How to store banana bread (store, freeze, thaw)

If you’re like me and make banana bread in bulk as a healthy snack, you want to know how to store banana bread! I’ll tell you a few simple steps for what’s the best way to keep you banana bread fresh.

All my tips are the things I’ve tested and experienced myself with my recipe for healthy banana bread. It’s the perfect recipe to use your overripe bananas to make a quick bread that is easy and delicious.

​How to store banana bread

Let start at the beginning, right after your homemade banana bread comes out of the oven. Of course, you let it cool first until the bread is at room temperature. After that, you can decide how you want to store it. I’ll start with storing on room temperature, followed by storing your banana bread in the freezer (and how to thaw it correctly).

Store at room temperature

I always store my banana bread at room temperature, the shelf life of banana bread is 2-3 days this way. Most of the time, I just wrap the entire loaf in aluminum foil and place it on the kitchen counter.

When I don’t use aluminum foil, I use an airtight container or a ziploc freezer bag to store my loaf of banana bread. You could also use you loaf pan when you store the bread om room temperature.

I never store my banana bread in the refrigerator by the way. It is possible, but I find that the colder temperature makes your banana bread less moist and if not packaged well, it can dry out your loaf too. I’ll just store it for a few days on the counter, and after that in the freezer. That works best for me.

Room temperature on hot days

During summer, 2-3 days on room temperature can be tricky. I don’t want to take any risks during those hot summer days and will store them in a cool place, but still outside of the fridge. If it’s really hot were you live, I would advice to store the bread in the fridge.

I also keep my banana bread on the counter for just 1 day when it’s warm in my kitchen. Just to be sure.

Store as a whole loaf or individual slices

​When I make banana bread, I often make two at once. Way too much for me to eat in 2-3 days. That’s why I love to slice my banana bread up and store them as individual slices.

You can wrap the slices up in aluminum foil, small freezer bags or in an airtight container. If you want to store multiple slices in one container of bag, place a piece of parchment paper between the slices. This way it’s easy to get one out if you decide to freeze them.

If you want to store whole loaves or even half loaves, the ways of storing will be the same.

How to freeze banana bread

Okay, now on to the freezing part. Banana bread freezes very well. It’s a great way to enjoy your banana bread for a longer period of time.

In the freezer you can store it up to 3 months. Store it airtight with no air in the packaging, otherwise you could experience freezer burn.

We already spoke about the packaging earlier in this article. But I will tell you again in short: aluminum foil, a plastic bag or an airtight container. After that, just put the wrapped banana bread in the freezer.

How to thaw banana bread

​There are two ways I thaw my easy banana bread recipe. On room temperature when I’m not in a hurry, or in a toaster when I have less time (or just want a slice of warm banana bread).

Thaw on room temperature

I always try to remember to get 1-2 slices of banana bread out of the freezer so they will be thawed the next day. If I forget, I take it out in the morning. It takes about 1-2 hours foor 2 slices to be completely thawed. After that, the banana bread will still have that moist texture.

If you froze your whole loaf of fresh banana bread, it will take longer to thaw. Allow the bread to thaw for 3-4 hours.

Important note: always leave your banana bread in the packaging while it’s on the counter to thaw.

Reheat your banana bread

I really enjoy a slice of warm toasted banana bread in the morning. Put your frozen banana bread in the toaster and toast it for about 4-5 minutes. It varies how long it will take depending on your toaster and the thickness of your slices.

When I have slices of warm banana bread, I really like to make a delicious breakfast out of it. A few of my favorite things: serve it with some Greek yoghurt and blueberries. Or with peanutbutter, a perfect combination. And if you’re in for a treat: make french toast out of your leftover banana bread! It’s the best thing I’ve tried with my banana bread.