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how to freeze bananas

How to Freeze Bananas

Learning how to freeze bananas is easier than you think! We'll teach you the best hacks for freezing peeled, unpeeled, whole, sliced, and mashed bananas.
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Keyword: how to freeze bananas
Prep Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Author: Louisa

Ingredients

Instructions

HOW TO FREEZE BANANAS WITH THE SKIN ON

  • Place the unpeeled bananas directly in the freezer, but remember to use them within 3 months.
  • Because they'll be mushy once peeled, frozen whole bananas are best for baked goods. To use, thaw on the counter for 2 hours or until the peels are soft.
  • Alternatively, defrost them in the fridge overnight. Strain off the brown liquid before use.

HOW TO FREEZE BANANAS WITHOUT THE PEEL

  • Peel the bananas.
  • Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 3 hours or until solid.
  • Transfer the frozen bananas to a freezer-safe bag, ideally not touching.
  • Squeeze all the air out and put the bag flat in the freezer. Use the peeled frozen bananas within 6 to 8 months.
  • To use, leave them in the fridge overnight to thaw or defrost at room temperature for 2 hours. Strain off the brown liquid before use.

HOW TO FREEZE BANANA SLICES

  • Peel the bananas.
  • Slice the bananas crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces.
  • Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they're not touching.
  • If freezing a big batch, stack the banana slices with parchment paper between the layers.
  • Freeze the banana slices for 2 hours or until solid.
  • Transfer to freezer-safe containers. The frozen banana slices in the freezer are best used within 6 to 8 months.
  • If making smoothies, you can just blend the frozen bananas directly. For non-frozen recipes, the frozen banana slices will need to thaw for at least 30 minutes. Strain off the brown banana liquid before use.

HOW TO FREEZE MASHED BANANAS

  • Peel and using the back of a fork, mash the bananas until creamy.
  • Divide the mashed bananas into a muffin pan and freeze for 2 hours.
  • Once solid, transfer the frozen banana blocks to a freezer-safe bag and seal, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
  • Use the frozen banana blocks within 3 months.
  • You can thaw the mashed bananas at room temperature for 2 hours or in the fridge for use the next day.

Notes

  • Store your bananas in an AIRTIGHT bag or container to protect them from freezer burn.
  • Let the bananas freeze solid before transferring them to the freezer-safe container to prevent them from freezing into a single piece.
  • Be sure to label your freezer-safe containers since frozen bananas are best used between 3 and 8 months!