• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Raspberries and Kohlrabi logo
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Raspberries and Kohlrabi » Bread

    How to Freeze Banana Bread Batter (Three Easy Methods)

    Published: Apr 7, 2023 by Erica Schramek

    Share with your friends!

    • Share
    • Tweet

    Homemade banana bread is a delicious and classic treat that is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert. It's also a great way to use up over-ripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.

    Banana bread is one of the most popular quick bread recipes. You might be wondering if you can freeze the batter to save time or make it ahead of time. The answer is yes, you can freeze banana bread batter, and here's how.

    Sliced banana bread on a wooden cutting board.

    This page may contain affiliate links. I only recommend products that I would use myself. I may earn a small commission when you make purchases through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information please read my Disclosure Policy.

    Jump to:
    • Directions
    • How to Store Banana Bread Once it Has Been Baked
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Tips
    • Related
    • Pairing
    • 💬 Comments

    Why would you want to freeze banana bread batter when you could bake your banana bread right away and then freeze it?

    While defrosted banana bread tastes great it isn't the same as freshly baked banana bread. Mixing up the banana bread batter and freezing it for later allows you to have freshly baked banana bread at any time.

    Directions

    There are three different methods that vary slightly for freezing banana bread batter.

    Banana bread batter in a glass bowl.

    To Start: Make the banana bread batter as usual.

    Make your banana bread batter according to your go-to banana bread recipe. You can use any recipe you like, but it's important to note that some recipes may freeze better than others. Generally, recipes that contain a lot of liquid or fruit may not freeze as well as recipes with a denser batter.

    Here are a few of my favorite banana bread recipes.

    • Sliced banana bread on a wire cooling rack.
      Easy One Bowl Banana Bread with Frozen Bananas and Brown Butter
    • Three slices of banana bread on a white plate.
      Easy Sourdough Discard Chocolate Banana Bread
    • Three slices of banana bread on a white plate.
      Amazing Sourdough Discard Banana Bread Recipe

    Freezing Method 1:

    Step 1: Portion the batter into a freezer-safe bag.

    Once your batter is mixed, use a spoon or a measuring cup to portion it into freezer-safe bags. You can use gallon-sized bags for larger batches, or quart-sized bags for smaller portions. Make sure to label the bags with the date and any other important information, such as the recipe name or baking instructions.

    This bag holder makes it easy to transfer liquid ingredients into a zip lock bag without needing someone's help to hold the bag open.

    Banana bread batter in a ziplock bag.

    Step 2: Seal the bags and freeze them.

    Seal the bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Lay the bags flat, in a single layer, in the freezer. Once the bags are frozen, you can stack them to save space.

    Banana bread batter in a metal bread pan.

    Step 3: Thaw and bake the batter.

    When you're ready to bake your banana bread, remove the zip-top bag of batter from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once it's thawed, cut off one of the corners of the bag and pour batter into a greased baking pan or muffin tins to make banana muffins. Bake according to the recipe instructions.

    Check this blog post out to learn the best way to tell when banana bread is fully cooked.

    Freezing Method 2:

    Sourdough chocolate banana bread batter in a loaf pan.

    Step 1: Pour the batter into a freezer-safe greased loaf pan.

    Once your batter is mixed, pour the batter into a freezer-safe pan.

    Step 2: Seal the pan and freeze it.

    Cover the pan with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. Make sure to label it with the date and any other important information, such as the recipe name or baking instructions.

    If you are freezing multiple loaves of banana bread I recommend using these disposable aluminum pans.

    Banana bread in a metal bread pan on a wire cooling rack.

    Step 3: Bake the batter.

    You can either place the pan of frozen batter in the refrigerator to thaw overnight and bake according to the recipe instructions.

    Or you can place the frozen loaf pan directly into the oven but you may need to increase the baking time. You can check by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf of banana bread.

    Check this blog post out to learn the best way to tell when banana bread is fully cooked.

    Freezing Method 3:

    I saw this method on an episode of Good Eats about freezing blueberry pies.

    Loaf pan lined with parchment paper.

    Step 1: Prepare your loaf pan.

    Spray the loaf pan with cooking spray and then line it with parchment paper. You will want to allow the ends to extend beyond the pan.

    Frozen banana bread batter in a loaf pan.

    Step 2: Pour in the batter and freeze it.

    Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and place the pan in the freezer. Freeze until solid approximately 6 to 8 hours.

    Frozen banana bread batter in a ziplock bag.

    Step 3: Remove the batter from the pan.

    Once the batter is frozen, lift it from the pan using the parchment paper as a sling. Place it in a freezer bag or wrap it in a couple of layers of plastic wrap. Make sure to label it with the date and any other important information, such as the recipe name or baking instructions.

    Step 4: Bake the batter.

    Remove the batter from the freezer, unwrap it, grease the original pan, and place the frozen batter back into the loaf pan.

    You can either place the pan of frozen batter in the refrigerator to thaw overnight and then bake according to the recipe instructions.

    Tip: If thawing the batter in the refrigerator overnight, you will want to cover the top of the pan with plastic wrap to prevent the top of the batter from drying out.

    You can either place the pan of frozen batter in the refrigerator to thaw overnight and bake according to the recipe instructions.

