How to Freeze Bananas (3 Ways!) - Downshiftology (2024)

Learning how to freeze bananas is one of the best meal prep hacks you can have up your sleeve! Just slice, halve or mash, then freeze, and store away for future smoothies, baked goods, and so much more.

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 layeron 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.

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.

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!