How Long Does Banana Bread Last?
If the banana bread you baked or bought from the bakery didn’t get finished, you may be wondering about the best ways of storing it or how long it usually lasts. After all, you wouldn’t want it to end up getting spoilt.
Does one treat banana bread the same way as regular bread, or should it be treated in a special manner?
If you don’t know the answer to this question then this question then this article is meant for you. it highlights on everything concerning banana bread including the shelf life, storage methods and going bad. Continue reading for more information.
How To Store Banana Bread
The truth about both banana bread and regular bread is that they should always be stored in an airtight container or bag. In regards to whether or not one should refrigerate their banana bread, the right answer we can give is that it depends.
If your banana bread is store-bought, ask the clerk or check for the storage guidelines on the packaging. Some need to be kept in the fridge, while others don’t necessarily require the same. It normally depends on the ingredients used in making the batter. In most cases, you’re the one who needs to decide whether you want to chill your banana bread in the fridge or not (BBB).
If your banana bread is homemade, confirm the storage requirements from the recipe you’re using. Although most recipes don’t include any kind of additional preservatives, most homemade banana breads need to be refrigerated. If you’re not using a particular recipe, you can just put it the bread in an airtight container before storing it in the fridge.
No matter how well the banana bread is stored, it can only last for at least a week. If you want it to last for a longer time, freeze it.
How To Freeze Banana Bread
If you didn’t know this before, bread can be frozen. This also applies to banana bread. The complete process doesn’t require a lot of time nor does it require you to use any fancy tools. Here is how you can go about it”
- Slice the bread (or not). When the bread is sliced, you’ll be able to quickly grab the number of slices you need if the banana bread doesn’t have enough moisture. On the other hand, if its very moist, the slices will naturally freeze together, meaning there was no point of slicing it in the first place. You can alternatively slice the frozen bread using the very good knife and place it back into the freezer. Another option is to cut the banana bread into quarters or halves and wrap each piece separately.
- Wrap the bread. You can wrap your bread using aluminum foil (don’t remove the wrap it came with) or store it in a container before freezing it. If you choose the latter, ensure there is minimal air before sealing the container.
- Chuck the wrapped bread into the freezer. Label the wrapped bread with a named and date before putting it in the freezer.
If you freeze your banana bread, it will retain its quality for at least a few weeks or even more. As usual, this all depends on the recipe you use.
When you want to defrost the banana bread, you can:
- Move it from the freezer to the fridge for a few hours before use (or overnight)
- Remove a few slices and place them on the counter for at least half an hour, prepare them and eat them immediately
- Toast it on a hot plate, a toaster, under a grill or a frying pan
The final option only requires a few minutes, so you’ll not need to thaw the banana bread beforehand.
How Long Does Banana Bread Last?
Banana bread that was bought from the store normally has a sell-by date on the wrap. The date is just a nice estimate of the length of time at which the product will maintain its quality. You’ll discover that if you’re lucky, the bread can be kept for at least 2 to 3 more days, but that will be just about it.
On the other hand, with homemade banana bread, you’ll have to check the details from the recipe you’re using. If you manage to consume the whole loaf in a single day or two, it’s advisable to store it in room temperature.
If you won’t be able to finish the bread quickly and think it will last up to a week, then you’ll have to refrigerate it as most homemade recipes state as much. For prolonged storage, freeze the banana bread.
| Pantry | Fridge | |
| Homemade banana bread | 1 – 2 days | 7 days |
| Store-bought banana bread (no refrigeration needed) | Best-by + 1 – 2 days | |
| Store-bought banana bread (refrigeration needed) | Best-by + 1 – 3 days |
Not that the periods mentioned above are just estimates.
How To Tell If Banana Bread is Bad
It normally obvious when banana bread becomes bad. The following are some of the things that you need to look for:
- Since banana bread is normally very moist, it means that mold will grow on it eventually. If you see any mold on your bread, dispose off it. Ensure that you’re checking both the inside and the surface of the bread after slicing.
- If you notice dark spots growing on your bread, do away with it.
- Off smell. If your bread smells funny, sour or off at all, just discard it.
Conclusion
The more moisture found in the banana bread, the more careful you ought to be regarding its storage time. If the bread has a lot of moisture it means that the chances for it to go bad are higher, hence if you still have it a day past its sell-by date, just discard it. you’d better be safe than sorry.
