How to Freeze Bananas (whole + sliced) – learn how to freeze your bananas the right way so they are ready for smoothies or banana bread (or whatever else you are making)!
How to Freeze Bananas
A simple and convenient way to always have bananas on hand!
We ALWAYS have bananas on hand in the house and I always try to buy a few more than we usually eat so that I can freeze some of them to have on hand for some of our favorite recipes! We love to add them to banana bread or pop some into our favorite smoothie recipes. The kids also LOVE helping with this whole process which is so simple!
Can Overripe Bananas be Used for Later Use?
Yes! Actually, overripe, spotty bananas have more flavor and are perfect for freezing.
What Happens When You Freeze Bananas?
You will want to freeze bananas at the desired ripeness you prefer for smoothies, banana bread, or another recipe you prefer because once frozen they stop the ripening process. Make sure that you do not leave the peel on the banana when you freeze it because it will turn black and slimy.
How Long Can I Keep Them in the Freezer?
When kept at 0 degrees frozen bananas are good indefinitely; for best quality I would recommend using within 2-3 months, but they will be just fine beyond that.
How Do You Thaw Frozen Bananas?
It is so simple and for easy reference checkout 5 Easy Steps to Defrosting Bananas.
How Do I Freeze Bananas?
Pick the bananas that are at your desired ripeness
Peel your bananas
If you want to freeze your bananas whole place them on parchment paper and place in the freezer overnight and then skip to Step 7. If you want to freeze them in sliced pieces skip to the next step.
Slice your bananas.
Place sliced banana pieces on parchment paper making sure that they are not too close together and place the pan in the freezer overnight.
Use a spatula to lift up the frozen banana slices.
Place the whole frozen bananas or banana slices in a freezer-safe storage bag.
When you are ready to use your frozen bananas pull them out of the freezer and pop them into your favorite recipe.
OTHER RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Overnight Oats
- Dreamy Mango Banana Chia Pudding Pops
- Easy Paleo Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
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How to Freeze Bananas
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 frozen banana 1x
- Category: How to
- Method: Freezer
- Cuisine: American
Description
How to Freeze Bananas (whole + sliced) – learn how to freeze your bananas the right way so they are ready for smoothies or banana bread (or whatever else you are making)!
Ingredients
- 1 banana (or more – you can use this for as many bananas as you need to freeze)
Instructions
Whole Bananas:
- Peel banana, leaving it whole
- Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and place in freezer overnight.
- Take frozen whole bananas and place in freezer-safe storage bag.
- Use as needed for recipes such as smoothies and banana bread.
Sliced Bananas:
- Peel banana and place on cutting board.
- Cut into 1/4 inch slices.
- Place slices flat on parchment-lined baking sheet, trying not to have them touch too much.
- Place in freezer overnight.
- Use a spatula to lift up frozen banana slices and place in freezer-safe storage bag.
- Use as needed for recipes such as smoothies and banana bread.
Notes
- Over-Ripe Bananas: For the whole bananas feel free to use your super-ripe, brown bananas for freezing – they make the best banana bread!
- How long will they last: When keep at 0 degrees frozen bananas are good indefinitely; for best quality I would recommend using within 2-3 months, but they will be just fine beyond that.
- What to use them for: frozen bananas are best for smoothies (like this one) or banana bread (like this recipe).
Keywords: how to freeze bananas
Jason Peterson says
Banana slices freeze well, and can be bitten into cold because of their slimy consistency. Fully defrosted, they turn to mush like other plant matter.
I don’t know about the freezer “safe” materials. I used disposable polyethylene bags for lining of the ice tray and storage (tied shut).
Could mashed/blended bananas be frozen in a scoopable state? Like ice-cream, but with minimal effort.
★★★★★
Erin says
I think you could definitely freeze bananas in a scoopable state!