If you’re a banana fan, you’re familiar with the race to eat them before they over-ripen. But once bananas turn brown, no one’s too quick to reach for the bunch. Luckily, at this point, they’re prime candidates for freezing—and in the freezer, they’ll last two or three more months! Read on to learn how to freeze bananas.
How to Freeze Whole Bananas
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Planning to munch on the frozen fruit as a snack or stir ’em into your baked goods, like this banana bread? Keep them whole. Simply peel the bananas, place them in a freezer-friendly container or bag, and toss in the freezer. (We recommend using one of our favorite products to help freeze food—freezer labels—to label the container with the date to help you stay organized.)
You’ve probably seen people store whole bunches of bananas in their freezer—peel and all. Is this acceptable? Well, that’s up to you. Bananas frozen in their peels are safe to consume, but you risk decreasing the quality of the fruit because they won’t stay as fresh. Plus, after freezing, banana peels turn dark and soft, making the fruit harder to remove. To save yourself some fussing when you’re ready to use the frozen fruit, peel them in advance.
How to Freeze Sliced Bananas
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To freeze banana pieces, peel and cut them crosswise into 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch-thick slices. Then, place them in a single layer on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet and flash-freeze until the slices are frozen solid, about two hours. Flash-freezing is super important here because it ensures the individual pieces won’t clump together. Transfer the frozen pieces to freezer organizers like a freezer-safe container or bag, and return to the freezer. Don’t forget to label!
These banana bites are perfect for throwing in smoothies because they won’t wear out the blender’s motor, and if you leave the fruit frozen, they can even take the place of ice in your morning beverage. This method is also effective when it comes to freezing strawberries.
Editor’s Tip: If you’re using frozen bananas to bake, you’ll need to thaw them first; allow about an hour for this.
How to Freeze Mashed Bananas
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If you want to get a jump on recipe prep for banana baby food or frosted banana bars, freeze already-mashed bananas. Simply peel and mash the fruit, then spoon into a freezer-safe bag. Before placing in the freezer, press all the air out of the bag and seal it shut. Make sure to freeze the bags flat on their side. Pro tip: Write how many cups of banana mash are in each bag, and you’ll thank yourself later.
Tips for Freezing Bananas
Can I freeze unripe bananas?
Sure, it’s possible to freeze both unripe and ripe bananas. But ripe or overripe bananas have the best flavor when frozen to use later for baking or smoothies. Learn how to store the unripe bananas.
How do I keep frozen bananas from turning brown?
You can’t prevent the peels from turning brown, but you can keep the fruit looking fresh. Freeze peeled bananas in an airtight container. Squeeze out all the air before you put the bananas in the freezer.
Up Next: Get more tips on freezing food (like cherries) from our Test Kitchen.
Recipes That Use Ripe Bananas
Best Ever Banana Bread
Calls for: 2 ripe bananas
Whenever I pass a display of bananas in the grocery store, I can almost smell the wonderful aroma of my best banana bread recipe. It really is that good! —Gert Kaiser, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
You’ve probably heard of mug cakes, so you get the idea. There's no need for kneading with this
banana bread in a mug recipe, try it out today!
Banana Bread Snack CakesCalls for: 1 ripe banana
This cake doesn't need any frosting—just a dusting of powdered sugar. Guests are always amazed that I made this treat from scratch. —Denise Loewenthal, Hinckley, Ohio
Wondering if you have enough bananas to bake with? Read more about
how many bananas are in a cup.
Pecan Banana Bundt CakeCalls for: 2-3 ripe bananas
My daughter, Liz, often made this banana bundt cake for us. It was delicious and different. She discovered five-spice powder during a culinary class field trip. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Also, learnÂ
how to store bananas so they last longer for you to make these interesting recipes.
