How to Freeze Bananas (2024)

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Learn how to freeze bananas for smoothies, nice cream or baking and never let another banana go to waste again! Freezing bananas gives ripe bananas a new and longer life and can be used in so many different ways. You'll love how well frozen banana slices keep in the freezer for months. Follow this how-to guide for the best way to freeze bananas and stop them from browning and sticking together!

How to Freeze Bananas (1)

Found yourself with a bunch of bananas that have ripened quickly and not sure what to do with them? Don't just leave them on the counter until they're as black as coal and you're forced to throw them in the bin. Freeze them instead!

Frozen banana slices can be used for smoothies (my favourite) or nice cream and are perfect to keep on hand in the summer.

The best way to freeze bananas is to peel, slice and flash freeze before storing for good. This keeps the frozen banana slices from sticking together and helps keep them from browning.

Freezing bananas saves money, reduces food waste and ensures you always have an endless supply of bananas on hand when you need them. So what are we waiting for?

Freezing your ripe bananas is a great option BUT make sure you also check out these 12 Ripe Banana Recipes to Use Up Your Bunch.

How to Freeze Bananas (2)

How do you freeze bananas without turning brown?

Flash freezing banana slices for 2 hours before putting them in a ziplock bag or airtight container will keep your bananas from turning brown!

What's the best way to freeze bananas?

Step 1 - Slice:Slice the bananas into rounds. There isn't a science here to how big you want the chunks, but try and make them uniform sizes.

How to Freeze Bananas (3)

Step 2 - Flash Freeze:Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the banana slices on top in a single layer to keep them from sticking together. Pop the tray into the freezer for 2 hours or until the slices are solid.

How to Freeze Bananas (4)

Step 3 - Bag: Transfer the frozen banana slices into a ziplock bag (remove as much air as you can) or airtight container and store in the freezer.

How to Freeze Bananas (5)

How long can you freeze bananas?

Sliced banana can be stored in the freezer in a ziplock bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.

Can you freeze bananas in their peel?

Sure, you can totally throw a banana in it's peel in the freezer but it really isn't the best way to preserve your bananas. It's difficult to remove the peel from frozen so you'll need to thaw the bananas a bit.

They also keep for less time using this method. As such I don't recommend it. Better to take the extra 5 minutes it takes to slice the bananas then bag them after they are flash frozen!

How to Freeze Bananas (6)

How to use frozen bananas?

Make smoothies! My top three favourites are Chia Banana Smoothie, Banana Oat Smoothie and Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl.

You can also check out this post on How to Make a Perfect Smoothie which has more than 30 delicious smoothie recipes to choose from.

And if you haven't already I highly recommend you try this Snickers Nice Cream recipe for a deliciously healthy dessert!

Another way to use frozen bananas is to allow them to thaw and use them in banana baked goods.

How to thaw frozen bananas for baking

If you're wanting to use your frozen banana slices for baking simply remove the amount of slices you'll need and place them in a bowl to thaw. Once thawed, simply mash and use as needed in your recipe.

How to Freeze Bananas (7)

Tips for Freezing Bananas

  • Ripe or slightly overripe bananas (spotty) are best for freezing. Once they get very dark and soft they're best used for baking, not freezing.
  • Bananas are best frozen with their peel removed.
  • Slice bananas into uniform rounds. Slicing bananas before freezing makes them easier to blend when you're ready to use.
  • Store frozen banana slices in a ziplock bag (ensuring you've forced as much air out as possible before zipping) OR in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • If you're wanting to use your frozen banana slices for baking simply remove the amount of slices you'll need and place them in a bowl to thaw. Once thawed, simply mash and use as needed in your recipe.

More Banana Recipes

I absolutely love freezing bananas BUT if you're looking for some others way to use your ripe bananas here's some inspiration:

  • Mini Banana Muffins
  • Easy Banana Cake
  • Buttermilk Banana Bread

If you’ve tried Freezing BananasI’d love to hear how you enjoyed them! Pop a comment and a star rating below!

You can alsoFOLLOW MEonFACEBOOK,INSTAGRAMandPINTEREST to keep up to date with more delicious recipes.

📋 RECIPE

How to Freeze Bananas (8)

How to Freeze Bananas

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Learn how to freeze bananas for smoothies or nice cream and never let another banana go to waste again! Freezing bananas gives ripe bananas a new and longer life and can be used in so many different ways. You'll love how well frozen banana slices keep in the freezer for months. Follow this how-to guide for the best way to freeze bananas and stop them from browning and sticking together!

