Found yourself with a bunch of bananas that have ripened quickly and not sure what to do with them? Don’t just leave them on the counter until they’re as black as coal and you’re forced to throw them in the bin. Freeze them instead! Frozen banana slices can be used for smoothies (my favourite) or nice cream and are perfect to keep on hand in the summer. The best way to freeze bananas is to peel, slice and flash freeze before storing for good. This keeps the frozen banana slices from sticking together and helps keep them from browning. Freezing bananas saves money, reduces food waste and ensures you always have an endless supply of bananas on hand when you need them. So what are we waiting for? Freezing your ripe bananas is a great option BUT make sure you also check out these 12 Ripe Banana Recipes to Use Up Your Bunch.
How do you freeze bananas without turning brown?
Flash freezing banana slices for 2 hours before putting them in a ziplock bag or airtight container will keep your bananas from turning brown!
What’s the best way to freeze bananas?
Step 1 - Slice: Slice the bananas into rounds. There isn’t a science here to how big you want the chunks, but try and make them uniform sizes. Step 2 - Flash Freeze: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the banana slices on top in a single layer to keep them from sticking together. Pop the tray into the freezer for 2 hours or until the slices are solid. Step 3 - Bag: Transfer the frozen banana slices into a ziplock bag (remove as much air as you can) or airtight container and store in the freezer.
How long can you freeze bananas?
Sliced banana can be stored in the freezer in a ziplock bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.
Can you freeze bananas in their peel?
Sure, you can totally throw a banana in it’s peel in the freezer but it really isn’t the best way to preserve your bananas. It’s difficult to remove the peel from frozen so you’ll need to thaw the bananas a bit. They also keep for less time using this method. As such I don’t recommend it. Better to take the extra 5 minutes it takes to slice the bananas then bag them after they are flash frozen!
How to use frozen bananas?
Make smoothies! My top three favourites are Chia Banana Smoothie, Banana Oat Smoothie and Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl. You can also check out this post on How to Make a Perfect Smoothie which has more than 30 delicious smoothie recipes to choose from. And if you haven’t already I highly recommend you try this Snickers Nice Cream recipe for a deliciously healthy dessert! Another way to use frozen bananas is to allow them to thaw and use them in banana baked goods.
How to thaw frozen bananas for baking
If you’re wanting to use your frozen banana slices for baking simply remove the amount of slices you’ll need and place them in a bowl to thaw. Once thawed, simply mash and use as needed in your recipe.
Tips for Freezing Bananas
Ripe or slightly overripe bananas (spotty) are best for freezing. Once they get very dark and soft they’re best used for baking, not freezing.Bananas are best frozen with their peel removed.Slice bananas into uniform rounds. Slicing bananas before freezing makes them easier to blend when you’re ready to use.Store frozen banana slices in a ziplock bag (ensuring you’ve forced as much air out as possible before zipping) OR in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.If you’re wanting to use your frozen banana slices for baking simply remove the amount of slices you’ll need and place them in a bowl to thaw. Once thawed, simply mash and use as needed in your recipe.
More Banana Recipes
I absolutely love freezing bananas BUT if you’re looking for some others way to use your ripe bananas here’s some inspiration:
Mini Banana MuffinsEasy Banana CakeButtermilk Banana Bread
If you’ve tried Freezing Bananas I’d love to hear how you enjoyed them! Pop a comment and a star rating below! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to keep up to date with more delicious recipes.
Tips for Freezing Bananas
Ripe or slightly overripe bananas (spotty) are best for freezing. Once they get very dark and soft they’re best used for fresh baking, not freezing.Bananas are best frozen with their peel removed. Slice bananas into uniform rounds. Slicing bananas before freezing makes them easier to blend when you’re ready to use. Store frozen banana slices in a ziplock bag (ensuring you’ve forced as much air out as possible before zipping) OR in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
If you’re wanting to use your frozen banana slices for baking simply remove the amount of slices you’ll need and place them in a bowl to thaw. Once thawed, simply mash and use as needed in your recipe.
