How to Store Banana Bread—So You Can Enjoy Every Last Slice

Moist and satisfying, banana bread is one of the most popular treats around. Even if you're not an avid baker, it’s a cinch to make and is super versatile, too, serving as a breakfast on the run, a quick snack, or an easy dessert—no wonder we relish every morsel. You need to know how to store banana bread so it stays fresh and moist down to the last slice. Food scientists and a chef gave us the lowdown on how long banana bread lasts, the best way to store it, and tips to help you determine whether you should refrigerate it, freeze it, or slice it ahead of eating. 

Before Storing Your Banana Bread

Storing banana bread starts the moment you take the loaf out of the oven. Here's how to treat your loaf:

• Place the banana bread on a cooling rack after removing it from the oven so that there is airflow all around the baked bread, says Olivia Roszkowski, chef-instructor of plant-based culinary arts at the Institute of Culinary Education.
• Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely. 
• If it is not cooled properly, there will be trapped moisture, which can make your banana bread soggy and invite bacteria growth, Roszkowski says.
• Let it cool to room temperature (about 70 degrees Fahrenheit) before storing, says Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, food safety expert, and cookbook author.

How to Store at Room Temperature 

Storing banana bread at room temperature is better for retaining optimal texture and flavor according to Bryan Quoc Le, PhD, food scientist and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered. It should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Once it is completely cool, either place it in an airtight container, wrap it in plastic wrap, or slice it and then wrap it in plastic wrap, recommends Roszkowski. "This will make sure the banana bread does not lose its moisture and become stale."

Le recommends both plastic wrap and storing in a glass container or bread box. 

How long it lasts: 3-4 days

How to Store in the Refrigerator

The refrigerator can dull flavor and impact the texture of banana bread, says Roszkowski, which is why some bakers prefer room-temperature storage, but refrigerating extends the life of your loaf. Le says refrigerating banana bread will inhibit the growth of mold that can occur at room temperature and will increase its shelf life by up to a week.

"If you choose to store it in the fridge, wrap it tightly or store it in a covered container to minimize oxygen exposure," says Amidor. Then, when you want to eat it, warm a slice or two in a toaster or traditional oven because banana bread is much tastier when warm.

How long it lasts: Up to 10 days

How to Store in the Freezer

For longer storage, the freezer is the best option. You can freeze a loaf whole or cut it into slices.

• When to slice: Le prefers slicing banana bread before freezing it because it speeds up the freezing process and evenly distributes the temperature and moisture content. Slicing before freezing also lets you quickly defrost as many slices as needed.
• When to freeze whole: If you're planning on freezing banana bread for more than a few weeks, it's best to store it whole, says Roszkowski. With a longer period of freezing, slices are more prone to freezer burn than a whole loaf.
• How long it lasts: 2-3 months

Always Wrap It Tight

Whether frozen whole or sliced, banana bread must be wrapped tightly to prevent exposure to oxygen. Amidor recommends aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Le prefers wrapping banana bread in parchment paper and then placing it in sealable freezer bags.

When freezing slices, Roszkowski suggests the following:

• Arrange slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and freeze them.
• Transfer the frozen slices to an airtight container or freezer bag. 

This method ensures slices are frozen separately and easy to remove individually.

Always Label

So there is no mystery on the contents of the loaf and no doubt about how long it has been in the freezer, Roszkowski suggests labeling and dating the container before freezing.

Baking Banana Bread to Freeze

If you're baking banana bread to freeze—and we consider that a smart move—choose a shape like muffins and smaller loaves because they defrost faster than large loaves. Also, consider using a corrugated paper loaf pan for extra stability when freezing entire loaves, Roszkowski adds.

“Leaving the banana bread in the liner will help deter freezer burn; it also makes it great for gifting and is a lot easier to travel with,” she says.

How to Thaw Banana Bread

The right thawing method depends on whether your loaf is whole or sliced.

Loaf: Place the load in the refrigerator overnight, says Roszkowski. This slow thaw is her preferred method of thawing banana bread. If you want your loaf sooner than that, set your oven to a low temperature, such as 225 degrees Fahrenheit, and warm it for 30 to 40 minutes. 

Slices: The best way to defrost slices of banana bread is to thaw them in an air fryer or toaster oven, says Roszkowski. If you don't want the color and texture of toasted banana bread, set the appliance on a lower setting.