Freezing bananas is a no-brainer. This is going to be the best thing you’ll read all day.
The Easiest Way to Freeze Bananas
Put them in the freezer, peel and all. Nature provided you with the perfect packaging. Seriously, that’s it. If you want, you can keep them in a zip top freezer bag so they don’t roll all over your freezer. (I’ve had enough bananas in mine that they’ve come tumbling out when I had them in loose.)
How Long Do Bananas Last in the Freezer?
I’ve had bananas in my freezer for up to a year with no issues (meaning I thawed them and made them into banana bread which everyone gobbled up). But if you want to be cautious, keep them in there just for 6 months.
How to Thaw Frozen Bananas
The easiest way is to take the bananas out of the freezer, put them in a bowl or on a deep plate, and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also thaw them on the counter in about 4 hours. Thawed whole bananas look gross, all floppy and brown, but they work great in recipes. In a hurry? Microwave (peel and all) in a microwave-safe bowl at half power for 3-4 minutes. Frozen bananas will seep out brown liquid as they thaw. I usually discard this liquid because it’s been in contact with the peel, and who knows where that banana’s been on its long journey to your freezer. If you do discard the liquid, you may need to add a little extra liquid (milk or water works fine) to your recipe. To get the banana out of the peel, just cut off one end with scissors and squeeze the now-soft banana out.
How to Freeze Bananas for Smoothies
A whole frozen banana in a peel is not very handy for making smoothies. For you smoothie fans, we have a different technique. Peel and slice the banana into 2 to 3-inch chunks. Freeze the chunks on a parchment-lined tray just until firm, then place in a zip top bag, pressing out as much air as you can before sealing. Then just grab what you need from the bag when it’s smoothie time. Bananas frozen this way will last up to 2 months.
What to Make with Frozen Bananas
Banana bread is obvious: it’s fast, easy, and everyone loves it. Thawed bananas make great banana bread because they’re almost pre-mashed. Our classic banana bread recipe comes together in one bowl and takes about 3 medium bananas. Have bunches in the freezer? Make a double batch.
More Recipes to Use Up Frozen Bananas!
Crunchy Banana Nut Granola Banana Nut Muffins Banana Sheet Cake Slow Cooker Banana Bread Pudding Rum Raisin Banana Bread