    Or you can place the frozen loaf pan directly into the oven but you may need to increase the baking time. You can check by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf of banana bread.

    Check this blog post out if you are wondering how to tell when banana bread is fully cooked.

    Slices of chocolate banana bread on a white surface surrounded by chocolate chips.

    How to Store Banana Bread Once it Has Been Baked

    It is better to store banana bread at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator. The refrigerator is a very dry environment. When baked goods like brownies, cake, or this banana bread are refrigerated they dry out quickly.

    Wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container it will keep for 4-5 days. Any longer, especially when temperatures are warmer, and it will start to have a fermented flavor.

    You can also freeze the banana bread again once it has been baked.

    How to Freeze Banana Bread After Baking

    Banana bread freezes really well. Freezing the entire loaf or individual slices means you always have a quick and easy breakfast or snack ready.

    1. Once the banana bread has cooled completely, tightly wrap the whole loaf or slices of banana bread (individually or grouped) in 2-3 layers of plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
    2. Place the wrapped banana bread in a large freezer zip-top bag or reusable container.
    3. Label with the date and contents and freeze for up to 6 months.
    4. To thaw, place the frozen banana bread on the counter. It will thaw in about 30 minutes if it’s sliced or about two to four hours if it’s a full or partial loaf.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long will frozen banana bread batter last in the freezer?

    For the best results freeze the banana bread batter in the freezer for up to three months. After that, the quality of the batter will start to decline.

    Tips

    • Do not try to thaw banana bread batter at room temperature. This may allow dangerous bacteria to grow while the batter defrosts. Instead, always thaw the batter in the refrigerator!
    • I always use a metal pan to bake banana bread. If you use a glass pan, reduce the oven temperature to 325˚F.
    • Baking times will vary depending upon your oven. It is helpful to know your oven and worth purchasing an inexpensive oven thermometer. Oven temperatures can vary as much as 50 degrees plus or minus.
    • Freezing the batter for a loaf of banana bread may increase the baking time.

    Freezing banana bread batter is a great way to save time and make the most of overripe bananas. By following these simple steps, you can freeze your banana bread batter and enjoy fresh-baked banana bread anytime you want!

    Related

    Looking for more banana bread tips or other general kitchen tips? Try these:

    • Range of ripe bananas.
      How Ripe Should Bananas Be For Banana Bread
    • Three slices of banana bread on a white plate.
      How To Tell When Banana Bread is Done
    • Cooked oatmeal in a sauce pan.
      How to Reheat Oatmeal - Three of the Best Ways
    • Six slices of bread on a wire rack.
      How to Dry Out Bread for French Toast

    Pairing

    These are my favorite dishes to serve with banana bread:

    • strawberry banana chocolate smoothie
      Creamy Strawberry Banana Chocolate Smoothie Recipe
    • Oatmeal topped with berries in a bowl.
      Cinnamon and Spice Oatmeal Recipe
    • jar of blueberry jam on a white surface
      Small Batch Blueberry Jam Without Pectin
    • stack of two egg muffins on a white plate
      Ham Egg and Cheese Hash Brown Breakfast Muffins

    Thanks for Reading!

    You can also follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more recipe updates.

    If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below! You can also snap a picture and post it on Facebook be sure to tag me @RaspberriesandKohlrabi.

    More Bread

    • Three slices of sourdough pumpkin bread on a white plate.
      The Best Sourdough Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Topping

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Thanks for coming! Let me know what you think: Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    I accept the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi! I'm Erica

    Close up of woman in white dress.

    I am a self-taught cook and the writer, recipe developer, food stylist, and photographer behind this blog.

    I love helping others discover their love for food, just like I have. I'm all about cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Some of my recipes are quick and easy, while others require a little extra love and effort.

    more about me →

    Delicious Fall Recipes

    • Slice of apple walnut cake on a white plate.
      Apple Walnut Bundt Cake (One Bowl)
    • Close up of a raspberry apple muffin in a muffin tin.
      Easy Apple Raspberry Muffins
    • Sliced banana bread on a wire cooling rack.
      Easy One Bowl Banana Bread with Frozen Bananas and Brown Butter
    • Two apple pecan scones on a white plate.
      Easy Apple Cinnamon Pecan Scones with Brown Sugar
    • Stack of chicken apple meatballs on a white plate.
      Chicken Apple Meatballs made with Apple Butter
    • Sourdough apple cinnamon muffin on a cooling rack.
      Sourdough Discard Apple Cinnamon Muffins

    Popular Recipes

    • close up of two brownies stacked
      Sweetened Condensed Milk Brownies
    • Sourdough Discard Flatbread on white plate with dark background
      Sourdough Discard Flatbread {No Yeast}
    • Close-up of a bowl of chili topped with sour cream, cheese, and oyster crackers.
      Help My Chili is Too Spicy (7 Ways to Cool Chili Down)
    • slice of lasagna on a white plate
      Homemade Four Cheese Lasagna with Ricotta and Cottage Cheese
    • Close up of condensed milk bread pudding in a white baking dish.
      Condensed Milk Bread Pudding
    • Range of ripe bananas.
      How Ripe Should Bananas Be For Banana Bread

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Legal

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Disclaimers & Disclosures
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Data

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Raspberries and Kohlrabi