I am a huge fan of bananas and have been freezing them for banana nice cream, smoothies and banana bread as long as I can remember. Freezing bananas is an excellent way to use up banana when you have a bunch of over-ripe ones.

Watch how to freeze bananas in under 2 minutes

Over the years I’ve noticed that a lot of people freeze their bananas with the skins on. This is a very awkward way to freeze your bananas. It’s almost impossible to get the skin off when they are still frozen, without a battle. So I’ve created this super quick guide on the best way to freeze bananas (with extra tips and FAQ below).

How to freeze bananas

Peel ripe bananas, cut or break them into pieces, then freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a sealed freezer bag or freezer-safe container. This gives you ready-to-use banana pieces without having to wrestle with frozen skins.

Which bananas are best for freezing?

Choose ripe bananas with a few brown speckles on the skin. They are naturally sweet and lovely for smoothies and banana ice cream.

Very ripe bananas are useful for baking too, provided they haven’t spoiled. Don’t freeze bananas with mould or an unpleasant, fermented smell. Freezing won’t rescue spoiled fruit.

Let green bananas ripen first. They won’t continue ripening once frozen.

The simple method

  1. Peel your bananas
    Remove the skin before freezing. It takes seconds now and saves a fiddly job later.
  2. Cut or break them into pieces
    Slices or small chunks are easier to portion and blend than a whole frozen banana.
  3. Freeze the pieces separately
    Spread them on a tray lined with baking parchment, leaving a little space between them. Freeze until solid. Thin slices may take around two hours; larger pieces will take longer.
  4. Transfer and store
    Put the frozen pieces into a freezer-safe container or reusable freezer bag. Seal well, removing excess air if using a bag, and label with the date. Return them to the freezer.

No room for a tray? Arrange the pieces in a single layer inside a freezer bag, with a little space between them, and lay it flat to freeze. Avoid piling soft banana pieces together if you want to take out individual portions later.

Bananas I found on a tree in La Palma

Ways to use frozen bananas

So what would I use frozen bananas for exactly?

Use frozen banana pieces straight from the freezer for smoothies and banana ice cream. They bring natural sweetness and a lovely creamy texture.

Try my easy blueberry blender nice cream:

Easy Blender Ice Cream - Vegan 'nice cream' Blueberry - with only 3 ingredients by Anastasia, Kind Earth

For banana bread, muffins and other recipes that call for mashed banana, defrost the pieces first, then follow your recipe.

Try my La Palma island Banana bread recipe:

La Palma island Banana Bread - gluten-free, vegan and made with love by Anastasia from Kind Earth

Try my vegan smoothies here:

Helpful guide to making vegan smoothies creamy, thick and nutritious. Plant-based recipes and top tips.

Frequently asked questions about freezing bananas

Can you freeze bananas with the skin on?

Yes, you can, but removing the skin while the banana is frozen is super awkward. Peeling first makes the banana much easier to use, especially when you want it frozen for smoothies or ice cream. That’s the simple method I recommend.

Can you freeze whole peeled bananas?

Yes. Freeze them separately before putting them into a bag or container. Whole bananas are handy when a recipe calls for a certain number in baking, although smaller pieces are easier for most blenders to handle.

How do you stop frozen bananas sticking together?

Freeze the pieces separately before packing them together. If you put a pile of soft banana pieces straight into a container, they can freeze into one solid lump. If you are doing a small amount, then a lump is fine.

If you are freezing larger amounts then do put your chopped pieces in a single layer on a try. Then freeze. When frozen transfer to containers.

How long do frozen bananas last?

Aim to use them within one to three months for the best quality. They can start going brown in the freezer if you leave them too long. Keep them sealed in a freezer running at -18°C or below. Three months is a quality guide, rather than a point at which properly stored frozen bananas suddenly become unsafe.

How do you stop frozen bananas turning brown?

Freeze them promptly after peeling and keep them in a well-sealed bag or container with as little air as practical. This helps limit browning and freezer burn, although some colour change can still happen. Browning alone doesn’t mean the banana has completely spoiled and you can still use it for baking.

Why are my bananas mushy after defrosting?

Freezing changes the texture, so thawed bananas won’t be firm like fresh ones. Where possible it’s best to use your banana directly from the frozen. Soft banana can be useful for mashing into baking recipes. For a thick smoothie or banana ice cream, use the pieces while they’re still frozen.

How do you defrost bananas for baking?

Put the amount you need into a covered bowl in the fridge and leave until thawed. Overnight is convenient. Unless your recipe says otherwise, mash the banana with the liquid it releases so you don’t lose the moisture.