How to freeze bananas
Learn how to freeze bananas and make your food go further. Try our simple freezing techniques, then have a go at our easy instant ice cream or a simple smoothie.
Freezing bananas is a great way to avoid binning a bunch of over-blackened ones. There are a couple of great tips to help you freeze bananas in a way that makes them most convenient to use in the future. Try our top banana recipes for some tasty inspiration for leftover ingredients.
It may be tempting to just throw a banana straight into the freezer with the skin on, but freezing this way makes it tricky to use the banana as the peel is difficult to take off in when frozen. When frozen correctly, bananas can be used straight away. Always use bananas that are fresh. Bananas in the freezer will be at their best within six months.
Basic methods for freezing bananas
1. How to freeze whole bananas
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.
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 our other simple banana recipe ideas...
Easiest ever banana ice cream
Best banana pancake recipes
Top 10 ways to use up ripe bananas
Our top 10 best banana bread recipes
What's your favourite way to use up ripe bananas? Leave a comment below...
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