Ingredients

  • Ripe Bananas (you can use as many as you have on hand)

Instructions

  1. Slice - Slice the bananas into rounds. There isn't a science here to how big you want the chunks, but try and make them uniform sizes.
  2. Flash Freeze - Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the banana slices on top in a single layer to keep them from sticking together. Pop the tray into the freezer for 2 hours or until the slices are solid.
  3. Bag - Transfer the frozen banana slices into a ziplock bag (remove as much air as you can) or airtight container and store in the freezer.

Notes

Tips for Freezing Bananas

  • Ripe or slightly overripe bananas (spotty) are best for freezing. Once they get very dark and soft they're best used for fresh baking, not freezing.
  • Bananas are best frozen with their peel removed.
  • Slice bananas into uniform rounds. Slicing bananas before freezing makes them easier to blend when you're ready to use.
  • Store frozen banana slices in a ziplock bag (ensuring you've forced as much air out as possible before zipping) OR in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • If you're wanting to use your frozen banana slices for baking simply remove the amount of slices you'll need and place them in a bowl to thaw. Once thawed, simply mash and use as needed in your recipe.
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 105Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 3gSugar: 14gProtein: 1g

How to Freeze Bananas (2024)

FAQs

Can you freeze bananas in a Ziploc bag? ›

Place the bananas in an airtight resealable plastic bag, label it with the date, and freeze 2 to 3 months. If you add banana pieces to smoothies, there's no need to let them thaw; they can go straight from your freezer to the blender.

How do you keep frozen bananas from turning brown? ›

To prevent the bananas from turning brown in the freezer, make sure to use an airtight container, or freezer-safe plastic bag. Exposure to air is what causes bananas to brown, so as long as they're sealed tightly, you won't have any issues with browning.

What is the best container to freeze bananas in? ›

While we usually use glass storage containers at home, I prefer using lightweight plastic containers for this purpose, so they don't get too heavy & I don't have to worry about my kids breaking them when they reach for a frozen banana.

Is it better to freeze whole bananas with or without peel? ›

Contrary to what the majority of the internet says, whole bananas can be frozen both peeled and unpeeled. To freeze whole peeled bananas, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the bananas so they are not touching. Put them in the freezer for one to two hours, or until frozen through.

Do bananas taste good after freezing? ›

Many people have concerns about the flavour and consistency of frozen bananas. While it is true that bananas will lose their firmness when thawing takes place, the flavour and nutritional value will remain the same as fresh bananas.

What happens when you freeze fresh bananas? ›

You can freeze unpeeled bananas, if you want—you'll just need to thaw them and peel them when they're ready. But keep in mind that bananas frozen that way get mushy when they're thawed, so you'll need to use them only for recipes that require mashed bananas.

What happens if you put a banana in a Ziploc bag? ›

Bananas that are stored in plastic bags will ripen faster. Instead, keep your bananas at room temperature in a cool, dark place to be sure they receive fresh, well-ventilated air.

Can you freeze bananas to make banana bread? ›

Frozen bananas are a great way to use overripe bananas in banana bread. If you're like me, you rarely remember to use your overripe bananas on the day they are perfectly ripe so freezing them is a great solution. Thawed bananas are easier to mash and can also add extra moisture to the batter.

Why are my frozen bananas turning brown in the freezer? ›

If you freeze whole bananas, the peels will turn brown with time in the freezer. This is fine and doesn't affect the flavor of the fruit. However, if your frozen banana slices, chunks, or mash turns brown, the container or bag is not airtight.

Do bananas go bad in freezer? ›

If done correctly, you'll have ripe bananas for 2 to 3 months and will stay good for use when stored in the freezer over the long term. And that is how to freeze bananas. It's so easy that it makes food storage seem easier than…

Is it OK to eat frozen bananas that are brown? ›

If the banana is properly stored in the freezer, there may be a slight darkening that occurs. This is the natural ripening process along with the sugary liquid that releases from the banana during the freezing process.

How do you freeze bananas in a bag? ›

Lay them flat on a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet and put in the freezer for 2 hours until they are solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. You can freeze these for up to 3 months and they will not turn brown.

Are Rubbermaid plastic containers freezer safe? ›

Be sure that the item is secured so that it does not come in contact with the dishwasher element to avoid melting. This item is made of materials that are safe for freezer use.

Are Mason jars freezer safe? ›

Jars with tapered sides or straight sides are freezer safe; shouldered jars are not.

Can you freeze bananas to use later for banana bread? ›

Frozen bananas are a great way to use overripe bananas in banana bread. If you're like me, you rarely remember to use your overripe bananas on the day they are perfectly ripe so freezing them is a great solution. Thawed bananas are easier to mash and can also add extra moisture to the batter.

How ripe should bananas be for freezing? ›

Choose ripe, but not overripe bananas. They should have a yellow peel with some brown spots. Peel the bananas and cut them into chunks or slices. The size of the pieces is up to you, but keep in mind that smaller pieces will freeze faster and be easier to use later.

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