There’s nothing like a comforting slice of banana bread for dessert; OK, let’s be honest, banana bread makes an excellent breakfast, too. But if you made a fresh batch of banana bread and didn’t plan to eat it within a few days, you’ll need a better storage solution. Can you freeze banana bread, and how?
You can successfully (and easily) store banana bread in the freezer. All you need to do is allow the banana bread to cool entirely, wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. Banana bread lasts for four months in the freezer.
Hey! My name’s Michelle, and I am a self-taught baker with over ten years of experience. I always use my overripe bananas for banana bread. After all, my family loves the flavor, and I hate to waste any food items. I’ve discovered the best technique for freezing banana bread.
Want to save your banana bread for later? Discover how to (correctly) freeze it below.
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Can You Freeze Banana Bread?
Let’s start by answering the elephant in the room – can you freeze banana bread?
The answer is yes, you can successfully (and easily) freeze banana bread.
In fact, it’s the best way to keep your banana bread fresh and delicious beyond the four-day mark (banana bread only lasts for four days at room temp).
That said, plenty of bakers opt to make two loaves of banana bread at once – one to stay at room temperature and another to freeze for later (when those banana bread cravings hit!).
How to Freeze Banana Bread
Banana bread only lasts four days at room temperature. That’s not a whole lot of time, especially if you’re the only one eating it! If you want your banana bread to last four months – not days – your best option is the freezer.
You need to ensure you’re freezing it correctly, though. Improper storage can cause your banana bread to become a dried-out, rock-hard, and flavorless disaster.
Here’s how to freeze banana bread the right way.
Tip: This method works for whole banana bread loaves or pieces.
1. Allow it to Cool Entirely
If you’ve decided to make two loaves of banana bread for the purpose of freezing the second loaf, you’ll need to allow it to cool entirely before storing it.
Trying to store a still-warm loaf of banana bread will leave you with excess moisture inside the container or freezer bag. And, since bacteria breed in moisture, your banana bread will likely end up with moldy spots. Ew.
Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for ten minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool. It will likely take up to two hours (or more) for your banana bread to successfully cool off entirely.
2. Wrap it Tightly
Now that your banana bread is cooled off, you must wrap it tightly.
You have two options here: plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Personally, I like to use plastic wrap because it clings to the banana bread loaf better. You won’t have to worry about the aluminum foil slipping or sliding, especially when moving the loaf around.
Regardless of which option you choose, wrapping the loaf tightly with two layers is essential. Ensure there are no areas playing peek-a-boo, as they will dry out in the freezer.
3. Place in a Container or Freezer Bag
Yes, the double layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil is an excellent protection for your yummy banana bread loaf. But it’s not enough – especially when it comes to stashing in the freezer.
With that said, always place your tightly wrapped loaf in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag.
I prefer to use an airtight container over resealable freezer bags because I find them more convenient. They also cut down on waste.
However, I understand why you might use a freezer bag instead. This is especially true for those who don’t have a lot of room in their freezer. When using a freezer bag, expel all the air before sealing it shut.
4. Store in the Freezer
Last but not least, place your banana bread in the freezer!
Be strategic about where you’re placing your beloved loaf.
You don’t want to set anything too heavy on top of the loaf. Otherwise, it will get flattened, taking some of the joy out of eating a slice of banana bread.
How to Thaw Frozen Banana Bread
Freezing banana bread is great if you want to extend its shelf life. But what are you supposed to do when you’re ready to munch on your delectable goodie? There are three ways to thaw your frozen banana bread.
1. At Room Temp (30 Minutes – 3 Hours)
The easiest way to thaw frozen banana bread is to simply set it on your countertop.
A loaf may take up to three hours before it’s thawed and ready for consumption, while a slice of banana bread may take as little as 30 minutes.
2. In the Microwave (Less Than a Minute)
You can always zap your banana bread in this handy appliance if you don’t mind using your microwave. This method works best for slices rather than whole loaves of banana bread.
To thaw a slice of banana bread in the microwave, start by placing the piece on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it in 15-second intervals until it’s adequately thawed. This shouldn’t take longer than 15 to 30 seconds. Flip the slice after each interval to ensure all areas are thawed.
3. In the Oven (15 to 30 Minutes)
Finally, you can use the oven.
The benefit of using the oven is that it will render results that taste fresh – almost as if you just baked the banana bread loaf! The drawback is that it’s a little time-consuming and requires a few extra steps.
Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat oven to 350 F
- Remove the banana bread from the container/bag and take off the plastic wrap/aluminum foil
- Place a loaf or slice of banana bread on a baking sheet
- Bake for 15 minutes (slice) to 30 minutes (loaf)
Keep an eye on your banana bread so that it doesn’t overheat!
FAQs
Freezing banana bread? Yup, super simple and unbelievably convenient. Who wouldn’t want to do it? Below I have outlined a few additional questions related to this topic. Check ‘em out!
Does homemade banana bread freeze well?
Homemade banana bread freezes beautifully. In fact, it’s the best way to store banana bread long-term. Just make sure that it is wrapped tightly and stored in a container or freezer bag. Consume within four months.
Can you store banana bread in a Ziploc bag?
You can throw your banana bread directly into a Ziploc bag. However, I always recommend wrapping the banana bread in a layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil first. It just keeps things fresher!
How long is banana bread good for in the fridge?
As long as the banana bread is stored correctly (layered in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placed in an airtight container or freezer bag), banana bread can last up to 12 days in the fridge. Of course, the sooner you eat it, the higher the quality will be.
Banana Bread Freezes Beautifully!
Banana bread is a super moist dessert with a surprisingly long shelf life – especially if stored in the freezer! All you need to do is wrap your cooled banana bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place it in a container or sealable bag. Store in the freezer for up to four months. Thaw at room temperature, in the micro, or in the oven when ready to eat it!
Do you store your banana bread? Do you have any tips or tricks you’d like to add?
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