How to store banana bread so that it stays fresh?

You baked or bought a loaf of banana bread, cut off a couple of slices (or ate half), and wonder what to do with the rest. How is banana bread stored?

That is the gist of it.

Now, let’s talk about details like:

• Do you need to refrigerate banana bread?
• How to keep banana bread moist
• how long does banana bread last

Sounds interesting? Let’s dive in.

How to store banana bread?

The best way to store banana bread is to place it in an airtight container or freezer bag once completely cool and leave it sealed at room temperature.

It is important to let the bread cool before storing it so that any excess moisture can evaporate.

If you skip that step, you’ll end up with soggy bread or lots of water droplets (due to condensation) in the container or bag. And those droplets can cause mold to grow on the surface.

Now, if your banana bread is super moist (lots of bananas, not that much flour), consider placing a paper towel under the bread in the bowl or bag. It will collect any water droplets that may form and prevent the bread from soaking them.

Again, that’s only necessary if your banana bread is damp and you often have condensation issues.

How to keep banana bread moist?

The easiest way to keep banana bread moist is to keep it sealed. An airtight container or freezer bag can do the job.

And if you’re using a bag, squeeze out some of the air, but not all of it. You want to give your banana bread some breathing room.

Also, if there is condensation, the water will likely end up in the bag (where you can wipe it up with a paper towel) and not on the surface of the bread.

Does banana bread need to be refrigerated?

You don’t need to refrigerate banana bread, but it’s worth considering if yours has unmashed banana chunks.

Unmashed fruit can mold fairly quickly at room temperature, so moving that banana bread into the fridge will help keep it safe to eat longer. Do the same for other (somewhat) similar baked goods, eg apple pie.

Related: Does apple pie have to be refrigerated?

Despite what some articles may suggest, refrigerating banana bread isn’t that bad. The main problem that is often pointed out, premature drying of bread, can be easily fixed by sealing it in a resealable container or bag.

(Which is what we do anyway.)

Additionally, the recipe bloggers also recommend refrigerating banana bread if you need it to last more than a couple of days.

In other words, as long as you keep the bread sealed, it won’t dry out. And if you notice any condensation after a day or two of refrigeration, be sure to remove any water droplets with a kitchen towel.

How long does banana bread last?

Main article: How long does banana bread last?

Banana bread usually lasts 3-4 days on the counter and up to a week in the fridge. Make sure it’s sealed well so it stays nice and fresh throughout the period.

If you need more time than the given week, freezing banana bread is the way to go.

Now, if your banana bread has a few bits of unmashed fruit in it, limit counter storage to just 1 or 2 days and transfer to the fridge after that period. This way, the bread stays safe for longer and you don’t have to worry about mold growing.

Can you freeze banana bread?

Freezing is a great way to store banana bread for a long period of time. It freezes beautifully, just like regular bread.

To freeze banana bread, you must:

1. Let the bread cool. It doesn’t matter if you want to store your banana bread on the counter or in the freezer, it needs to be chilled first.
2. Cut it if you want. Slicing bread allows you to quickly grab a slice or two from the freezer without defrosting the whole thing. If you’re freezing a whole loaf, slicing is definitely worth considering. But if you just need the leftovers to last a couple more days, feel free to leave the whole piece.
3. Wrap your banana bread. If you plan to only freeze it for a week or two, simply putting it in a freezer bag should do the trick. But if you want to freeze it longer, you need better protection against freezer burn. That’s when it makes sense to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place it in a freezer bag. Two layers of protection against the cold air should be enough to protect the bread for a few months.
4. Freeze it. Once all of the above is done, it’s time to throw the bread in the freezer and leave it there until you’re ready to eat it.

Banana bread retains its quality for at least 3-4 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to defrost, simply transfer any remaining bread or slices from the freezer to a plate and set on the counter to thaw.

Slices will be ready to eat in 10-20 minutes (another reason to freeze banana bread slices!), while a whole loaf can take anywhere from 1-3 hours.