How to Freeze Bananas for Smoothies, Baking, & More

There’s a lot to love about bananas. They’re budget-friendly, delicious, and packed with essential nutrients. Bananas are also perfect for traveling, as they come with their very own protective “packaging.” Moreover, the yellow fruit can be used as an egg replacer, so it’s a must-have in vegan recipes.

When Should You Freeze Bananas?

In general, it’s recommended to freeze bananas once they are ripe or overripe. (Ripe bananas range from bright yellow with green tips to yellow with brown spots; overripe bananas are mostly or completely brown.) That’s because bananas don’t continue ripening in the freezer. By freezing ripe or overripe bananas, you’ll be able to “capture” its sweetness and texture.

How to Freeze Bananas 

There are several ways to freeze bananas. The best method depends on how you plan to use them. 

Sliced Bananas

One method for freezing bananas is to slice and freeze them. This is the best way to freeze bananas for smoothies because the banana pieces can be easily processed by a blender or food processor. Whole frozen bananas, on the other hand, will be too much for a typical home appliance to handle.

Here’s how to freeze banana slices:

1. Unpeel the bananas. Slice each banana into 1/2-inch thick slices.

2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the banana slices in a single layer, leaving space between each one. This will ensure the bananas freeze separately and prevent them from sticking together.

3. Flash freeze the bananas for 1 to 2 hours, or until solid. Flash freezing also keeps the banana chunks from sticking. Using a spatula, remove the frozen banana slices from the baking sheet and place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Return to the freezer until completely firm, about 6 hours.

Whole Peeled Bananas

Peeling and freezing whole bananas is ideal for baking, as you’ll know exactly how much you’re using. (After all, with banana slices, it’s difficult to know how many pieces make up one banana.) 

Here’s how to freeze whole peeled bananas:  

1. Unpeel the bananas (and consider saving the peels for banana peel bacon!). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the unpeeled bananas on the sheet, leaving space between each one. Again, this will prevent the bananas from sticking.

2. Flash freeze the bananas for 2 hours, or until solid. Remove the bananas from the baking sheet and place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Return to the freezer until completely firm, about 6 hours.

Whole Unpeeled Bananas 

If you’re looking for a zero-waste option, or if you don’t have any containers, you can freeze whole bananas with the peel. 

Freezing individual bananas with the peel is easy. Simply place them in the freezer until firm, about 8 hours. The banana peel will turn brown, but this won’t affect the actual fruit.

Can You Freeze Bananas Without Plastic Bags?

Definitely! Instead of resealable freezer bags, you can use a freezer safe reusable bag, like Stasher bags. We also enjoy Souper Cubes, a silicone freezer-safe container. In either case, make sure your container is airtight. This will prevent freezer burn.

How to Keep Frozen Bananas from Turning Brown

To prevent frozen banana slices from turning brown, store them in an airtight container. If the banana chunks are exposed to air in the freezer, they will turn brown. The same goes for frozen whole peeled bananas. 

When whole unpeeled bananas are frozen, the skin will turn brown. But this won’t affect the banana flesh. This part will stay yellow, given there are no breaks in the skin before the banana is frozen.

How Long Can You Keep Bananas In the Freezer?

For optimal flavor and texture, use frozen bananas within 3 months. If you need a reminder, write the date on a strip of masking tape and place it on the container.

How to Thaw Frozen Bananas for Baking

The best way to thaw frozen bananas depends on how you froze them. To thaw frozen whole unpeeled bananas, run them under warm water, then peel as usual. Alternatively, you can thaw frozen bananas (in any form) by transferring them to the refrigerator overnight. Keep in mind that frozen bananas will release liquid as they thaw, so you’ll want to place them in a bowl. This is especially important for frozen whole unpeeled bananas, which are typically frozen without a container.

How to Use Frozen Bananas

To use frozen bananas in smoothies, simply add the frozen banana slices (and other frozen fruits) directly to your blender. You can use this same approach if you’re making banana ice cream.

If you’re using the bananas for a baked good, like banana bread, thaw them first. Once defrosted, mash them with a fork. Mashed bananas can be used as an egg replacer in recipes.

Here are more ways to use frozen bananas at home:

• Frozen Banana Cream Pie — For a frozen sweet treat, make this vegan banana cream pie.
• Vegan Sugar Cookies — These cookies call for mashed bananas instead of eggs.
• Vegan Protein Cookies — Enjoy these nutritious cookies as a breakfast or snack.
• Vegan Baked Oatmeal — This baked oatmeal dish is filling and loaded with bananas.