Many people don’t realize that you can freeze bananas before they go bad, keeping them yummy for a host of delicious desserts, smoothies, and bakes! This post will show you how to freeze bananas so you’ll always have one on hand when you need it.
Can You Freeze Bananas?
If you’ve ever thrown away a bunch of bananas because they’ve gone spotty and mushy, you are not alone. Before I discovered how to freeze bananas I would sometimes avoid buying them for exactly this reason! This fruit bowl staple has a habit of turning from just-right to too-ripe in a matter of days, meaning it can be hard to eat the whole bunch before they go bad.
The good news is that with this super easy guide for freezing bananas, you will never banish one to the trash again. What’s more, you’ll always have a ready supply to add to smoothies and smoothie bowls, or for baking projects like muffins or banana bread. Once you try it, you’ll never go back.
What You’ll Need
Bananas
Bananas freeze best when they are super ripe. Look for soft bananas with a few brown spots. Remember the more spots, the sweeter the banana.
Lemon Juice (optional)
If you’re worried about your bananas turning brown in the freezer then feel free to squeeze a little lemon juice over the slices before placing them in the freezer. Enzymes in bananas are damaged by lemon juice and browning does not occur.
How to Freeze Bananas
Freezing bananas is super simple, but it’s worth noting that there is definitely a wrong way to do it! I recommend following these simple steps to make sure you get perfect results every time.
Step One: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, or prepare a silicon baking mat. This will ensure your banana slices don’t stick to the tray as they freeze.
Step Two: Remove the banana peel. This step is essential because trying to peel a frozen banana is not worth the time or energy.
Step Three: Slice bananas into 8-10 pieces, or cut in half or quarters.
Tip: How big you slice the banana will depend on what you intend to do with it once it’s ready. If you’re planning on making a smoothie then I would recommend keeping the slices small. This means that your ingredients will blend to a smooth consistency faster, keeping them colder and creamier. Small slices are also easier on the mixer blades, particularly if you’re not using a high-speed blender. High-powered blenders like Vitamix, Blendtec, or Ninja Smoothie Bowl Makers will work their way through larger chunks of frozen fruit, but slices are still my go-to for the creamiest results.
Step Four: Place banana pieces onto a lined cookie sheet, and then put the tray of banana pieces into the freezer.
How Long to Freeze Bananas?
The banana slices will be frozen and ready to use in 1-2 hours, with larger pieces taking an additional hour or two.
Once the banana slices are frozen through, transfer them into an airtight container, and place them back into the freezer until you’re ready to use them.
Recipe Swaps
If you like, it’s possible to place whole bananas in the freezer. To use, remove the frozen fruit from the freezer and place it on the counter for a minute or two to soften slightly. Then, carefully remove the peel and slice the frozen banana. If it is totally stuck then use a knife to slice the skin away from the flesh. I only do it this way when I don’t have time to peel and slice the bananas before I freeze them because it can be a hassle.
How to Use Frozen Bananas
Frozen bananas are amazing blended into smoothies and smoothie bowls, adding a creamy texture and natural sweetness to the mix. You can also bake with them! Defrost until completely soft then add to banana bread or banana muffins.
How Long Do Frozen Bananas Keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the freezer, frozen bananas will stay good for up to two weeks. If you keep them any longer then they will start to break down, and you might notice them turning brown.
Print
How To Freeze Bananas
- Total Time: 5 minutes + freezing
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
How to freeze bananas for perfect frozen banana smoothie, bowls or even baking | Reduce food waste and keep your bananas good for longer!
Ingredients
- 4 spotty bananas
- 1 lemon, halved (optional)
Instructions
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or silicon baking mat.
- Remove banana peels, slice bananas into 8-10 pieces, or cut in half or quarters. Place banana pieces onto a lined cookie sheet, then if desired, squeeze lemon juice over the banana pieces. Put the tray of banana pieces into the freezer. Banana slices will be frozen in 1-2 hours, and larger pieces will take an additional hour or two.
- Remove the frozen banana pieces from the freezer and transfer to an airtight container. Return frozen banana pieces to the freezer immediately before the banana starts defrosting.
- Store frozen banana pieces in the freezer for up two two weeks.
Notes
- If desired, squeeze a little lemon juice over the banana pieces to help prevent them from going brown.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
Keywords: how to freeze bananas
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