Freezing bananas is a great way to avoid throwing away a bunch that has become overripe and blackened. A few useful tips will help you freeze them in the most convenient way for using later. For tasty inspiration for leftover ingredients, try our top banana recipes.
It may be tempting to put a banana straight into the freezer with the skin on, but the peel can be difficult to remove once frozen, making the banana tricky to use. When frozen correctly, bananas can be used straight away. Always freeze fresh bananas; they’ll be at their best within six months.
Basic methods for freezing bananas
1. How to freeze banana with peel
Peel your bananas and pop onto a tray and into the freezer, and freeze until solid. Then transfer into a labelled resealable freezer bag, ensuring you remove any excess air before sealing. Frozen bananas are best used within six months.
2. How to freeze banana slices
Peel your bananas and slice into ½-inch-thick discs. Put the discs onto a tray and pop into the freezer, and freeze until solid. Then transfer into labelled resealable freezer bag, ensuring you remove any excess air before sealing. Frozen bananas are best used within six months.
3. How to freeze brown bananas
Peel your bananas and mash them. We’d recommend portioning them out in labelled resealable freezer bags, for example, two mashed bananas per freezer bag is a handy portion to have at the ready. Remove any excess air before sealing, then freeze flat. Be sure to label how many bananas are in each bag. Frozen bananas are best used within six months.
4. How to freeze ripe bananas
If you’re planning ahead then wait until the bananas have a few dots of brown on them or are completely speckled (a bit like a giraffe) then you can peel them, slice them and freeze in a flat layer until frozen and firm then tip them into a container or freezer bag, label with contents and the date you’re freezing them. They’ll keep well for 3 months and then slowly deteriorate in quality but still be usable.
If you’ve been caught out and haven’t used them before they’ve browned then you can simply put them straight in the freezer with the skin on after snipping the ends off. Some recipes allow you to use the skin of the banana so you’ll simply have to add them frozen or defrost and use. If you’re not using the skin then defrost and, depending on how the banana has frozen, either peel the skin off or squeeze the fruit out of the skin. The flesh will likely look greyer than what you’re used to – don’t worry it’s still edible.
5. How to freeze bananas for smoothies
We’d recommend freezing the banana in slices and freezing when they’re very ripe. This makes them sweeter, so you won’t have to add as much, if any, sugar or sweetener to the smoothie.
For a smoothie, you can simply put the frozen banana in the blender with the liquid and other ingredients. This will be much easier if you have a high-power blender so, if you know your blender struggles with tougher ingredients, you might want to defrost the chunks first.
Using frozen bananas
Frozen whole bananas
Whole frozen bananas are best for eating as is, or in recipes requiring them whole. Just pop them into the fridge to defrost and then eat immediately, or use as decorations on top of banana bread before baking.
Frozen banana slices
Frozen banana coins are perfect for making smoothies, milkshakes and ice creams, or ‘nice’ creams. There is no need to defrost them, just use them straight from frozen.
Frozen banana purée
This is perfect for banana bread and any baking recipes requiring mashed bananas. Pop into the fridge to defrost first, then use immediately.
Banana recipe inspiration
Brilliant banana loaf
Use any leftover bananas to create a teatime classic. Our simple banana bread recipe uses an eye-catching drizzle and dried banana chips to make a pretty display. Enjoy a slice with your afternoon cuppa and satisfy your cravings for something sweet.
Quick banana ice cream
You won’t believe how quickly you can make a bowl of ice cream with just four ingredients. Whizz your frozen chunks of banana in a food processor and add milk to get the right consistency. Top with flaked almonds and a drizzle of sauce for a speedy dessert.
Boozy baked caramelised bananas
Use up your bananas and transform them into our boozy baked caramelised dessert with the help of rum, maple syrup and pecans. This surprisingly indulgent dish can be plated up in just 30 minutes.
Banana, clementine & mango smoothie
Kick-start your day with this deliciously refreshing drink, made with fresh fruit and yogurt. It’s rich in vitamin C and counts as one of your 5-a-day.
Enjoyed these recipes? Try more banana recipes…
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