Once you learn how to freeze bananas, you'll want a frozen stash of them in your freezer at all times! Freezing bananas is a great way to save bananas if you can't eat them in time and to ensure you always have some for smoothies, baking, etc.
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How to Freeze Bananas
There's 3 popular ways to freeze bananas:
- Freeze the bananas whole
- Freeze the bananas in halves
- Freeze the bananas in pieces
Quick Summary:
All of these methods are basically the same! For each one you'll freeze the bananas on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and then transfer them to a container in your freezer.
Why parchment paper? Freezing the bananas on parchment paper first is important: it helps the bananas to not stick together once they're in the container.
What's the best size? The size that you freeze your bananas (whole, halves, chunks) is up to personal preference and what you plan to use them for.
Here's the details on each:
How to Freeze Bananas Whole
- Peel: peel your bananas.
- Freeze: place the bananas on a parchment paper lined baking sheet in your freezer for 1 hour, until frozen solid.
- Add to container: transfer the bananas to an airtight container or Ziploc bag. If using a bag, remove as much air as possible.
- Store: freeze for up to 3 - 6 months. It's recommended to eat bananas within 3 months for best flavor and to prevent browning.
If you plan to add these frozen bananas to your blender (for recipes like smoothies), it's recommended to cut them into chunks first to avoid overloading your blender.
How to Freeze Bananas in Halves
- Peel: peel your bananas.
- Cut: cut the bananas into half.
- Freeze: place the bananas on a parchment paper lined baking sheet in your freezer for 1 hour, until frozen solid.
- Add to container: transfer the bananas to an airtight container or Ziploc bag. If using a bag, remove as much air as possible.
- Store: freeze for up to 3 - 6 months. It's recommended to eat bananas within 3 months for best flavor and to prevent browning.
How to Freeze Bananas in Pieces
- Peel: peel your bananas.
- Cut: cut the bananas into ½ inch pieces.
- Freeze: place the bananas on a parchment paper lined baking sheet in your freezer for 30 minutes.
- Add to container: transfer the bananas to an airtight container or Ziploc bag. If using a bag, remove as much air as possible.
- Store: freeze for up to 3 - 6 months. It's recommended to eat bananas within 3 months for best flavor and to prevent browning.
Freezing the bananas in pieces is my favorite method! This makes it easy to use a little at a time — to throw just a few pieces in a smoothie, as a topping for oatmeal, etc.
How to Thaw Frozen Bananas
To thaw your frozen bananas, leave them at room temperature for about 2 hours or overnight in the fridge. The size of your bananas (whether they are whole or in pieces) will determine exactly how long it takes them to thaw.
As your bananas thaw they will become mushy and may release extra liquid. If you plan to bake with your thawed bananas, add the liquid along with the banana in the recipe (it's naturally part of the banana).
You don't need to thaw your bananas if you're adding them to smoothies. Frozen bananas actually tend to give smoothies a creamier texture.
How to Stop Your Frozen Bananas From Turning Brown
Most bananas turn a little brown in the freezer, which is normal and due to their chemical composition. But if you find that your bananas are getting very brown very quickly, here's a couple common reasons:
- Not airtight: this is most common. If your bananas are turning brown it's likely due to too much air exposure. Make sure your container is sealed airtight and if you use a bag, press out all of the air.
- Frozen too long: technically you can freeze bananas for up to 6 months, but I find that they start to brown after about 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nope! If you freeze a banana with the peel on it's nearly impossible to take the peel off (I can speak from experience on this one)! Peel your bananas before freezing them.
Most bananas turn a little bit brown when frozen. If you find that your bananas are turning very brown very quickly, it may be because there is too much air exposure in your container.
Ideas for Using Frozen Bananas
Frozen bananas can be used in almost any recipe that calls for bananas! And they are extra tasty in recipes like smoothies or 'nice cream.' Here's a few ideas:
- Oatmeal topping
- Coated in chocolate (heavenly!)
- Dipped in peanut butter (tasty snack)
- Smoothies
- Banana bread
- Banana puree (baby food or otherwise)
- 'Nice' cream
- Banana Pancakes
Have another favorite way to use your frozen bananas?! Share in the comments below!
How to Freeze Bananas
Description
Once you learn how to freeze bananas, you'll want a frozen stash of them in your freezer at all times! Freezing bananas is a great way to save bananas if you can't eat them in time and to ensure you always have some for smoothies, baking, etc.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe or overripe bananas
Instructions
- Peel: peel your bananas.
- Cut: cut the bananas into your preferred size: leave them whole, cut them into halves, or cut them into ½ inch pieces.
- Freeze: place the bananas on a parchment paper lined baking sheet in your freezer for 30 minutes - 1 hour, until frozen solid. Small pieces of banana will take closer to 30 minutes while whole bananas take about 1 hour.
- Add to container: transfer the bananas to an airtight container or Ziploc bag. If using a bag, remove as much air as possible.
- Store: freeze for up to 3 - 6 months. It's recommended to eat bananas within 3 months for best flavor and to prevent browning.
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