Can You Freeze Bananas? Tips for Freezing Bananas

Can You Freeze Bananas? Tips for Freezing Bananas

Bananas are a great source of protein and fiber for every fitness freak. But managing nutrition and a busy life schedule can be hectic sometimes. Therefore, here we are back with some tips on ways to freeze bananas.

Bananas can be frozen in three ways- whole bananas, sliced bananas, and mashed banana puree. It entirely depends on the type of recipe you intend to cook with them. By the end of this article, you will have an idea of ways to freeze bananas for six months.

Bananas are potent in potassium content as well. They have excellent health benefits for the skin, teeth, and overall gut system of the human body. They aid in blood sugar regulation, cardiac regulation, and many other ailments of the human body.

How to Freeze Bananas?

Freezing fresh bananas is very simple. You can directly shift them into the freezer and store them for months. Here’s what you can do to freeze bananas that are at the peak of the ripening stage.

Also, you can use this method for bananas that are nearing the ripening stage. Take your bananas and discard their peels. If you are wondering why you should remove peels? Well, the answer is simple. It will be tough to remove frozen peels from the bananas and the process might turn cumbersome.

Once you remove all the peels you can move to the next step. Line a baking tray with clean baking paper. Add your bananas to the tray and do not stack them over each other. Flash-freeze them for a couple of hours.

Take clean airtight containers or ziplock bags. Wipe them with a dry cloth to remove any traces of water or dirt. Now, shift the frozen bananas as a whole into your containers. Immediately shut the lid and transfer the boxes into the freezer.

These bananas will sustain in the freezer for a period of six months without going brown or mushy.

How to Freeze Sliced Bananas?

Sometimes you will need sliced bananas as topping over your pancakes or oatmeal bowls. Wouldn’t it be great if you have chopped slices of bananas packed in your freezer? I know it sounds great.

Well, the good news is, you can store sliced bananas in the freezer as well! So, the next time you wish to top your meals with some fruits you can directly get them in your freezer.

First things first, start slicing your bananas into sizes of your choice. However, try to cut them into equal sizes so that you don’t face any problems stacking them. Once you have your slices ready, move to the next step.

The second step is similar to the earlier method, yes, you got it correct! Flash-freeze banana slices by placing them in a single layer on a lined baking tray. You can flash freeze them for a minimum of two hours.

Then take clean vessels for stacking these slices. However, it would be great if you store these slices in ziplock bags in single layers. It prevents sticking the slices together. Spread frozen banana slices evenly in zip-lock bags and drop them in the freezer.

They will last in your freezer for six months and you can use them anywhere in between.

How to Freeze Banana Puree?

One can make different recipes from banana puree like banana bread, banana souffle, banana cupcakes, banana fudge cake, banana cinnamon rolls, etc. However, it becomes easy when you have pre-prepared banana puree for them.

Here’s how to make and store fresh banana puree in the freezer for months. Start by peeling fresh bananas and chopping them into small pieces. Mash them using a fork or flat spatula. Whisk them with a small whisk to get an even paste-like consistency. It is okay if you don’t mash all the banana pieces.

Then transfer this puree into airtight containers and place the boxes in the freezer. You can measure the amount of banana puree using cups before freezing them. Accordingly, you can freeze this puree in different boxes with different cup measurements. Add labels to all of them so that you can get the exact measurement of puree every time.

Can You Freeze Banana Slices with Caramel Buttercream Frosting in the Freezer?

You can freeze bananas along with caramel buttercream frosting or swiss meringue buttercream but only for a few days. Not that the frosting will go bad, but you will have a crystallized frosting after freezing that appears bad in texture.

Tips to Remember When Freezing Bananas

Freezing bananas is easy, but you have to be careful while storing them, or else, they might go bad and affect other contents in your freezer. Follow these easy yet effective tips to freeze bananas:

1. Do not freeze bananas with their peels on. It wouldn’t affect the freezing pattern of the bananas, but it will make the process of discarding the peels hard.
2. Do not freeze unripened bananas. Freezing bananas halts the ripening of the bananas. Therefore, always freeze fresh bananas that are ripe. You can also use bananas that are fully ripened and have brown coloration.
3. When storing banana slices in containers, add parchment paper between each layer of bananas. It will prevent the slices from adhering to each other.
4. When storing banana puree, add labels to each container with the exact measurement of banana puree.
5. There is no need to defrost banana slices or whole bananas. You can use them directly in your recipe for a smooth texture.
6. Do not freeze bananas for more than six months. You might lose their original texture and taste. Also, the risk of bananas going bad increases.

Recipes With Frozen Bananas

There are several fun and healthy recipes that you can make with frozen banana slices or puree and here’s how to do it. Bananas can be frozen whole and you can try these recipes that are easy to follow along in your diet routines or as daily snacks!

Frozen Banana Strawberry Smoothie

Smoothies are the ultimate breakfast-cum-shakes that will make you feel full for longer durations. To prepare one serving of this smoothie, you’ll need- 1 cup frozen bananas, 1 cup frozen strawberries, 1 tsp honey/maple syrup, and 1/2 cup chilled water. Do not thaw or defrost your fruits. Instead, directly add all the ingredients in a blender and give a nice mix till you get a thick smoothie. Transfer the smoothie to a bowl and top it with some fruit slices or mint leaves!

Frozen Banana Choco-chip Muffin

To make this appetizing muffin you will need- 1 cup frozen banana puree, 1 cup almond flour, 1 egg, 1 tsp baking powder, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tsp vanilla essence, choco chips, and 3 tbsp honey. In a ramekin, add the thawed banana puree, egg, and vanilla essence. Whisk them nicely and add other ingredients. Mix the batter and top it with some choco chips or chocolate chunks. Bake for 4-5 minutes and your midday or midnight craving delicacy is ready!

Frozen Banana Nice Cream

Banana nice cream is getting extreme popularity as the ultimate fat-free and sugar-free substitute for ice creams! To prepare one, you can start by mixing frozen banana slices with a dash of milk and honey. You can adjust flavors by adding cocoa powder, strawberry puree, or other ingredients as per your choice. Once everything is mixed nicely, you can serve it chilled in bowls! This makes a perfect last-moment dessert for guests. Frozen bananas will give a really creamy texture to the ice cream.

Conclusion

Now, you have a clear understanding of how to freeze bananas. Freezing your fruits is the best way to get a nice and healthy breakfast every morning. You can freeze other fruits by similar methods as well. Bananas are best frozen when they’re ripe and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You freeze unripe bananas as well but ripe ones, it’s that they freeze wonderfully! All the recipes given above can be easily prepared and baked with simple ingredients in your kitchen.