How to properly freeze bananas for smoothies or baking
I dislike putting whole bananas in the fridge — even sans the peel. They go brown, and I hate myself for letting them go to waste. This is why I developed this handy guide for freezing bananas the right way so you never open your fridge and pull out a gooey, begging-to-be-thrown-away disaster.
This year, we bid farewell to overripe bananas. Instead of throwing them out, be more proactive and freeze them for future use! Frozen bananas are fantastic in smoothies, in baking, and so much more. Here at Fit Foodie Kitchen, we’ve come up with an easy, foolproof way to freeze bananas, and we can’t wait to share it with you! It may sound like a little extra work, but when your bananas are perfectly frozen and don’t stick together, get freezer burn, or end up mushy, you’ll be thankful you didn’t skip these steps.
What You’ll Need to Freeze Bananas
- Fully ripe bananas
- Sharp knife
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Gallon-sized freezer bag
Step 1: Get the baking sheet ready
Soak a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will enable you to spread your banana slices out and prevent them from foisting onto one another during the initial freezing phase.
Step 2: Peel, Cut, and Freeze the Bananas
With that, your bananas, peeled, cut into rounds 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Whether your bananas are yellow or a little brown is your choice — they both work great! Place the slices on the parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer for at least 30 minutes or until the banana slices are solidly frozen.
Why freeze them on the baking sheet first?
The short answer: Yes, do not skip this step! Before you cut the slices, it’s important to note that if you just toss them in a bag, they’ll become one big frozen, unmanageable mass. When you’re ready to whip up a smoothie or bake something, there will be no need to thaw the entire batch or chip away at a solid banana brick. Nobody has time for that!
Step 3: Store the Banana Chunks for Later
After the banana slices are completely frozen, take the baking sheet out of the freezer. Run a spatula underneath the slices to lift them from the parchment paper and regroup the fresh slices in a ziplock in the freezer to enjoy for months to come! Leave it open, push out as much air as possible, and seal the bag. It also helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the bananas fresh. Seal the bag and write the date on it, then place it in your freezer to have perfectly-sized frozen banana chunks at the ready.
What Is the Shelf Life of Frozen Bananas?
You can keep banana slices in the freezer for 3 months. Remember to write the date on the bag so you know how long it’s been kept.
How to Make Use of Your Frozen Banana Slices?
Frozen bananas are one of the most versatile items! Put them into smoothies, banana bread, muffins, or any recipe that requires mashed bananas. There are so many different options! Here are some favorite recipes to help inspire you.
If you stick to this method, you’ll always have bananas that are perfectly frozen, ready to level up your smoothies or baked goods. No more wasted bananas — only delicious, convenient ingredients for your kitchen creations!
