How to Freeze Bananas (Without Browning!)

whole bananas frozen in a container with a lid.

How to Freeze Bananas (Without Browning!)

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: healthy

Keyword: frozen bananas, how to freeze bananas

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 0

Total Time: 5

Servings:

Calories: 105kcal

Author: Megan Gilmore

If you have too many ripe bananas sitting on your counter, one of the easiest ways you can save them for later is to pop them in the freezer. Today I'll show you two different ways to freeze them! Frozen bananas are the perfect addition to smoothies, and you can also enjoy them sliced as frozen "ice cream" bites. (Which is my daughter's favorite way to eat them.) I recently learned how to prevent them from turning brown, so be sure follow the tips below if you want to avoid unpleasant-looking bananas.

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US Customary - Metric

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas (with black spots on the skin for best flavor)

Instructions

Freezing Whole Bananas

Remove the peel from each banana, then gently arrange them in a large airtight container. Don't overfill the container, as you don't want the bananas to get mashed together. (This will make them harder to separate later.)
Secure the lid and store the bananas in the freezer overnight. You can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months, and use them as needed in smoothies, nice cream, and more.

Freezing Banana Slices

Peel the bananas, then slice them into roughly 1-inch chunks.
Arrange the slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper. Transfer the pan to the freezer, and freeze until the slices are firm, about 1 hour. (If a baking sheet won't fit on a flat shelf in your freezer, use a plate instead.)
Transfer the frozen slices to an airtight container with a lid to prevent browning and freezer burn. Keep them in the freezer until ready to use, for up to 3 months for the best flavor.

Notes

Nutrition information is an estimate for 1 banana. This information is automatically calculated, and is just an estimate, not a guarantee.

Prevent Browning: Frozen bananas will turn brown over time if they are not in a tightly sealed container. I learned this because my kids aren't very disciplined about securing lids when they help themselves, and suddenly, all of our bananas were brown because the lids weren't on tightly. When the lids are on securely, frozen bananas keep their light yellow color for at least 3 months.

Wondering how to use a frozen banana? Make my Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie or Banana Ice Cream with frozen ones, or try Banana Oatmeal Pancakes or Baked Banana Oatmeal using thawed frozen banana.

Nutrition