Learn how to freeze bananas the easiest way possible to save those overripe bananas for future smoothies, muffins, oatmeal, baked goods like banana bread, and more.

How to Freeze Bananas

Usually, by the end of the week, we have a few bananas that are too ripe to eat fresh. I almost always freeze them to use later on to make sure that we put them to good use and don’t waste the perfectly edible food. I’ve been freezing bananas for years and have the very simple process down to a super easy method that you can do too.

I love this simple method since you can freeze them right in the bag (no need to freeze on a pan and transfer them later) and you can use them in both smoothies and baked goods.

This is also an excellent way to preserve leftover banana from kids meals!

Best Bananas to Freeze

You’ll want to freeze ripe or overripe fresh bananas, so they should look very yellow and have at least some brown spots. They can also be all brown if they’ve gotten to the point of being super ripe!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at the process involved in freezing bananas. Scroll to the bottom of the post for all of the specifics.

1. Peel the bananas.
2. Break in half. Add to a freezer bag.
3. Or, slice and add to a freezer bag.
4. Press flat and seal.

TIP: I like to break bananas in half that I plan to use in smoothies so I can clearly see how much I’m adding without needing to actually measure them. My refurbished Vitamix handles those big pieces easily. I use sliced bananas for baked goods or oatmeal.

How can I use frozen bananas?

I like to use frozen bananas in:

TIP: To bake with frozen bananas, let them thaw, drain off any excess liquid, and proceed with the recipe.

Best Tips for Success

• I like to break bananas in half that I plan to use in smoothies so I can clearly see how much I’m adding without needing to actually measure them. My refurbished Vitamix handles those big pieces easily.
• I use sliced bananas for baked goods or oatmeal.
• You’ll want to freeze ripe or overripe fresh bananas, so they should look very yellow and have at least some brown spots.
• To bake with frozen bananas, let them thaw, drain off any excess liquid, and proceed with the recipe.
• Use frozen bananas in Veggie Smoothies, Banana Oatmeal Muffins, Sugar-Free Banana Muffins, Strawberry Banana Bread, Oatmeal with Fruit, or Banana Yogurt.
• You may also like How to Freeze Rhubarb, How to Freeze Blueberries, and How to Freeze Strawberries.

I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe, so please comment below to share.

This post was first published July 2020.

How to Freeze Bananas (the Easy Way)

Amy Palanjian

Stash your too ripe bananas in the freezer to put to good use later on in smoothies, baked goods, oatmeal, and more. You can do as many bananas you like—and even buy over ripe bananas specifically to freeze!

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 0 mins

Total Time 4 hrs 5 mins

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 105 kcal

Ingredients  

1x2x3x

• 1 bunch very ripe bananas or more or less according to what you have

Instructions 

• Peel the bananas.

• Break in half. Add to a freezer bag.

• Or, slice into rounds and add to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible.

• Press flat and seal. You want the bananas to be in a single layer to prevent them from freezing together.

• Place flat into the freezer and freeze at for at least 4 hours or up to 6 months. (You can store the bag upright after they have been in the freezer for at least 4 hours and they won’t freeze together.)

Nutrition

Calories: 105kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 422mgFiber: 3gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 76IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 1mg

Keyword frozen bananas, how to freeze bananas

Filder Under:Advice, Cooking Tips, Preserving