Banana Oat MuffinsCalls for: 2 ripe bananas
Chopped pecans add pleasant crunch to these hearty banana oatmeal muffins with rich flavor. The muffins are low in cholesterol, but you’d never know it. My husband and I love them. —Marjorie Mott, Galatia, Illinois
Banana Split BrowniesCalls for: 1 ripe banana
How's this for a dish—all the joy of a banana split without the mess. Everything in my recipe fits into one pan of delectable brownie bars. —Connee Sheckler, Chestertown, Maryland
Banana Nut PancakesCalls for: 1 ripe banana
I enjoy these versatile banana nut pancakes. Besides being a satisfying breakfast, they can be a deliciously different dessert. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Banana Orange BarsCalls for: 3-4 ripe bananas
I have been making these treats for many years. I no longer remember where the recipe came from, but one thing is certain—the bars are always a hit at family get-togethers and parties. The secret to tasty
banana desserts is the ripeness of the bananas—the riper, the better. —Mary Sturgis, Hingham, Massachusetts
Bananas ‘n’ Cream Tube Pan CakeCalls for: 3 ripe bananas
This absolutely scrumptious banana Bundt cake needs no icing...just a dusting of confectioners' sugar. Even though the recipe has been a family secret for years, I'm delighted to share it with my fellow home cooks. —Oma Rollison, El Cajon, California
Cranberry Banana Coffee CakeCalls for: 2 ripe bananas
I make this moist cake for Christmas morning every year. It tastes like banana bread but has a sweet golden topping with a nutty crunch. —Gloria Friesen, Casper, Wyoming
Banana Chocolate CakeCalls for: 2 ripe bananas
This light-as-air chocolate cake has a yummy banana flavor. It’s scrumptious as is, but you can also dress it up with nuts or light frostings. —Tina Bellows, Racine, Wisconsin
Banana Pound CakeCalls for: 2 ripe bananas
I adapted a basic pound cake recipe from my great-aunt for this treat. It makes a moist cake that pops out of the pan perfectly. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Banana Oat Breakfast CookiesCalls for: 2 ripe bananas
I use to buy name-brand breakfast cookies from the supermarket, but since I found this recipe I've enjoyed making my cookies more than buying them.—Linda Burciaga
Chocolate Banana BundlesCalls for: 2 ripe bananas
Banana and chocolate are such an irresistible combo that I make this quick dessert often. You can also top them with the butter and brown sugar mixture left over from coating the bananas, or sprinkle on a dash of sea salt. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Pumpkin Banana BreadCalls for: 2 ripe bananas
I came across this recipe in a local newspaper about 10 years ago, and I still make the bread on a regular basis. The recipe conveniently yields a number of mini loaves, making gift-giving easy. —Linda Wood, Roanoke, Virginia
Peanut Butter-Banana Yogurt ParfaitsCalls for: 2 ripe bananas
For a lightening-fast breakfast, I layer vanilla yogurt with bananas, peanuts and multigrain cereal. It’s crunchy, easy and perfect for kids. —Teresa Miller, Hamilton, Indiana
Banana-Nut Bundt CakeCalls for: 3 ripe bananas
Each slice of this cake has a temptingly tropical twist. If you'd like, sprinkle confectioners' sugar over the top. —June Yeates, Bradley, Illinois
Banana SquaresCalls for: 2-3 ripe bananas
When we were first married, my husband was in the Navy. Stationed in Puerto Rico, we had banana trees growing in our yard, so I found ways to use dozens of ripe bananas at a time. I made these banana squares often. They freeze well and make a great snack to have on hand when friends drop in for coffee. —Susan Miller, Raleigh, North Carolina
Southern Banana PuddingCalls for: 3 ripe bananas
This old southern banana pudding recipe features a comforting custard layered with sliced bananas and vanilla wafers, then topped with meringue. I serve it year-round. —Jan Campbell, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Egg-Free Double Chocolate Banana MuffinsCalls for: 2-3 ripe bananas
I am always looking to use up the brown bananas on my counter. My usual go-to was banana nut bread, but when my youngest developed an egg allergy I had to come up with something different. Since bananas and chocolate are so good together I decided to make these muffins. You would never be able to tell they are egg-free. —Danielle Siero, Farmington, Michigan
