Banana bread is one of the first things people make. That’s because as long as you have some very ripe bananas and a few common kitchen ingredients, you can make it in a flash. But when it’s done baking, how long does it last?
Banana bread lasts up to four days at room temperature, up to 12 days in the refrigerator, and up to three months in the freezer. Proper storage is critical to reaching the maximum shelf life of your baked goods.
Hello, everyone! My name is Michelle, and my family and I are big banana bread fans. We make it relatively often – although I can honestly say we should be making it more often. Regardless, I’ve found out how long banana bread actually lasts.
Who’s ready to eat some moist and scrumptious banana bread?
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How Long Can Banana Bread Last?
Surprisingly enough, banana bread has a pretty long shelf life – even at room temperature.
In fact, at room temperature, banana bread can easily last four days. You can even eat it on the fifth or sixth day – it might just be a little dry at that point, but still wholly palatable. You can even use your leftover banana bread in other yummy desserts, like banana bread pudding!
If you need a little more time to scarf down your banana bread, the next best option is the refrigerator. I know, most people think bread =/= refrigerator. Yet, I have (correctly) stored all types of bread in the fridge successfully. In the refrigerator, banana bread lasts up to 12 days.
Last but not least, you can place your banana bread in the freezer. In the freezer, banana bread lasts around three months. You can eat it after the three-month mark, but it will have lost a bit of its quality at this point.
How to Store Banana Bread for Longevity
While banana bread can last that amount of time, it doesn’t mean it necessarily will. Proper storage is absolutely critical to the longevity of your banana bread. Here’s how to do it.
At Room Temp
The ideal place to store banana bread is at room temperature – right on your countertop! This will ensure that the banana bread stays beautifully moist and succulent, so you can dig your teeth into a soft and fluffy dessert after dinner (or eat it as a snack – we won’t judge you).
When storing at room temp, you have a couple of options.
The first choice is an airtight container. Airtight containers block out air, ensuring your banana bread won’t dry out in a day or two. If you’re using this type of container, place a paper towel underneath the banana bread, so it doesn’t get soggy.
You can also opt for a loaf keeper. The advantage of using a loaf keeper is that it keeps your banana bread safe and secure. It’s also taller than most airtight containers on the market, so you won’t have to worry about flattened banana bread loaves.
Lastly, you can toss your banana bread into a resealable freezer bag. Just make sure you wrap it with plastic or aluminum foil first. Better to be safe than sorry!
In the Fridge
If you want to extend the longevity of your banana bread, you can toss it into the fridge. I know, I know, it seems taboo. But I promise it won’t ruin your banana bread loaf. It will be just as soft and yummy as it was the day you made it!
You can use an airtight container, loaf keeper, or resealable freezer bag when storing in the fridge.
Double-check that your chosen storage method is sealed entirely. You do not want any air to reach the banana bread. Otherwise, it will dry out.
Consider adding an extra layer of protection to fend off dryness. I double, and sometimes triple, my extra soft loaves, such as banana bread. You can use aluminum foil or plastic wrap, but I think plastic wrap is a better choice because it’s more flexible and will hug the loaf tightly.
In the Freezer
Can you store your banana bread in the freezer? You bet.
You need an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to properly freeze your banana bread. Like the refrigerator method, wrap your banana bread a few times with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This will ward off dryness and the infamous freezer burn.
How to Tell if Banana Bread is Spoiled
If you’ve stored your banana bread for an extra day or two and aren’t sure if it’s still safe to eat, the best thing to do is check for signs of spoilage. You can tell that your banana bread’s gone rancid if it:
- Smells funky. Spoiled banana bread will likely have a sour scent. However, it might just smell downright awful. So go ahead and smell your banana bread – nobody will think you’re weird!
- Is sporting some odd colors. Discoloration is another tell-tale sign of spoilage. Check the exterior of your banana bread loaf. If there are some colorful spots, it doesn’t mean your banana bread has turned into Picaso – it means it’s gone rancid, and you need to throw it out.
- Is growing mold. Lastly, check for mold. Banana bread is a very moist dessert and is, therefore, prone to mold growth. Mold typically showcases gray, black, blue, or green spots with a fuzzy texture. At this point, throw the whole loaf away.
FAQs
Alright, banana bread club! Now you know precisely how long banana bread can last – plus some simple storage tips and how to tell when your beloved bread is spoiled. In case you want to learn a little more, I’ve added some FAQS to check out. Let’s go!
Can banana bread last 2 weeks?
Stored at room temperature, no, banana bread can’t last two weeks. You might be able to get two weeks of longevity from refrigerated storage, although I don’t recommend consuming beyond 12 days in the fridge. If you store it in the freezer, it’s good to go at the two-week mark!
How long does banana bread last outside the fridge?
Banana bread can last up to four days at room temperature – as long as it is properly stored. It must be sealed in an airtight container, loaf keeper, or resealable freezer bag. It can likely be eaten on day five or six, but it will be dry.
Does banana bread need to be stored in the refrigerator?
Banana bread only needs to be stored in the refrigerator if you want to extend its longevity. If you’re planning to consume your banana bread within four days, you can simply leave it in a container, loaf keeper, or resealable freezer bag on the counter at room temp.
Banana Bread Has an Impressive Longevity!
Banana bread loaves can last up to four days at room temp, 12 days in the fridge, or three months in the freezer. Proper storage is essential to reach these times. Your best option is an airtight container, loaf keeper, or resealable freezer bag. Wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing it.
How long do you keep your banana bread on the counter? Share with us!
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