How to Freeze Bananas

Freezing bananas may seem straightforward, but I provided this guide on how to freeze bananas to give you the best outcome every time! There are many great uses for frozen bananas, from smoothies to saving ripening bananas for recipes like banana bread. But there are certain steps to follow to make sure that you do it the right way!

Bananas are notorious for ripening quickly and spoiling, if not used soon enough. If you’re like me, and hate when good food goes to waste, I’ve outlined the way to save those bananas before (or even after!) they get spotty and mushy. I developed a sure-fire method to keep bananas fresh for months. Doing this will allow you to enjoy perfectly good bananas every time you want to make smoothies, bread, cakes, ice cream, popsicles, and more!

Should I Remove Banana Peels Before Freezing?

I highly recommend removing the banana peel before freezing. I always peel my bananas and slice them before freezing, for several reasons. First, frozen bananas with peel on them are difficult to use. It’s very hard to remove frozen banana skin. Second, peeled and sliced bananas look fresher and store better. Finally, peeled bananas are more convenient to use when I need them, saving me time and effort!

Should I Freeze Bananas Whole Or Sliced?

I prefer slicing bananas before freezing. Sliced bananas save space in my freezer, and I can easily transfer them into measuring cups when I need to use them later on. This method also makes it easier to blend frozen bananas when I am making smoothies. However, you can also freeze bananas whole if you are planning to use them in recipes that require them that way.

Can I Freeze Mashed Bananas?

Yes, you can! This is probably the best method if your bananas are already overripe and mushy. At that point, slicing them can get a bit challenging, so just mash away! Make sure to take note of how many pieces of banana are in a freezer bag as a reference for future use.

When to Freeze Bananas?

Freeze bananas when they are fully ripe, because the ripening process stops once they are frozen. Yellow and spotty is the way to go since they’ll be sweeter and easier to blend, not to mention easier to digest.

How to Properly Freeze Bananas?

The key to successfully freezing bananas is to place slices of bananas on a baking sheet to flash freeze them first. Flash freezing is important because it allows the pieces to rapidly freeze and retain their flavor, texture, and moisture. This also ensures that the pieces do not get frozen into one messy lump in your freezer. If done properly, you should be able to scoop out frozen pieces individually without a problem.

Step 1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. 

Step 2. Peel the ripe bananas, slice them about .5 inch thick, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Make sure that the pieces do not touch each other when you place them on the pan. The parchment paper is there to make sure that they do not freeze onto the pan.

Step 3. Freeze for at least three hours. Transfer the frozen sliced banana to a silicone or plastic freezer bag to store for up to six months.

The half-inch slices should be frozen solid after 3 hours. If you slice them bigger, make sure to freeze them a bit longer. Once they are fully frozen, place them in a silicone or plastic freezer-safe bag. Press to let air escape before sealing. I recommend writing down the date it was frozen on the freezer bag. It’s always a good idea to make everyone in your household know how long it’s been frozen and when it needs to be used up. And you are done!

How to Thaw Frozen Bananas

If you are using bananas for a recipe that calls for them to be mashed or soft, make sure to defrost them in the fridge at least overnight. Defrost them at room temperature a few hours before using them. It should be easy to mash after that.

Use Frozen Bananas in Different Ways!

Oh, the possibilities! I love using frozen bananas them to make myself a healthy and invigorating Banana Kale Smoothie, Banana Green Smoothie, or Cherry Banana Smoothie in the morning! Here are some other recipes of mine where these delightful frozen banana slices come in handy:

• Banana Ice Cream – in 3 Ways! – Make some classic vanilla-infused banana flavored, or make it fun by making pink strawberry-banana ice cream! And our favorite, the indulgent and creamy Chocolate Banana PB.
• Banana Cheesecake – This vegan banana cheesecake is easy to whip up. With a short list of ingredients and just twenty minutes to prepare, the recipe will become a favorite.
• Vegan Banana Bread – A true classic and a real favorite. Make it using simple ingredients and needing only one bowl to prepare. Also try peach banana bread and strawberry banana muffins!
• Vegan Banana Pancakes – These moist, fluffy pancakes are perfect for Saturday breakfast. Try spinach banana pancakes for vibrant green fun as well as extra nutrients!
• Banana Breakfast Shake – This shake will satisfy your sweet tooth and your belly so blend up and drink up. This strawberry banana milkshake is also a dream!
• Banana Chocolate Chip Bars – Whip up this sweet treat for snack or dessert. Or go bite sized with chocolate chip banana bites.