Roasted Banana & Pecan CheesecakeCalls for: 3 ripe bananas
We keep bananas on hand, but with just two of us in the house they ripen faster than we can eat them. That makes them perfect for roasting and baking into this cheesecake with a nutty crust. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Brown Sugar & Banana OatmealCalls for: 1 ripe banana
Oatmeal is a favorite breakfast food, quick, easy and filling. I came up with this version by using some of the same ingredients from my favorite breakfast smoothie. Add bran cereal for a heartier taste and more fiber. A brown sugar substitute and soy milk also blend in well. —Jessi Rizzi, Odenton, Maryland
Potluck Banana CakeCalls for: 3 ripe bananas
I found this recipe more than five years ago and have been making it for family gatherings ever since. The coffee-flavored frosting complements the moist banana cake. —Kathy Hoffman, Topton, Pennsylvania
Banana Macadamia MuffinsCalls for: 3 ripe bananas
These muffins taste even better the next day, so to save time, I often make them the night before. They stay moist for days. —Stasha Wampler, Clinchport, Virginia
Banana Split Cake BarsCalls for: 3 ripe bananas
Summer isn’t summer without a banana split or two, and these fun bars bring that same delicious flavor in potluck-perfect form. —Jasey McBurnett, Rock Springs, Wyoming
Pear-Blueberry Ambrosia with Creamy Lime DressingCalls for: 3 ripe bananas
This dessert is delicious and decadent, yet is chock-full of healthy fruit with a creamy lime dressing; the blueberries provide a lovely pop of color. —Laura Stricklin, Jackson, Mississippi
Banana Oatmeal CookiesCalls for: 2 ripe bananas
My mom made these oatmeal banana cookies when I was young. Now my children like making them just as much as I did, and we quadruple the recipe to serve our large family. You can't eat just one of these goodies packed with chocolate morsels. —Jaqueline Wilson, Armstrong Creek, Wisconsin
Banana Blueberry PancakesCalls for: 3 ripe bananas
This blueberry pancakes recipe is a favorite in our home. My kids don’t even realize how healthy it is! —Kelly Reinicke, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Cast-Iron Chocolate Chip Banana BreadCalls for: 3 ripe bananas
I love this cast-iron banana bread because it cooks evenly every time. The end result is so moist and delicious! —Ashley Hudd, Holton, Michigan
Frosted Banana BarsCalls for: 3 ripe bananas
These bars are always a hit at potlucks in the small rural farming community where my husband and I live. I also like to provide them for coffee hour after church. They're so moist and delicious that wherever I take them, they don't last long. —Karen Dryak, Niobrara, Nebraska
Quick Bananas FosterCalls for: 3 ripe bananas
Guests are always impressed when I ignite the rum in this delicious bananas Foster dessert. Use perfectly ripe bananas for best results. —Mary Lou Wayman, Salt Lake City, Utah
Banana PuddingCalls for: 4 ripe bananas
I didn’t see my son, Lance Corporal Eric Harris, for more than two years after he enlisted in the Marines after high school. And when I saw him arrive at the airport, I just grabbed hold of him and burst out crying. When we got home, the first thing he ate was two bowls of my easy banana pudding recipe. He’s a true southern boy! It’s a dessert, but you can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. —Stephanie Harris, Montpelier, Virginia
Gluten-Free Banana BreadCalls for: 4-5 ripe bananas
This gluten-free banana bread recipe isn't dry and crumbly—it tastes like the real thing. I hope you try it! —Gladys Arnold, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Air-Fryer Breakfast CookiesI used to buy brand-name breakfast cookies from the supermarket, but since I found this recipe, I've enjoyed making my cookies more than buying them. —Linda Burciaga, tasteofhome.com
Apple Banana BreadCalls for: 4-5 ripe bananas
My children love to bake (and eat) all kinds of banana bread. They make this all by themselves, with just a little help from me to put it in the oven. —Kristin Metcalf, Charlton, Massachusetts
