount of fruit you want to use in a small bowl or similar container. Then, cover the container and place it in your fridge for 6-12 hours. As the peaches thaw, they’ll soften up and shed excess moisture.By opting for frozen peaches over fresh, you can save yourself quite a bit of time and labor that you would otherwise spend peeling, pitting, and slicing.Keep in mind that your peaches may have a fragile, somewhat mushy texture once thawed. This is because of the changes that occur in the cells of the fruit during freezing.Alternative: If you’re in a hurry to use your still-frozen peaches, set your thawing container inside a bowl of lukewarm water to speed things along.

Step 4

Drain your thawed peaches thoroughly. Once your peaches have defrosted for 20-30 minutes, pour out the liquid that’s collected at the bottom of your thawing container. This will leave you with just the fruit, which will be almost as sweet, tender, and juicy as if it were picked the same day.Most of the liquid that comes off of your peaches will be water created by condensation during the freezing process, so don’t worry about losing those flavorful juices.