How To Freeze Bananas
This is the Best Meal Prep Hack!
I’ve been freezing bananas for ages now, especially since I’m a big smoothie fanatic. But there are actually so many things, in addition to smoothies, I find myself using frozen bananas for. There’s my paleo banana bread that’s always on repeat, this 3-ingredient banana smoothie, or these extra chewy banana oatmeal cookies. But, I’ll go over more options below.
Needless to say, it never hurts to prep some frozen bananas. It’s quick, easy, and won’t take up that much space in your freezer! And hey, it may even encourage you to make more healthy recipes. That’s always a bonus right?
What You Need to Freeze Bananas
Since you’ll be using frozen bananas in their natural state, I recommend freezing ones that are ripe, even to the point where they are just starting to turn brown – they’re naturally sweeter that way!
How to Freeze Whole or Half Bananas
Slice the bananas. You can leave the banana whole, or slice it in half. Then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer for about 1 to 2 hours, until they’re completely frozen.Store the bananas away. Transfer the frozen bananas to a freezer-safe bag labeled with the date. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Ways to use frozen whole or half bananas: These are best for smoothies, smoothie bowls, or nice creams! Frozen bananas make those recipes extra thick, creamy, and perfectly chilled. And if you’re craving a chocolate covered banana, insert a popsicle stick into each banana before freezing. Then you’ll have a base ready for dipping!
How to Freeze Sliced Bananas
Slice the bananas. You can slice each banana into ½-inch or 1-inch rounds. Then arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.Freeze the bananas. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze the bananas for 1 to 2 hours. Store the bananas away. Transfer the frozen bananas to a freezer-safe bag labeled with the date. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Ways to use frozen sliced bananas: Frozen slices are also great for smoothies and smoothie bowls. But they’re also a great shortcut to make my chocolate almond butter banana bites! Just slather some almond butter in between two pieces and stick them back in the freezer.
Also, frozen banana slices thaw faster than a whole or half banana piece. So if you need thawed bananas right away, this might be a better option.
How to Freeze Mashed Bananas
Mash the bananas. Place the bananas in a mixing bowl and mash away using the back of a fork. The bananas should be soft and creamy by the end.Freeze the mashed bananas. Instead of freezing the mashed bananas as a whole, divide it into equal portions (I recommend ¼ cup or ½ cup) in a silicone tray or muffin pan. That way, you won’t need to measure the bananas after the fact when you’re using them for baked goods and such. Then place the tray in the freezer and freeze for 2 to 3 hours. Store the bananas away. Transfer the frozen banana blocks to a freezer-safe bag labeled with the date. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.For thawing frozen mashed bananas, you can thaw it overnight in the fridge, or let it sit at room temperature for about 1½ to 2 hours.
Ways to use frozen mashed bananas: Mashed bananas are the foundation for so many baked goods and snacks such as my paleo banana bread, banana nut muffins, banana oatmeal cookies, and banana bread energy balls!
Best Containers to Freeze Bananas
After having done so many meal preps over the years, I’ve found the below products to be invaluable when freezing certain items – like bananas!
Silicone Trays: My favorite Souper Cube trays have measurement lines on the tray, which is such a benefit! That means you don’t have to get an extra measuring cup dirty, you can add the mashed frozen banana straight to the storage container. And you’ll have the perfect amount every time!Silicone Bags: I really like to use these silicone Stasher bags. Plus, they now come in so many different sizes and colors.
There’s More Ingredients You Can Freeze!
The freezer really is the best invention. So make use of it when you’ve got extra zucchini or cauliflower on hand as well! Here are my tips on:
How to Freeze Zucchini How to Freeze Cauliflower
So which way to freeze bananas is your favorite? Let me know which method worked well for you in a comment below!
How To Freeze Bananas – 3 Ways!
from votes Prep: 10 minutes Freeze Time: 2 hours Total: 2 hours 10 minutes PrintPinReviewSaveSaved
Description
Learning how to freeze bananas is one of the best meal prep hacks you can have up your sleeve for smoothies, baking, and more!
Ingredients
ripe bananas
Instructions
Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and peel all the bananas.
How to Freeze Whole and Half Bananas
Slice each banana in half (or leave whole) and arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze the bananas until solid, about 1 to 2 hours. 
Transfer the frozen bananas to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Then store the bag in the freezer. 
How to Freeze Sliced Bananas
Slice each banana into ½-inch or 1-inch rounds and arrange the slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze the bananas until solid, about 1 to 2 hours. 
Transfer the frozen bananas to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Then store the bag in the freezer.
How to Freeze Mashed Bananas
Place the bananas in a mixing bowl. Using the back of a fork, mash the bananas until soft and creamy. 
Scoop out set measurements (I recommend ¼ cup or ½ cup) and place in a silicone tray or muffin pan. Place the tray in the freezer and freeze the mashed bananas until solid, about 2 to 3 hours. 
Transfer the frozen mashed bananas to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Then store the bag in the freezer. 
Nutrition
Calories: 105kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 422mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 76IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.3mg Course: How To Cuisine: American Keyword: Frozen Bananas, How To Freeze Bananas
©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @downshiftology or tag #downshiftology!