Yum, banana bread. I could eat it every day and never get tired of it. There is something about the moist texture, delicate flavors, and the added crunch (when walnuts are involved) that is so inviting. Whether it’s breakfast or dessert, I’m always up for some banana bread.
Needless to say, banana bread is a staple in my kitchen. If you’re a banana bread devotee like I am, you need to know how to store it properly.
The best way to store banana bread is storing it at room temperature in an airtight container with a paper towel for 3-4 days or frozen for up to three months.
Hi, there, banana-fanatics! I’m Michelle, and I’ve spent the last ten years learning how to bake delicious treats of all kinds, with banana bread being one of my top ten favorite treats. It was critical to find out the best storage methods with how often I bake banana bread.
Let’s check out how to store banana bread so it stays fresh.
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2 Ways to Store Banana Bread and Keep it Fresh
When you hear the words “banana bread,” many adjectives come to mind, with one of the more prominent ones being moistness. Banana bread is notoriously flavorful with a delicate texture. But improper storage can lead to dried-out, crumbly nonsense that’s anything but delightful.
That said, proper storage is imperative for banana bread. Whether you’re planning to eat within a few days (like me) or need extended shelf life, I’ve got you covered.
1. Storing Banana Bread at Room Temperature
If you’re planning to scarf down the loaf of banana bread within the next four days, it’s perfectly a-okay to store it at room temperature on your countertop.
Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Cool the loaf of banana bread entirely. This is a crucial step. Since the banana bread will be stored in an airtight container, any locked-in warmth can create condensation. And you know what that means – soggy bread. Aka, a big, gross no-no.
Step 2: Place a paper towel on the bottom of the storage container. This will ensure that any seeping moisture is picked up, leaving your bread moist and spectacular – not soggy and destroyed.
Step 3: Close the lid securely. An airtight container is meant to be just that – airtight. That said, make sure that all sides are sealed off. Any access to moisture can cause the banana bread loaf to dry out.
2. Storing Banana Bread in the Freezer
If you can’t eat an entire loaf of banana bread within four days, don’t panic – your banana bread isn’t destined for the receptacle. You can always opt to freeze it for up to three months instead.
Just do the following:
Step 1: Cool the loaf of banana bread entirely. Just because it’s going in the freezer doesn’t mean it can’t be affected by extra warmth and moisture. Please, let it cool entirely (smiley face).
Step 2: Wrap the bread. A few layers are ideal. You can use plastic wrap, wax paper, or aluminum foil.
Step 3: Place in an airtight container and seal. Don’t stop at wrapping the banana bread loaf. Make sure it won’t succumb to the elements of the freezer by sticking it in an airtight container and sealing it off.
Note: if you don’t have enough room for a big ole container, you can always choose a freezer food storage bag instead. The same rules apply: make sure it’s entirely sealed so that no cold air will seep inside.
How to Thaw Frozen Banana Bread
Have you ever tried to eat frozen banana bread? I haven’t, so I really can’t say whether it’s good or not. However, I do know that frozen banana bread won’t have the same softness as freshly-baked banana bread.
What can you do?
Well, you can thaw it, of course. Whether you have 30 seconds or three hours to spare, you can quickly thaw your banana bread so it tastes and feels fresh.
- Oven: heat the banana bread at 350F for around 30 minutes
- Microwave: heat the banana bread for approximately 30 seconds
- Countertop: thaw on the countertop for an hour or two
Can You Store Banana Bread in the Fridge?
There was no law against storing banana bread in the fridge the last time I checked. That doesn’t mean you should necessarily do it, though.
The refrigerator is a very drying environment, especially for a superbly moist treat like banana bread.
If you’re absolutely gung-ho about storing it in the fridge, make sure it is securely wrapped with plastic wrap, wax paper, or aluminum foil and sealed tightly in an airtight container or freezer bag – just as you would if you were storing it in the freezer.
This will help to lock in moisture and keep the dry air out.
Again, I don’t recommend this, but it will not wreck your loaf of banana bread entirely. It is simply a much better option to store on the countertop or freezer.
Get Creative
Are you getting sick and tired of munching on that banana loaf? Before you decide to toss it, consider using it for other purposes.
- Make banana bread french toast. This immensely sweet breakfast is exactly what Sunday mornings are all about.
- Surprise dessert guests with an out-of-this-world banana pudding. The flavors extend beyond traditional “banana bread puddings” and are sure to wow.
- Make lunchtime fun with a PB&J using banana bread slices. There’s nothing quite like peanut butter and jelly zhuzhed up with banana flavor notes!
- Add diced banana bread to sundaes. Don’t forget the whipped cream, nuts, and chocolate drizzle!
FAQs
Storing banana bread is pretty simple. It’s best on the countertop in a container with a paper towel, but you can always stick it in the freezer or repurpose it to use it up quickly. If you still have some questions about this topic, check out these frequently asked questions.
How long should you let the banana bread cool before wrapping it?
Really, it depends on the size of your banana bread loaf. Some will be cooled in as little as 20 minutes, while others may need up to an hour. My advice? Be patient. Allow it to cool for as long as it needs to before wrapping. Otherwise, you’ll unintentionally ruin it for the future.
Should I slice banana bread before storing it?
I wouldn’t recommend slicing it if you’re storing it on the countertop. Keeping it intact will help to preserve the moisture further.
However, if you’re freezing, you can definitely slice and store them separately. That way, you won’t have to thaw the entire loaf every time you have a hankering for banana bread.
Can you refreeze banana bread?
Once you freeze and thaw banana bread, do not refreeze it. This will ultimately change the texture and flavor negatively. That’s why it is best to freeze in pieces rather than a whole loaf if desired.
Final Words
Banana bread is one of my favorite treats, and storage is essential. The best way to store banana bread is on the countertop in an airtight container with a paper towel underneath. However, freezing is a great long-term solution. Avoid the refrigerator if possible.
How do you store your banana bread to preserve its freshness? Share with us below!
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