How to freeze Bananas

Learn the best ways to freeze bananas for smoothies, baking, and snacking. Avoid mushy messes with these simple step-by-step freezing methods and pro tips!
Sliced banana pieces spread out on a crumpled sheet of brown parchment paper. The slices are unevenly distributed, showing their circular, creamy interior with small seeds visible. The parchment paper rests on a white surface.

About this recipe

Bananas are magic. They make smoothies creamier, banana bread sweeter, and pancakes extra delicious. But they also ripen at lightning speed, especially here in Texas! One day, they’re perfectly yellow; the next, they’re covered in brown spots. So, what’s the best way to freeze bananas and keep them at their peak for recipes? I’ve got you! Here’s how to freeze bananas correctly—whether you want them for smoothies, baking, or snacking straight from the freezer.

How to Freeze Bananas (Step by Step)

Perfect for banana breadmuffins, strawberry banana nice cream, or the creamiest smoothie.

  • Peel the bananas (trust me, peeling a frozen banana is not fun). You can freeze them whole or slice them into ½-inch rounds.
  • Place them whole or sliced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
  • Transfer to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible.
  • Label and freeze for up to 3 months.

Freezing Mashed Bananas

  • Mash ripe bananas with a fork.
  • Measure out ½-cup or 1-cup portions to know exactly how much you need for baking. Then, freeze them in large ice cube trays or snack ziplock bags.
  • Store in freezer-safe bags or containers, flattening them out to save space.
  • Freeze and label the amount of banana puré in each bag container.

Tips for Freezing Bananas

  • Always peel before freezing – Frozen banana peels are a nightmare to remove.
  • Use ripe bananas – The riper, the sweeter!
  • Label everything – It’s easy to forget how long they’ve been in the freezer.
  • Freeze flat – Saves space and makes it easier to grab what you need.
  • No need to thaw for smoothies – Blend frozen slices straight into your smoothie!
Sliced banana pieces, ready for freezing bananas, are spread unevenly on crumpled brown parchment paper. The paper rests on a light, textured surface. The circular slices reveal their soft, creamy interior with tiny seed specks at the center.

How to Freeze Bananas (Step by Step)

Alejandra Graf
Learn the best ways to freeze bananas for smoothies, baking, and snacking. Avoid mushy messes with these simple step-by-step freezing methods and pro tips!
No ratings yet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Freezing time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Course How to
Servings 1 serving

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • Ripe bananas

Instructions
 

Freezing Whole Bananas

  • Peel the bananas.
  • Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
  • Transfer to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible.
  • Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • ➡️ Use them for: Banana bread, pancakes, or thawed and mashed for baking.

Freezing Banana Slices

  • Peel and slice bananas into ½-inch rounds.
  • Spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
  • Freeze for 1-2 hours.
  • Transfer to a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out the air, and freeze.
  • ➡️ Use them for: Smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt bowls, or snacking straight from the freezer!

Freezing Mashed Bananas

  • Mash ripe bananas with a fork.
  • Measure out ½-cup or 1-cup portions.
  • Store in freezer-safe bags or containers, flattening them out to save space.
  • Freeze and label.
  • ➡️ Use them for: Banana bread, muffins, pancakes, or even baby food!
Keyword bananas

information

Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Did you make this recipe?Tag @piloncilloyvainilla on Instagram and hashtag it #alecooks so we can all see your creations.
Alejandra Graf
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