How to Store Banana Bread So It Stays Fresh
Congratulations on your freshly baked loaf of banana bread! We hoped you used our best-ever recipe (seriously, it can’t be beat), but we’re sure it’s delicious no matter what.
Now that your loaf exists, though, it’s time to consider a very important question: How do you store it?
How to Store Banana Bread
The best way to store banana bread depends on when you plan to eat it.
If you plan to eat it in the next few days…
Store it at room temperature.
Banana bread kept at room temperature will stay fresh for about four days.
Cool the bread completely. When we say “completely,” we mean it. Since you’re about to tightly seal the bread in a container, it’s a bad idea to trap warmth (which can produce moisture) inside with it. Warm bread = soggy bread.
Place a paper towel in the bottom of an airtight storage container OR in an airtight bag. Then place the cooled loaf on top of it. The paper towel will absorb any excess moisture that may leak out over the next few days.
Cover the bread with another paper towel. At this point, the loaf should be sandwiched between two paper towels.
Seal. If your bread is in a storage container, firmly seal the lid in place. If your bread is in an airtight bag, make sure the top is completely secure.
After four days, throw the bread away or freeze whatever’s left.
If you plan to keep it longer…
Freeze it.
When stored properly, frozen banana bread will keep for about three months.
Cool the bread completely. No matter how you plan to store your banana bread, this is an important step.
Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use beeswax. Wrap it a few times to make sure it’s completely secure.
Wrap the bread again in aluminum foil OR place it in an airtight bag. Double up with a few layers of aluminum foil. If you don’t have foil, you can use an airtight freezer bag.
Store. Once you’re sure the bread is completely covered under multiple layers of protection, you can store it in the freezer for two to four months.
Tip: Instead of freezing an entire loaf, you could freeze individual slices for a ready-to-eat snack or breakfast. If you choose to go this route, it’s extra important to double—even triple—wrap the slices since the interior is exposed.
How to Thaw Banana Bread
To thaw banana bread, simply remove it from the freezer and let it sit on the countertop. It’ll thaw in about 30 minutes if it’s sliced or about two to four hours if it’s a full or partial loaf.
You can speed up this process by putting loaves in a 350° oven for 30 minutes to an hour. Sliced bread will thaw after about 30 seconds in the microwave.
