Banana bread is one of the super moist loaves of bread that can be eaten for breakfast, as an afternoon treat, or after dinner with a cup of Joe. However, because of its exceptional moistness, it also means it can end up a dried-out disaster if not stored properly.
Hey, hey! I’m Michelle and I love banana bread. Honestly, I should make it more. But it’s one of those treats that I always seem to forget about (sorry, banana bread). I make it often enough to know how to store it properly, though, and that’s what I’m sharing with you today.
Proper storage is the key that will unlock hydrated banana bread – even up to four days after you’ve stored it.
Let’s talk about the three best ways to store banana bread.
Contents
3 Best Ways to Store Banana Bread
Banana bread is a bit picky and will need to be stored correctly to retain moisture and enhance its longevity, whether at room temperature, in the fridge, or in the freezer.
But in what type of container should your banana bread be stored? Can you store banana bread in a Ziploc bag? You have three options that can work wonders.
1. Airtight Container
My favorite way to store banana bread is in an airtight container. That’s because it will block out air effectively, which would otherwise cause banana bread to become a dried-out mess.
Consider using an airtight container to lock in freshness and keep your banana bread tasting great for up to four days at room temperature or three months in the freezer.
Just place a paper towel on the bottom of the container when storing it. You need something to absorb excess moisture to avoid the dreaded soggy piece of banana bread. (If you’ve tried soggy banana bread, you know what a nightmare it is!).
Just place a paper towel on the bottom of the container when storing it at room temp.
2. Loaf Cake Keeper
Another option is a loaf cake keeper. I think of loaf cake keepers as the beautiful cross between typical airtight containers and bread boxes.
They’re entirely sealable, which is excellent for the banana bread’s moisture retainment. But they’re also the ideal size to ensure your beloved bread doesn’t end up squished. After all, lots of airtight containers are going to be somewhat flat, which isn’t great for a tall banana bread loaf.
The other benefit of a loaf cake keeper is that it’s adorable. I’m sorry – but I’m a baker that loves “cute” products in my kitchen. Loaf cake keepers are just charming and complement my farmhouse look wonderfully.
You should also use a paper towel in the loaf cake keeper, just to be on the safe side.
3. Plastic Resealable Freezer Bag
Most people have plastic resealable freezer bags on hand, but they might not have a loaf cake keeper or an airtight container (at least one that can accommodate their banana bread, anyway).
Does this mean you’re out of luck? Nope! You can also use resealable freezer bags to get the job done. You will just have to be extra careful with it, as your banana bread will be more susceptible to getting squished.
When storing in a resealable freezer bag, it’s recommended to wrap the banana bread in some plastic wrap before placing it in the bag.
This will lock in moisture while keeping the elements away, such as freezer burn. After all, this is the recommended option for freezing as it won’t take up much space.
How Long Does Banana Bread Last?
Okay, so you made sure that your banana bread is stored correctly. That’s great and all, but how long is this beautiful loaf going to last? Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind.
1. At Room Temp
The best place for your banana bread to “hang out” is at room temperature (as long as it is in some type of container, as it will get dried out from the air quite quickly). Banana bread will remain good for up to four days when properly stored.
Now, that’s not to say you can’t still eat it. You can consume banana bread on the 5th and 6th days if you want. The only issue will be dryness. Banana bread will almost always dry out by the four-day mark.
If you want to try and revive your banana bread, warm it up in the microwave or oven before consuming it.
You can also transform it before it goes bad. Make a pudding using leftover banana bread or surprise your family with some of the best French toast they’ve ever eaten.
2. In the Fridge
I know some people cringe when they hear that someone is storing a bread product in the fridge, but to be honest, I’ve had no issues. As long as banana bread (or other bread, for that matter) is stored correctly, it can extend its lifespan.
Banana bread should remain good for up to 12 days when stored in the fridge. If you notice it is dried out from the fridge’s hydrating environment, simply heat it before eating.
3. In the Freezer
Are you not going to eat your banana bread within four or 12 days? Then you need to store it in the freezer, instead. As always, the freezer is the go-to when it comes to extending an ingredient’s lifespan.
When stored in the freezer, banana bread will remain delicious and fresh-tasting for up to three months. Again, it might be fine up to the four-month mark, but the quality will have deteriorated some and may taste dry or stale.
How to Tell Banana Bread Has Gone Bad
The high moisture content of banana bread is what makes it oh-so-delicious, but it’s also what can cause it to go bad quicker. Knowing the tell-tale signs of spoilage will keep you from consuming old banana bread and ending up with a belly ache (or worse).
Mold
Mold loves moisture, so banana bread presents the perfect environment for mold to grow. Double-check the exterior of your banana bread. Then, slice it and check the interior. If you notice any moldy patches, toss the entire loaf.
Discoloration
The discoloration is another indicator that your banana bread loaf has gone. More specifically, check for dark spots. If you see them, it’s time to “let it go,” as Elsa would say.
Off Smell
Give your banana bread a whiff. If there is any odd odor emitting from the loaf, it’s clearly time to get rid of it. The smell may be sour or otherwise pungent, although any hint of an odd odor indicates that your banana bread is going bad or has gone bad already.
FAQs
Why stop now? Let’s learn more about the best ways to store banana bread with these interesting FAQs!
What is the best way to store homemade banana bread?
Homemade banana bread storage is no different from store-bought banana bread loaves. Just make sure it is cooled entirely before storing. Otherwise, you will have too much moisture build up in the container, leading to soggy (and disgusting) banana bread.
Should you refrigerate banana bread?
Should you? No. Can you? Yes. Make sure the banana bread is wrapped in plastic wrap before it’s placed inside an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This will lock in moisture and prevent the loaf from drying out too quickly.
Can you store banana bread in a Ziploc bag?
While I recommend storing banana bread in an airtight container or loaf cake keeper, you can resort to a Ziploc bag if you need to. Try to wrap the banana bread in plastic wrap before placing it in a Ziploc bag. This will allow the loaf to retain moisture more readily.
Final Words
Banana bread can be stored at room temperature, in the fridge, or freezer. Regardless of where it’s stored, the best options for containers include airtight containers, loaf cake keepers, or plastic resealable freezer bags.
How do you store your banana bread?
About Michelle