How to Freeze Bananas
on Aug 12, 2025
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Freezing bananas is an easy, waste-cutting kitchen trick that keeps you stocked for banana bread, muffins, smoothies, and more.
Bananas are one of the easiest things to freeze, and one of the most satisfying in that they work tremendously well in smoothies and baked goods. We’ve all stared at the sad, spotted bunch of bananas on the counter, feeling guilty that we don’t have time to make banana bread or use them up in some other way.
Whether you’ve got one extra banana or a whole bunch going soft, I’ll walk you through the best ways to freeze bananas: whole, sliced, or mashed. Smoothies, muffins or cupcakes, banana bread, and banana cake — all are now definitely in your future.
Now, all you have to do is — don’t forget about the bananas in your freezer!
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Kitchen Smarts
This works best with ripe bananas, as frozen bananas won’t continue to ripen in the freezer, or after they’ve been defrosted. The best bananas to freeze are just turning a speckled brown. Peel before freezing.
The Best Way to Freeze Bananas
To Freeze Whole Bananas
- Peel the bananas. Place on a parchment or wax paper-lined baking sheet for 1 to 2 hours until firm.
- Transfer to a freezer-proof zipper-top bag. Label with the date. Press out any excess air and seal the bag. Freeze.
Best for: Smoothies and milkshakes (try adding them to a strawberry shake for a Strawberry Banana Milkshake!) and baking (thaw and mash).
To Freeze Banana Slices
- Peel and slice the bananas into 1/2-inch rounds.
- Spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for 1 to 2 hours, until firm.
- Transfer to a freezer bag, press out excess air, label with the date, and return to the freezer.
Best for: Smoothies (Try this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie!), milkshakes, frappes, and Banana Cream Pie.
To Freeze Mashed Bananas
- Peel and mash the bananas with a fork.
- Scoop into airtight containers or freezer bags (it’s a good idea to measure out 1/2 cup or 1 cup portions so you know exactly what you are defrosting).
- Flatten the bags for easy stacking and quick thawing. Label with the date and the volume of mashed bananas.
Best for: Banana bread, pancakes, muffins, and banana bread pudding.
Storage Tips
- Bananas can be frozen for up to 4 months.
- Use freezer-safe zipper-top bags or freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn.
- Make sure to label the bag with the quantity of bananas (e.g., 2 bananas and 1 cup of mashed bananas) for easy recipe use later.
- If you want to prevent the natural browning of frozen bananas, you can toss them or blend in a bit of lemon juice. Note that on the bag, so that you can remember, there will be a slightly citrusy flavor when you use them.
- Flash-freezing whole or sliced bananas on a tray helps them stay separate and not clump together in the freezer. This makes it easier to pull out what you need.
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How to Freeze Bananas
Equipment
Ingredients
- Ripe bananas (as many as you’ve got)
Instructions
- Peel the bananas. Keep whole, or slice them into 1/2 inch rounds. Freeze the bananas for 1 to 2 hours on a parchment-lined baking sheet until firm. Or, mash the bananas.
- Transfer the semi-frozen bananas, banana slices, or the mashed banana puree to a freezer-proof zipper-top bag. Label with the date and quantity. Press out any excess air and seal the bag.
Notes
- Three whole bananas produce about 1 1/2 cups of sliced bananas or 1 cup of mashed bananas.
